Bill Cosby: from US cultural icon to prison... and now, a reprieve By Thursday Jul 01, 2021 NEW YORK: Bill Cosby´s trailblazing Hollywood career is recognized in the Smithsonian´s African American Museum of History and Culture in Washington -- a decision the institution defended even after his conviction for sexual assault, which was noted in the display. A new chapter in the 83-year-old comedian´s tumultuous life story was written Wednesday when he walked free from prison after Pennsylvania´ Supreme Court vacated his conviction. It was another stunning turn of events for the Emmy and Grammy winner once known as "America´s Dad," whose image was shattered when he was convicted in 2018 of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in 2004.