The Cosby Show cast now: The actors since the show ended

The Cosby Show cast now: The actors since the show ended

The Cosby Show is an American television sitcom that aired between 1984 and 1992. It stars Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. The show revolves around the everyday lives of the Huxtable family, an upper-middle-class African-American family living in Brooklyn, New York. Where is The Cosby Show cast now after the end of the show?

The Cosby Show cast members
The main cast of The Cosby Show. Photo: NBC (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Cosby Show, created by Ed. Weinberger and Michael J. Leeson, boasts eight seasons with 201 episodes. The show is one of the biggest TV hits of the 1980s, amassing several awards, including the 1985 42nd Golden Globes Awards in the Best Television Series (Comedy or Musical) category.

Where is The Cosby Show cast now?

Since The Cosby Show ended its successful run in 1992, its cast members have taken diverse paths. Here are The Cosby Show's main characters and what they are up to now.

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1. Bill Cosby (Dr. Heathcliff "Cliff" Huxtable)

Bill Cosby then (L) and now (R)
The American actor Bill Cosby then (L) and now (R). Photo: NBC, @madhotcollectibles on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Full name: William Henry Cosby Jr.
  • Date of birth: 12 July 1937
  • Age: 87 years old (as of 2024)
  • Place of birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
  • Current residence: Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania, USA
  • Relationship status: Married
  • Partner: Camille Cosby

Bill Cosby is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and producer who became a household name for his role as Dr. Heathcliff "Cliff" Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Cosby's character, Cliff Huxtable, was a loving father and obstetrician whose humour and wisdom guided his family through various life lessons.

Besides his work on The Cosby Show, Bill Cosby had a prolific career in comedy, television, and film. He created and starred in the animated series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids. Since 2004, after appearing in the Fat Albert animated series, Bill has not been active in the entertainment scene following numerous allegations of sexual misconduct. He is 87 years old as of September 2024.

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2. Phylicia Rashad (Clair Huxtable)

Phylicia Rashad then (L) and now (R)
The American actress Phylicia Rashad then (L) and now (R). Photo: @phyliciarashadf on X (Twitter) (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Full name: Phylicia Ayers-Allen Rashad
  • Date of birth: 19 June 1948
  • Age: 76 years old (as of 2024)
  • Place of birth: Houston, Texas, USA
  • Current residence: New York City, New York, USA
  • Relationship status: Divorced

Phylicia Rashad is an accomplished American actress and singer best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Rashad portrayed Clair as a sharp, eloquent attorney and loving mother. Her performance earned her numerous awards and nominations, including two Primetime Emmy Award nominations in 1985 and 1986.

After The Cosby Show, Phylicia Rashad has had a successful career in theatre, film, and television. She became the first African-American actress to win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her role in A Raisin in the Sun.

The American actress continues working in the entertainment industry and is a prominent advocate for the arts and education. She has two children: son William Lancelot "Billy" Bowles III (born in 1973) and daughter Dola Rashad (born in 1986).

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3. Lisa Bonet (Denise Huxtable)

Lisa Bonet then (L) and now (R)
The American actress Lisa Bonet then (L) and now (R). Photo: @pinkreference on Instagram, @laredcincoradio on X (Twitter) (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Full name: Lisa Michelle Bonet
  • Date of birth: 16 November 1967
  • Age: 56 years old (as of September 2024)
  • Place of birth: San Francisco, California, USA
  • Current residence: Topanga, California, USA
  • Relationship status: Divorced

Lisa Bonet is an American actress best known for her role as Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Denise was the second eldest daughter of the Huxtable family. Bonet’s performance as Denise made her a beloved character, leading to a spin-off show, A Different World, which focused on Denise's college life.

Aside from her work on The Cosby Show and A Different World, Lisa Bonet has appeared in several films, including Angel Heart, High Fidelity, and Ray Donovan. Bonet was previously married to musician Lenny Kravitz and actor Jason Momoa, with whom she shares children. The actress and Momoa share a daughter born in July 2007 and a son born in December 2008.

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4. Malcolm-Jamal Warner (Theo Huxtable)

Malcolm-Jamal Warner then (L) and now (R)
The American actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner then (L) and now (R). Photo: @80sThen80sNow on X (Twitter), @malcolmjamalwar on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Full name: Malcolm-Jamal Warner
  • Date of birth: 18 August 1970
  • Age: 54 years old (as of September 2024)
  • Place of birth: Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
  • Current residence: Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Relationship status: Married

Malcolm-Jamal Warner is an American actor, director, and musician. He is best known for his role as Theo Huxtable, the only son of the Huxtable family, on The Cosby Show. His portrayal of Theo, who often found himself in humorous situations, made him a favourite among viewers.

Warner has continued to work in television, appearing in various TV shows like Malcolm & Eddie, Suits, and The Resident. He is also a talented musician and has released several albums with his band.

5. Tempestt Bledsoe (Vanessa Huxtable)

Tempestt Bledsoe then (L) and now (R)
The American actress Tempestt Bledsoe then (L) and now (R). Photo: @theeightiesrule on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Full name: Tempestt Bledsoe
  • Date of birth: 1 August 1973
  • Age: 51 years old (as of September 2024)
  • Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Current residence: New York City, New York, USA
  • Relationship status: In a relationship
  • Partner: Darryl M. Bell

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Tempestt Bledsoe is an American actress best known for her role as Vanessa Huxtable on The Cosby Show. As Vanessa, the third Huxtable child, Bledsoe portrayed the challenges of growing up and dealing with teenage life, which resonated with many young viewers.

After The Cosby Show ended, Tempestt Bledsoe continued her acting career with roles in various television shows and films, including RaraNorman (2012), A Different World (1989), and Family Reunion (2019). She also hosted her talk show, The Tempestt Bledsoe Show, in the mid-1990s. The actress remains active in the industry and is dating Darryl M. Bell.

6. Keshia Knight Pulliam (Rudy Huxtable)

Keshia Knight Pulliam then (L) and now alongside her daughter, Ella (R)
The American actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, then (L) and now alongside her daughter, Ella (R). Photo: @COOLLANEHERO on X, @keshiaknightpulliam on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Full name: Keshia Knight Pulliam
  • Date of birth: 9 April 1979
  • Age: 45 years old (as of September 2024)
  • Place of birth: Newark, New Jersey, USA
  • Current residence: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
  • Relationship status: Married
  • Partner: Brad James

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Keshia Knight Pulliam is an American actress best known for her role as Rudy Huxtable, the youngest child of the Huxtable family, on The Cosby Show. She was only five years old when she began portraying Rudy, becoming one of the youngest actresses nominated for an Emmy Award. Her adorable and spirited performance won the hearts of many viewers.

After The Cosby Show, Keshia Knight Pulliam has continued acting in various television shows and movies. She has appeared in shows like Tyler Perry's House of Payne and competed in reality shows like The Celebrity Apprentice. Pulliam is also involved in charitable work and runs her foundation, Kamp Kizzy, which focuses on empowering young girls.

Keshia Knight Pulliam is also a mother of two. In 2023, the actress and her husband, Brad James, welcomed their son, Knight. She also has a daughter, Ella, 7, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Ed Hartwell.

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7. Sabrina Le Beauf (Sondra Huxtable)

Sabrina Le Beauf then (L) and now (R)
Sabrina Le Beauf then (L) and now (R). Photo: @soultvofficial on Facebook, @SabrinaLeBeauf on X (Twitter) (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Full name: Sabrina Marie Le Beauf
  • Date of birth: 21 March 1958
  • Age: 66 years old (as of September 2024)
  • Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
  • Current residence: Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Relationship status: Divorced
  • Ex-partner: Michael Reynolds

Sabrina Le Beauf is an American actress best known for her role as Sondra Huxtable, the eldest daughter of the Huxtable family, on The Cosby Show. Her character, a Princeton graduate, was portrayed as an overachiever and often seen as the epitome of success.

Sabrina Le Beauf has a career in theatre and voice acting. She has performed in various stage productions, including plays by the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.. Having studied at UCLA's Interior Design Program, Le Beauf is also an interior designer.

8. Raven-Symoné (Olivia Kendall)

Raven-Symoné then (L) and now (R)
The American actress Raven-Symoné then (L) and now (R). Photo: @blacktvsitcoms, @ravensymone on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Full name: Raven-Symoné Christina Pearman
  • Date of birth: 10 December 1985
  • Age: 38 years old (as of September 2024)
  • Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
  • Current residence: Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Relationship status: Married
  • Partner: Miranda Maday

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Raven-Symoné is an American actress, singer, and television personality. She joined The Cosby Show cast in 1989 as Olivia Kendall when she was only four. She has received several accolades, including five NAACP Image Awards, two Kids' Choice Awards, and three Young Artist Awards.

After The Cosby Show, Raven-Symoné continued to have a successful career in entertainment. She starred in the Disney Channel series That's So Raven, which became one of the network's highest-rated shows. She has also released several albums, appeared in films, and served as a co-host on The View. The actress remains a prominent figure in the industry and is known for her advocacy work within the LGBTQ+ community.

9. Joseph C. Phillips (Lt. Martin Kendall)

Actor Joseph Philips
Actor Joseph Philips during a movie filming in 2018. Photo: Mitch Haaseth
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Joseph Connor Phillips
  • Date of birth: 17 January 1962
  • Age: 62 years old (as of 2024)
  • Place of birth: Denver, Colorado, USA
  • Current residence: Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Relationship status: Divorced
  • Ex-partner: Nicole Phillips

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Joseph C. Phillips is an American actor and writer best known for his role as Lt. Martin Kendall on The Cosby Show. Martin was introduced as Denise Huxtable’s husband and Olivia Kendall’s father.

Joseph C. Phillips has continued his acting career with roles in television shows like General Hospital, 13 Reasons Why, The District, and Vanished. He is also a writer and has contributed to various publications discussing social and political issues. In addition, Phillips is a father of three sons: Connor, Ellis, and Samuel.

Where are twins Winnie and Nelson from The Cosby Show?

Winnie and Nelson Tibideaux were the twin children of Sondra Huxtable and her husband, Elvin Tibideaux. The twins were portrayed by twin actors Gary LeRoi Gray (as Nelson) and Jessica Anne Vaughn (as Winnie).

Gary LeRoi Gray continued his career in the entertainment industry after The Cosby Show. He has appeared in various television shows, including Living Single, Family Matters, and The Fairly OddParents, where he provided voice acting.

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Jessica Anne Vaughn has disappeared from the entertainment scene since The Cosby Show ended.

Where can you watch The Cosby Show?

The Cosby Show is available on several streaming platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, TV Land, Philo, Roku, and YouTube. The Cosby Show can also be found on cable networks that air classic television series, such as TV One and Bounce TV.

Who has died from The Cosby Show?

Some actors from The Cosby Show have passed away since the series ended. These actors are remembered for their significant contributions to the show and their enduring legacies.

  • Earle Hyman – Died in 2017 at age 91
  • Ethel Ayler – Died on 18 November 2018
  • Michelle Thomas – Died on 23 December 1998 at age 30
  • Clarice Taylor – Died in 2011 at age 93

The Cosby Show cast now reflects a broad spectrum of experiences and paths taken since the show's end. Sadly, some cast members, including Earle Hyman, Clarice Taylor, Michelle Thomas, and Ethel Ayler, have passed away, leaving a legacy of memorable performances.

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Legit.ng recently published an exciting post about Married With Children cast members. Married... with Children is an American sitcom that revolves around the Bundy family's daily misadventures and dysfunctional dynamics.

Married... with Children explores the Bundy family’s humorous struggles with financial woes, marital discord, and parenting challenges. It is one of the longest-running sitcoms in American television history, with 11 seasons and 259 episodes. Read on to discover the whereabouts of the cast and what they are up to.

Source: Legit.ng

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Brian Oroo (Lifestyle writer) Brian Oroo has been working as a writer in Legit.ng since 2021. His main area of specialization is on topics regarding lifestyle, celebrities, news, and many more. He won the Writer of the Year Award on Legit in 2023. Brian graduated with a Bsc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University (JKUAT) in 2021. In 2023, Brian finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. His email is brianoroo533@gmail.com