Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby's tight-lipped grin is one of the world's most famous mugs: From the stand-up stage to one of TV's most popular shows to bestselling books to commercial after commercial, he's nothing if not visible. Cosby remains most appealing as a stand-up comedian though, because he's unencumbered by attention to anyone or anything but his own words. (And he's certainly not afraid to speak his mind, sparking controversy in the black community with comments about child rearing and responsibility.) At this point in his life, it's doubtful the comedian actually needs to tour with his informal one-man show—which suggests he's doing it because he really wants to.

Updated 11/05/2009