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"A billion years from now, you will be respected for what you were able to do," he said, looking up at Cosby who was seated in a balcony. "You painted words with your mouth, and they will always exist, and they will always last." Of all his accomplishments as a comedian, actor, author and television producer, Cosby said he is most proud of the "Cosby Show," which he carefully crafted. Rashad, who played Claire Huxtable on the series, flew from London where she is in rehearsal for "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" to be part of the show at Cosby's request. On stage, she recalled the chemistry she and Cosby shared as TV parents. "We could complete each other's sentences," she said. Warner, who played Theo on the show, said he has been in touch with his TV dad ever since. Now, he said he is far enough removed to watch himself in reruns and said the show is a testament to Cosby's genius. "He always said in 20 years he wanted the show to still be relevant, and here we are," Warner said. Cosby, 72, has won other major awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002. Still, the Mark Twain Prize is special, he said, because Twain was the "quintessential American writer
-- because he held his language and his love for words in perfect American form." Cosby apologized to a bust of Twain during his acceptance speech for bumping him and stealing some of his words. The tribute will air Nov. 4 nationwide on PBS. Cosby insisted the performances at the tribute be free of profanity and that the show reflect his emphasis on education. "The show is very, very important to me," Cosby said in an interview. "It makes me aware that as a monologist and a writer and a performer, I've done some wonderful work."
[Associated
Press;
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