Phylicia Rashad net worth is approximately $55 million as of 2024. Forbes named her one of the ten highest-paid TV actresses in the late 1980s.
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Who is Phylicia Rashad
Phylicia Rashad is an acclaimed American actress, singer, director, and stage performer best known for her leading role as Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show.
Over her decades-long career, Rashad has received many prestigious awards, including a Tony Award, multiple Emmy nominations, seven NAACP Image Awards, and even being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008.
Some key facts about Phylicia Rashad
Full Name: Phylicia Ayers-Allen Rashād
Born on June 19, 1948, in Houston, Texas
Parents: Andrew Arthur Allen and Vivian Elizabeth Allen
Siblings: Andrew Arthur Allen Jr., Albert Allen, and Cynthia Allen
Children: 5 (William Lancelot Bowles Jr., Condola Phylea Rashād, Ahmad Rashād Jr.)
Spouses: William Lancelot Bowles (1972–1975), Victor Willis (1978–1982), Ahmad Rashād (1985–2001)
Education: Howard University (BFA)
Over a career spanning 5 decades, Phylicia Rashad has left an indelible mark across both theater, TV, and film. Her most well-known acting credits include:
The Cosby Show (1984–1992) as Claire Huxtable
Creed (2015) and *Creed II (2018) as Mary Anne Creed
Grey’s Anatomy (2006), as Diana Nealson
Empire (2015-2020 Guest Role) as Diana DuBois
This Is Us (2019–present) as Carol Clarke
On top of her extensive acting resume, Rashad also has a number of directing credits, primarily focused on Broadway theater. She notably won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Actress for performances in A Raisin in the Sun.
Phylicia Rashad’s Early Days and Background
Phylicia Rashad was born in 1948 in Houston, Texas. Her mother was a poet and art director, and her father was a prominent dentist.
Growing up, Rashad fell in love with performing and theater at an early age. She has commented, “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to be on stage and entertain people.”
Rashad went on to study theater and dance at the renowned Howard University in Washington, D.C. It was there that she met her lifelong friend Debbie Allen, whom she later co-starred with in Fame. At Howard, Rashad also joined Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority like her mother before her.
After graduation, Phylicia started out on stage, performing with the Negro Ensemble Company in NYC.
Phylicia Rashad’s Prolific Career
Breakout Role on The Cosby Show
Rashad’s big break came when she landed the part of Claire Huxtable on *The Cosby Show* opposite Bill Cosby starting in 1984.
At first, she only intended to stay with the show for 1 year. However, her outstanding performances led to her starring on the show for the duration of its run until 1992.
Over the show’s 8 seasons, spanning 201 episodes, Phylicia Rashad cemented her legacy by playing the matriarch Claire Huxtable.
She received 2 Emmy nominations for this career-defining role. Many critics praised the natural warmth and humor she brought to the character and her on-screen chemistry with her TV husband, Bill Cosby.
Several key highlights from her run on The Cosby Show:
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (1985, 1986)
People’s Choice Awards
Favorite Female Performer in a New TV Program (1985)
NAACP Image Awards
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series (1985, 1988)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (1986–1987, 1989–1992)
Later Stage and Screen Roles
While best known as Claire Huxtable, Phylicia Rashad has continued to work consistently since The Cosby Show ended in a variety of other TV, film, and Broadway roles.
Television
Some other career TV highlights:
Lincoln Heights (2006–2008) as Ruth ‘Candy’ Lucas
Empire (2015-2020) as Diana Dubois
David Makes Man (2019) as Dr. Woods-Trap
This Is Us (2019-Present) as matriarch Carol Clarke
Film
Select film credits include:
Creed (2015), as Mary Anne Creed
Creed II (2018), as Mary Anne Creed
Tyler Perry Presents Peeples (2013) as Grace Peeples
Good Deeds (2012), as Wilimena
Theater
On top of her over 40 years of acting and directing for theater, some recent stage highlights include:
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (2008), as Big Mama
Fences (2010) as Rose Maxson
A Raisin in the Sun (2014), as Lena Younger
She also directed revivals of classic August Wilson plays at the New York Shakespeare Theater and the Mark Taper Forum.
Phylicia Rashad’s Awards and Accomplishments
A few of Phylicia Rashad’s numerous awards and honors over her prolific career:
Emmy Awards
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series – *The Cosby Show* (1985 & 1986 nominations)
Tony Awards
Best Actress in a Play: A Raisin In the Sun (2004 win)
NAACP Image Awards
7 wins for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series: The Cosby Show
Including several ceremony record nominations, Rashad has received over 15 NAACP Image Award nominations in total.
Others
Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2008)
Arab-American Filmmaker Award (2010)
Trailblazer Award: McDonald’s 365 Black Awards (2021)
Honorary Doctorates from multiple Universities
Phylicia Rashad’s Personal Life
In her personal life, Phylicia Rashad has been married three times over the years:
William Lancelot Bowles, Jr (1972–1975)
Victor Willis (1978–1982)
NFL sportscaster Ahmad Rashād (1985–2001)
Rashad eloped and married NFL player [Ahmad Rashad] in 1985 after meeting him on the set of The Cosby Show. However, the high-profile couple divorced in 2001 after 16 years together.
Phylicia Rashad Children
Phylicia Rashad has five children total from her previous relationships:
William Lancelot Bowles III
Condola Rashād (actress)
Ahmad Rashād Jr.,
Andrew Arthur Allen (passed away as an infant)
Vivian Elizabeth Ayers (actress)
Her daughter Condola has followed in her footsteps with an acting career in theater and on shows like Billions and Sex and the City.
Rashad faced controversy amid sexual abuse allegations against her The Cosby Show co-star Bill Cosby starting in 2015.
She was publicly supportive of Cosby during his legal troubles, which spanned several years until his release from prison in 2021.
Currently single, the 75-year-old award-winning actress lives in New York and continues acting while also mentoring young black actors and directors.
Rashad is also actively involved with Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and even served as Master of Ceremonies in their 2022 induction ceremony.
Phylicia Rashad’s Net Worth
According to multiple reports, Phylicia Rashad’s net worth is approximately $55 million as of 2023. Forbes named her one of the ten highest-paid TV actresses in the late 1980s.
The bulk of her wealth comes from her starring role on The Cosby Show. On the heels of the show’s immense popularity in the 80s and 90s, she was one of the highest paid women on TV, earning approximately $70,000 per episode by the last few Cosby Show seasons.
Accounting for inflation, her peak Cosby Show salary equates to over $180,000 per episode in today’s dollars. With 201 episodes spanning 8 seasons, Rashad accumulated significant wealth from that iconic role.
Additionally, her successful career on Broadway and consistent acting roles have added to her current lavish $55 million net worth.
Rashad also earned ample money from endorsements while on The Cosby Show, including contracts with companies like Carnival Cruise Line and All Dyes in the 1980s.
According to financial reports, she has owned several lavish homes over the years, including a Sutton Place penthouse in NYC, likely worth 8 figures today.
While extremely wealthy, Rashad has also been involved in philanthropy over the years. Along with her daughter Condola, Phylicia co-founded a nonprofit theater company called Something Positive, Inc.
Phylicia Rashad Net Worth : FAQs
What was Phylicia Rashad’s salary on The Cosby Show?
At the peak of The Cosby Show’s popularity, Rashad was earning around $70,000 per episode by the final few seasons in the late 80s/early 90s. Accounting for inflation, this equates to over $180,000 per episode in today’s dollars.
How many awards has Phylicia Rashad won?
Over her prolific career, Phylicia Rashad has won prestigious awards like a Tony Award, 7 NAACP Image Awards, received over 15 Emmy nominations (with one win in 1985), and was even honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008.
3. How many children does Phylicia Rashad have?
Phylicia Rashad has a total of 5 children from her previous marriages – William Lancelot Bowles III, Condola Rashad, Ahmad Rashad Jr., Andrew Arthur Allen (passed away as an infant), and Vivian Elizabeth Ayers.
4. What other notable roles has Phylicia Rashad had besides The Cosby Show?
Some of her other major acting credits include the films Creed and Creed II, TV shows like Empire, David Makes Man, and This Is Us, as well as extensive work in theater productions like A Raisin in the Sun and revivals of August Wilson plays.
Is Phylicia Rashad still acting today?
Yes, at 75 years old, Phylicia Rashad remains active in her career. She currently has a recurring role as Carol Clarke on the hit NBC drama This Is Us. Rashad also mentors young black actors and remains involved with organizations like her alma mater, Howard University.
Conclusion
Phylicia Rashad has built an impressive net worth over her illustrious acting career spanning more than five decades.
Estimated at around $55 million as of 2024, the majority of her wealth stems from her iconic role as Clair Huxtable on the hit sitcom The Cosby Show in the 1980s and 90s.
Beyond just her earnings from that show, Rashad has consistently worked in television, film, and theater, amassing awards like the Tony and multiple Emmys along the way.
While her personal life has seen its ups and downs, her immense talent and longevity in the entertainment industry over 40+ years have allowed her to accumulate a lavish multi-million dollar net worth and leave an enduring legacy.
