Bill Cosby is used to winking at internet rumors of his death. But after another one spread Monday, he said he hopes people will give the hoaxes a rest.

After false news of Cosby’s death spread by Twitter on Monday – “Bill Cosby died” was a trending topic on the microblogging service – the 73-year-old comedian talked to CNN’s “Larry King Live” to prove he still is around.

“I don’t want [whoever spread the rumor] to do this anymore, because this is my fourth time being reported [dead],” Cosby said by phone to CNN’s Kyra Phillips, who was sitting in for Larry King on Monday night.

Cosby used his wit to counter previous rumors. After the first, he borrowed a Mark Twain quote about reports of his death being an exaggeration.

But Cosby said Monday’s rumor felt different. He said it left one of his friends in tears before he realized it wasn’t true.
“I don’t know. Maybe a psychiatrist will say I’m feeding [the rumor starter's] ego, but I just want to say to friends of that person: Just tell him to stop, because it isn’t funny.”
On his own Twitter account, Cosby still went for a bit of humor Monday when refuting the rumor.
“Again, I’m rebuttaling rumors about my demise. But, I’m confirming I have an app,” Cosby wrote before linking to an iPhone application featuring clips of the comedian’s performances.