Photos:: Bill Cosby through the years

Cosby was born on July 12, 1937 and raised in Philadelphia. After being a sports star in high school, he joined the Navy and has been a vocal supporter ever since. Here, he’s shown at a Veterans Day ceremony in 2014.  (Matt Rourke / Associated Press)

Bill Cosby (pictured in 2010) began his showbiz life as a stand-up comedian in the early 1960s. His wholesome comedy, liked by black and white audiences, was often criticized in comparison with edgy stand-ups like Richard Pryor and Lenny Bruce.  (Timothy A. Clary / AFP/Getty Images)

Autumn Jackson claimed to be the daughter of Bill Cosby, but, in a high-profile case, was convicted in 1997 of trying to extort $40 million from the comedian. Cosby had acknowledged a relationship with Jackson’s mother but denied he was the father.  (David Karo / Associated Press)

Tragedy struck in 1997 when Bill Cosby’s son, Ennis, was killed alongside a Los Angeles highway, making national headlines. Mikhail Markhasev confessed to the crime.  (Alan Singer / Associated Press)

The Temple University graduate has long been a supporter of education and is often seen in clothing emblazoned with school names. Here, Cosby addresses graduates of Teachers College at Columbia University in 1998.  (Suzanne Plunkett / Associated Press)

Bill Cosby became a Kennedy Center Honors recipient in 1998. He’s pictured with his wife, Camille, as they arrive at the White House for a reception.  (Chris Kleponis / AFP)

Bill Cosby has long been an activist and civil rights proponent, from participating in marches to supporting figures like former South African President Nelson Mandela in human rights causes.  (Sasa Kralj / Associated Press)

Cosby’s love of jazz translated to him serving as host of the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, which he did from 1979 to 2012.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Several women have claimed that Cosby sexually assaulted them. Though the comedian has denied the allegations, several recent projects and appearances have been dropped or canceled.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)