Where Are They Now? The Black TV Moms Edition

Phylicia Rashad as Clair Huxtable

I had to start this list off with one of the most iconic television moms in American History.  From 1984, Clair Huxtable stole the hearts of many viewers, regardless of their age, race, or social standing.  Even to this day, through the help of syndication, she continues to be a fan favorite.  But her popularity wouldn’t be as substantial if it wasn’t for Phylicia Rashad.

Phylicia Rashad was the power behind Clair Huxtable, and was a power on the stage as well.  She started her career in plays and musicals, as Sheryl Lee Ralph’s understudy for the character Deena Jones in Dreamgirls.  She also had regular roles in television before she landed the role of Clair.

After “The Cosby Show,” Ms. Rashad continued to do what she does best, which is own every single character that she embodies.  Some of the shows and movies that she has appeared in are:  “A Different World,” “Little Bill,” “Touched by an Angel,” For Colored Girls, “The Cleveland Show,” Gods Behaving Badly, Frankie and Alice, and currently “Psych.”

She also made history by being the first African American woman to win the Best Actress Tony Award in 2004 by portraying Lena Young in the Broadway production of A Raisin in the Sun (which she also played in the television movie), adding that to the large number of awards and nominations that she has racked up over the years.  She has opened her repertoire to directing, and has directed a number of theater productions.