PORTLAND — Bill Cosby, one of America’s most prolific comedians, will take the stage Saturday, Oct. 16, at Merrill Auditorium, courtesy of Portland Ovations.

Cosby’s humor transcends age, gender and cultural barriers. The veteran comic broke television’s racial barrier with a role in “I Spy,” becoming the first African-American to costar on a television series and win three consecutive Emmys for outstanding lead actor in the dramatic series.

He hosted the Emmy-winning cartoon “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids,” which began airing in the 1970s and was made into a film in 2004. The show, based on Cosby’s childhood in Philadelphia, was designed to educate and entertain.

His 1980s show, “The Cosby Show,” a humorous take on everyday family life, is credited with reviving the TV sitcom.

Other credits include his involvement with the children’s educational show “Electric Company;” creating and producing the Emmy Award-winning “Little Bill,” based on his best-selling book series; and releasing a string of albums that earned him eight gold records, five platinum records and five Grammy Awards.

Shows will be at 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $45, $35 and $30. For tickets, call 842-0800 or visit porttix.com. The PortTIX box office, in the lobby of Merrill Auditorium, will be closed through Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.