The Cosby Show was a beloved family sitcom that aired for eight seasons on NBC. The show, which ran from 1984 until 1992, serves as a comedy classic, launching the careers of many stars. Unfortunately, many fans feel that the series's legacy has been tarnished by its eponymous star. Long before Bill Cosby was known as a reviled sexual predator, the comedian upheld a squeaky-clean image that assisted in normalizing wealth, happiness, and prosperity in black American television. Despite the asterisk placed on Cosby's legacy, the pioneering series' other major stars have all gone on to do great things.
Phylicia Rashad
NEWARK, NJ - AUGUST 26: Actress Phylicia Rashad speaks on stage during the 2018 Black Girls Rock! at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on August 26, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/WireImage)
Phylicia Rashad starred in The Cosby Show as family matriarch Clair Huxtable. As a working lawyer and mother of five, Clair acts as a quintessential 1980s icon, grounding the series amid her husband Cliff's goofy antics. Since the show concluded in 1992, Rashad has continued her illustrious film and television career. Her most notable roles include Diana DuBois in the Fox drama Empire, as well as Adonis Creed's mother Mary Anne in the Creed trilogy. Most recently, Rashad appeared in the television series Diarra From Detroit, which premiered in June 2023.
Sabrina Le Beauf
Actor Sabrina LeBeauf attends the 9th Annual TV Land Awards at the Javits Center on April 10, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage)
The eldest of the Huxtable clan, Sondra, was portrayed by Sabrina Le Beauf. Though the character didn't appear until the show's 10th episode, she stayed on for over 175 appearances, making her an instantly recognizable figure to '80s television fans. Since The Cosby Show ended, Le Beauf has gone on to appear in such projects as Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Sinbad Show, and the Bill Cosby-created animated series Fatherhood. Sabrina Le Beauf stepped away from on-camera work in the 2010s to focus on her stage career. These days, you can find her frequently leading plays with the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.
Lisa Bonét
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Actresses Zoe Kravitz (L) and Lisa Bonet attend Saint Laurent at Hollywood Palladium on February 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by C Flanigan/WireImage)
The Huxtables' second child, Denise, was known for her eclectic wardrobe and wandering spirit. Lisa Bonét even went on to lead a Cosby Show spinoff series titled A Different World from 1987-1989, which followed the character's journey through college. Following the success of the show, Bonét appeared in several films. The actress starred in blockbusters including Enemy of the State, High Fidelity, and Road to Paloma. In recent years, Lisa Bonét has focussed on raising her two children, whom she shares with Aquaman actor Jason Momoa.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 29: Malcolm-Jamal Warner attends SCAD aTVfest 2020 - In Conversation With Malcolm-Jamal Warner on February 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for SCAD aTVfest 2020)
Malcolm-Jamal Warner starred in The Cosby Show as the Huxtables' only son, noted troublemaker Theo. Once the show concluded in 1992, Warner continued to star in sitcom roles, including a semi-autobiographical series titled Malcolm & Eddie alongside Eddie Griffin. The actor has since amassed dozens of IMDb credits in series' such as Listen Up, Dexter, The Michael J. Fox Show, Key and Peele, and Community. Warner has appeared in 5 separate television roles in 2023 alone, with a rumored upcoming appearance in a film titled Christmas Kennel.
Tempestt Bledsoe
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA - AUGUST 05: Actress Tempestt Bledsoe arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "ParaNorman" at AMC CityWalk Stadium 19 at Universal Studios Hollywood on August 5, 2012 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)
Tempestt Bledsoe portrayed the overachieving third daughter of the Huxtable family, Vanessa. As a fan-favorite character, Vanessa exhibited clear signs of ambition and drive from her professional parents. Unlike other actors on this list, Bledsoe has chosen to step away from on-screen work in recent years. The acclaimed actress has appeared in small roles on many television programs in the years since The Cosby Show ended, with her most recent appearance being a 2019 episode of Family Reunion.
Keshia Knight Pulliam
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Keshia Knight Pulliam attends 'BET Her Fights Breast Cancer' special event at The Riverside EpiCenter on September 25, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BET )
Keshia Knight Pulliam starred in The Cosby Show as Rudy, the affluent family's youngest child. Once the show rolled credits for the last time, Pulliam went on to lead several other projects. Most notably, the actress has collaborated on numerous films and shows with Tyler Perry. Keshia Knight Pulliam has been a series regular on Perry's House of Payne since 2007, appearing in 200 episodes. Last Spring, the actress gave birth to her second child, whom she shares with her husband, actor Brad James.
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