JELL-O WEIRD HAROLD

Bill Cosby's career was in a slump when he began his Jell-O stint, coming on like a goofily grumpy pal to kids, pushing pudding with the fresh immediacy of improv. Indeed, in the first of over 80 spots (centering on an Old Weird Harold story), a kid's unrehearsed "You come out, Harold!" provides a memorable ender. Cosby's popularity soared, and the road was paved for The Cosby Show's goofy-grumpy dad.