August 2nd, 2010
10:58 PM ET

Bill Cosby: I'm alive. Now, please cut it out

Bill Cosby is used to winking at internet rumors of his death. But after another one spread Monday, he said he hopes people will give the hoaxes a rest.

After false news of Cosby’s death spread by Twitter on Monday - "Bill Cosby died" was a trending topic on the microblogging service - the 73-year-old comedian talked to CNN's "Larry King Live" to prove he still is around.

"I don't want [whoever spread the rumor] to do this anymore, because this is my fourth time being reported [dead]," Cosby said by phone to CNN’s Kyra Phillips, who was sitting in for Larry King on Monday night.

Cosby used his wit to counter previous rumors. After the first, he borrowed a Mark Twain quote about reports of his death being an exaggeration.

But Cosby said Monday's rumor felt different. He said it left one of his friends in tears before he realized it wasn’t true.

"I don't know. Maybe a psychiatrist will say I'm feeding [the rumor starter's] ego, but I just want to say to friends of that person: Just tell him to stop, because it isn't funny."

On his own Twitter account, Cosby still went for a bit of humor Monday when refuting the rumor.

"Again, I'm rebuttaling rumors about my demise. But, I'm confirming I have an app," Cosby wrote before linking to an iPhone application featuring clips of the comedian's performances.

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Filed under: Bill Cosby • Showbiz
soundoff (277 Responses)
  1. rob

    Well, if he could claim it against his life insurance policy (4 times), then maybe he would be laughing.... Bill Cosby, one of the greats, one of my favorite comedians. He has made our lives better. I hope he hangs on a heck of a lot longer.

    August 3, 2010 at 1:41 am | Report abuse |
  2. DLJ

    I grew up watching "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids" on Saturday mornings. The Cos ROCKS!

    August 3, 2010 at 1:46 am | Report abuse |
  3. jesse

    i swear one day about two years ago i told people at work that he died and then said i was just kidding later! i swear i must have been the originator of this death hoax!

    August 3, 2010 at 1:50 am | Report abuse |
  4. Marina

    Does Bill Cosby hold the record for having died the most number of times? http://bit.ly/brk0z2

    August 3, 2010 at 1:50 am | Report abuse |
  5. ejg

    RIP BILL. GONE TOO SOON! YOU WILL BE MISSED

    August 3, 2010 at 1:54 am | Report abuse |
    • Melissa

      Are you dumb?

      August 3, 2010 at 2:15 am | Report abuse |
    • hoeech

      Your post means you either did not (or cannot) read the article OR you're one of the people who enjoys spreading rumors like this. Either way, you need grow up a bit.

      August 3, 2010 at 2:23 am | Report abuse |
  6. ?the spaceman

    I'm going to miss Bill.
    He's definitely going to heaven.

    August 3, 2010 at 2:04 am | Report abuse |
  7. Brett

    And to think, Jesus Christ only had a second coming.

    August 3, 2010 at 2:19 am | Report abuse |
  8. hoeech

    I Spy - Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids - Cosby Show - even Picture Pages - Bill Cosby has done so much to both entertain and educate. Why would anyone spread idiotic rumors about such a wonderful man?

    August 3, 2010 at 2:20 am | Report abuse |
  9. Edwin

    Just wondering: how many TV shows did he make/star in/produce?

    August 3, 2010 at 2:21 am | Report abuse |
  10. ryan

    Theo, why don't u stop playing jokes on Dr Heathcliff Huxtable.

    August 3, 2010 at 2:24 am | Report abuse |
  11. The Ture Lord Osiris

    Dr. Cosby has taught me alot since I was 8 years old...his apperances on Sesame Street and other PBS broadcasts in the 70 made him a household name before he became famous for his sit-com in the 80s

    August 3, 2010 at 2:24 am | Report abuse |
  12. Calvin Hobbes

    To put an end to these rumors he'll probably have to do Jell-O pudding commercials until he's 130.

    August 3, 2010 at 2:29 am | Report abuse |
  13. Sketch

    I love the Cos. Hopefully, at his age, I'm still as vibrant and full of vigor as he is. I hope you all find at least half the happiness he has and has given to others. And for everyone who says his career is dead, be serious. At 73, with the varied career that he's had, who would want or NEED to keep working? Hell, I'd be sunning my buns in Maui or golfing somewhere. The rate things are going, no one's gonna be able to retire anymore. Let the man enjoy some down time.

    August 3, 2010 at 2:32 am | Report abuse |
  14. lil_lamb

    Mr. Cosby,
    You are the best. My only regret is that I never gotten to see you in person. but I am still trying too.

    August 3, 2010 at 2:44 am | Report abuse |
  15. The Man

    Ok. When will you die for real then. Five more rumors for this cat somebody please!! Cosby is dead. Cosby is dead. Cosby is dead. Cosby is dead. Cosby is dead. Go check gaddamn it.

    August 3, 2010 at 2:45 am | Report abuse |
    • penny

      They have your reserved, roasting pot heated up real tight, and waiting for you; attending you will be many demons with various pincers and tongs. The least of your worries should be wishing death on Bill Cosby.

      P. S. Does your caregiver know you are leaving these nasty message online.

      August 3, 2010 at 3:53 am | Report abuse |
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