After The Cosby Show became one of the most iconic sitcoms in television history, fans of the show often found themselves wondering: what happened to the cast members? From the Huxtable children to the beloved parents, the show launched the careers of many actors. But where are they now, and how did their lives unfold after the cameras stopped rolling?
The Huxtable Family
- Bill Cosby (Cliff Huxtable): As the patriarch of the Huxtable family, Bill Cosby’s career reached new heights during the run of The Cosby Show. However, Cosby’s post-show life took a dark turn. In 2018, Cosby was convicted of sexual assault, and his reputation as a beloved TV dad was forever marred. His fall from grace was a major blow to his legacy, with many fans struggling to reconcile his actions with the character he portrayed.
- Phylicia Rashad (Clair Huxtable): Phylicia Rashad, who portrayed the graceful and intelligent Clair Huxtable, has continued to thrive in Hollywood. After The Cosby Show, she became an accomplished stage actress, winning a Tony Award for her role in A Raisin in the Sun. She has also appeared in a variety of TV shows and films, including This Is Us and Empire, solidifying her place as one of Hollywood’s respected talents.
- Lisa Bonet (Denise Huxtable): Lisa Bonet, the free-spirited daughter Denise, gained widespread recognition through her role on the show. After The Cosby Show, Bonet continued to act, starring in A Different World, a spin-off that focused on Denise’s college life. Her career remained somewhat eclectic, with roles in films like Angel Heart and High Fidelity. Bonet’s personal life also garnered media attention, especially her marriage to musician Lenny Kravitz and later to actor Jason Momoa.
- Malcolm-Jamal Warner (Theo Huxtable): Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theo, the Huxtable son, became a staple of television after The Cosby Show. He went on to star in the TV series Malcolm & Eddie, and his career expanded to include directing and producing. Warner has also continued to act in a range of TV shows, including Sons of Anarchy and The Resident, showing that he’s still a beloved figure in entertainment.
- Tempestt Bledsoe (Vanessa Huxtable): Tempestt Bledsoe, who portrayed the intelligent yet sometimes troubled Vanessa Huxtable, transitioned to a successful career in television after The Cosby Show. She hosted The Tempestt Bledsoe Show and appeared in other TV projects, including The New Celebrity Apprentice. Her transition from a child star to an adult actress was seamless, and she has remained active in the entertainment industry.
- Keshia Knight Pulliam (Rudy Huxtable): As the youngest member of the Huxtable family, Keshia Knight Pulliam became a household name for her portrayal of Rudy. She has remained in the public eye, acting in films and TV series, including The Tyler Perry House of Payne and The Odd Couple. Pulliam has also expanded her career into entrepreneurship and philanthropy, becoming a role model for young women.
What Happened After The Show Ended?
The end of The Cosby Show in 1992 marked the beginning of a new chapter for its cast members. While some of the actors transitioned smoothly into other roles, others struggled to break free from the shadow of their famous characters. For many of them, the show provided a platform to showcase their talents, but the success of the Huxtable family also set high expectations for their future careers.
Despite the challenges some faced, many of the cast members have continued to find success in Hollywood, showing that their time on The Cosby Show was just the beginning of their careers. Though Bill Cosby’s legacy is forever tainted, the other cast members have carried the torch of the Huxtables, continuing to make their mark in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
The cast of The Cosby Show may have been defined by their roles in the iconic sitcom, but their post-show lives have shown that they are more than just TV characters. From successful acting careers to activism and entrepreneurship, the cast has proven that there’s more to them than just their on-screen personas. While The Cosby Show will always remain a milestone in television history, its cast members have gone on to create legacies of their own, cementing their place in pop culture history.
