More than 30 years after the groundbreaking sitcom The Cosby Show first graced our screens, fans are still enamored with the Huxtable family. Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Lisa Bonet, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, and the rest of the cast have remained a part of pop culture for decades. But where are they now? Let’s take a look at the journey each cast member has taken after the show’s historic run.
Bill Cosby: From Icon to Controversy
For decades, Bill Cosby was one of America’s most beloved figures. As the patriarch of the Huxtable family, he became a symbol of fatherhood and wisdom. However, after the end of The Cosby Show, Cosby’s career took a dramatic turn. His later years were overshadowed by serious allegations of sexual assault, resulting in his conviction and imprisonment.
The contrast between the public admiration for Cosby during the height of The Cosby Show and the subsequent scandal surrounding him is jarring. Despite his conviction, his time on The Cosby Show cannot be erased. His portrayal of Dr. Huxtable will forever be etched into television history.
Phylicia Rashad: A Queen in Hollywood
As Clair Huxtable, Phylicia Rashad became an icon for Black women in television. Clair was the epitome of grace, strength, and intelligence, balancing a high-powered career with raising her family. After the show ended, Rashad went on to have a successful career in theater, starring in Broadway productions such as A Raisin in the Sun, for which she received a Tony Award nomination. She also reprised her role as Claire in a Cosby Show spin-off, Cosby, where she played a similar character.
In recent years, Rashad’s presence in the entertainment industry has only grown. She continues to act, direct, and mentor aspiring young talent. Her advocacy for theater and the arts remains as strong as ever, and her impact on the entertainment industry cannot be overstated.
Lisa Bonet: The Free Spirit Who Found Her Voice
Lisa Bonet, who played the free-spirited Denise Huxtable, was a fan favorite. Denise’s quirky personality and fashion sense made her a trendsetter in the 1980s. After leaving The Cosby Show, Bonet carved out a successful film career with roles in Angel Heart and High Fidelity. She also made waves for her marriage to musician Lenny Kravitz and later to actor Jason Momoa. Bonet’s personal life, like her career, has been anything but conventional, and she remains an influential figure in Hollywood, known for her spiritual views and commitment to authenticity.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner: The Journey of a Star Grown Up
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theo Huxtable, was the character many fans grew up with. His transition from a beloved child actor to a mature adult has been both impressive and inspiring. Since the show’s end, Warner has had a successful career in television, including a role in The Resident and a musical career as a jazz bassist. He has also been outspoken about the issues of race and representation in Hollywood.
As fans of Theo, we can’t help but root for Warner as he continues to thrive in both his professional and personal life.
Keshia Knight Pulliam: From Rudy Huxtable to Entrepreneur
Keshia Knight Pulliam, who played the youngest Huxtable, Rudy, captured the hearts of audiences with her adorable charm. After the show ended, Pulliam transitioned into adult roles but also found success as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. Her ventures in business and her focus on giving back to the community have made her a role model to many.
Pulliam also garnered media attention for her reality TV appearances and her advocacy for children’s education and wellness. Despite the years that have passed, she continues to remind fans of her time as the beloved Rudy Huxtable.
The Legacy Continues
The Huxtables will always be remembered for their groundbreaking role in television history. But the journey of the actors behind them shows that their legacies are still very much alive. As they continue to make waves in different industries, the question remains: which of the Huxtables are you still rooting for? Let us know in the comments and tell us how The Cosby Show shaped your life!
