Phylicia Rashad
Phylicia Rashad is a celebrated American actress, director, and educator, renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to television, theater, and the arts. Born on June 19, 1948, in Houston, Texas, she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Howard University in 1970.
Rashad gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom The Cosby Show (1984–1992), earning two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Her performance as the poised and intelligent attorney and mother became iconic, influencing generations of viewers.
In theater, Rashad made history in 2004 as the first Black actress to win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her role in A Raisin in the Sun. She secured a second Tony in 2022 for Best Featured Actress in a Play for Skeleton Crew. Her Broadway credits include Into the Woods, Jelly's Last Jam, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Beyond acting, Rashad is a dedicated educator and advocate for the arts. She serves as the Dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University, her alma mater. She has also directed productions at esteemed venues like the Seattle Repertory Theatre and the Kennedy Center.
Rashad's influence extends to her family; she is the mother of actress Condola Rashad and the sister of actress and director Debbie Allen. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire and shape the landscape of American arts and culture.
Phylicia Rashad directed the Broadway production of Purpose, a play by Tony Award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. This marked Rashad's Broadway directorial debut, following her extensive career as an acclaimed actress and stage director. The play began previews on February 25, 2025, at the Helen Hayes Theater, with an official opening on March 17, 2025.
Prior to its Broadway run, Rashad directed Purpose at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre in spring 2024. The production received critical acclaim, with Rashad praised for her insightful and emotionally resonant direction.
Rashad's transition from celebrated actress to Broadway director with Purpose underscores her versatility and enduring impact on American theater. Under Rashad's leadership, Purpose garnered six Tony Award nominations, including:
Best Play
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: Jon Michael Hill
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: Harry Lennix
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play: LaTanya Richardson Jackson
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play: Glenn Davis
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Kara Young
