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Phylicia Rashad Headshot

Phylicia Rashad

Also Credited As: Phylicia Ayers-Allen

Birth Place: Houston, TX, USA

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BIO

Phylicia Rashad has brought laughter to millions of television viewers around the world, moved theatre-goers to tears, thrilled movie fans, offered new insights to students by teaching master classes at renowned learning institutions that include Howard University, Julliard, and Carnegie Mellon, served on boards of prestigious organizations, and broken new ground as a director. She is one of the entertainment world's most extraordinary performing artists. She became a household name when she portrayed “Claire Huxtable” on The Cosby Show, earning numerous honors and awards for over two decades. She teamed up with Bill Cosby in later years on television as “Ruth Lucas” on Cosby.



She portrayed the role of Dr. Vanessa Young in the NBC series, Do No Harm. She has also been a force on the stage, appearing both on and off-Broadway, often in projects that showcase her musical talent such as "Jelly's Last Jam, "Into The Woods, "Dreamgirls" and "The Wiz" as well as dramatic roles in August Osage County (“Violet Weston”), in Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (“Big Mama” -- a role that she reprised on the London Stage), in August Wilson’s Gem Of The Ocean, (“Aunt Ester” --Tony Award nomination), and in Shakespeare’s Cymbeline (“Queen Britannia”) at Lincoln Center.

She received both the Drama Desk and the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play, as “Lena Younger” in the Broadway revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin In The Sun. She appeared in Tyler Perry's Good Deeds, and starred in his highly acclaimed film version of Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf. She received Critics’ rave reviews for her directorial debut at the Seattle Repertory Theatre with August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, and for The Ebony Repertory Theatre’s production of A Raisin in the Sun in the spring of 2011. She recently directed August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.

She is the first recipient of the Denzel Washington Chair in Theatre at Fordham University, and has received Honorary Doctorates from Spelman College, Fordham University, Carnegie Mellon University, Howard University, Providence College, Morris Brown College, Clark Atlanta University, Barber Scotia College, St. Augustine College, and Brown University. She serves on the Advisory Board of the PRASAD Project and the Board of Directors of True Colors Theatre, the Broadway Inspirational Voices, The Actors Center, the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University, and the ADEPT Center, which is steering the restoration of the historic Brainerd Institute. A native of Houston, Texas, she graduated magna cum laude from Howard University.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Skeleton Crew Skeleton Crew
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2022
Faye
A Midsummer Night's Dream A Midsummer Night's Dream
[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare in the Park Revival, 2017
Titania
Sunday in the Park with George Sunday in the Park with George
[New York]
New York City Center Concert Gala, 2016
Old Lady
Head of Passes Head of Passes
[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater New York Premiere, 2016
Shelah
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2008
Big Mama
Big Mama
Cymbeline Cymbeline
[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 2007
Queen
Bernarda Alba
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2006
Bernarda Alba
Bernarda Alba
A Wonderful Life
[Broadway]
Benefit Concert, 2005
Performer
Millie Bailey
Gem of the Ocean Gem of the Ocean
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2004
Aunt Ester
A Raisin in the Sun A Raisin in the Sun
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Lena Younger
The Story
[Off-Broadway]
2003
Pat
Helen
[Off-Broadway]
2002
Athena
Blue
[Off-Broadway]
2001
Peggy Clark
Blue
[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 2000
Peggy Clark
The Vagina Monologues
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
Everybody's Ruby
[Off-Broadway]
1999
Zora Neale Hurston
Jelly's Last Jam
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1992
Anita [Replacement]
Into the Woods
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1987
Witch [Replacement]

Productions

PurposePurpose
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Director
Our Lady of 121st StreetOur Lady of 121st Street
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director

Movies

Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored
[ 1995 ] Ma Ponk
Loving Jezebel
[ 1999 ] Alice Melville
The Visit
[ 2000 ] Dr. Coles
Rwanda Rising
[ 2007 ] Historical Narration
Frankie & Alice
[ 2010 ] Edna
Just Wright
[ 2010 ] Ella McKnight
For Colored Girls
[ 2010 ] Gilda
Good Deeds
[ 2012 ] Wilimena
Gods Behaving Badly
[ 2013 ] Demeter
Creed
[ 2015 ] Mary Anne Creed
Creed II
[ 2018 ] Mary Anne Creed
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
[ 2020 ] Grandmother Journey
Soul
[ 2020 ] Libba
Black Box
[ 2020 ] Lillian
A Fall from Grace
[ 2020 ] Sarah
tick, tick... BOOM!
[ 2021 ] Sunday Legend #12
Creed III
[ 2023 ] Mary Anne Creed
The Beekeeper
[ 2024 ] Eloise Parker

TV Shows

A Different World
Clair Huxtable
Cosby
Ruth Lucas
David Makes Man
Dr. Woods-Trap
Empire
Diana DuBois
Little Bill
Brenda, Brenda Glover
Psych
Winnifred Guster
The Cleveland Show
Dee Dee Tubbs
The Cosby Show
Clair Huxtable
This Is Us
Carol Clarke
Touched by an Angel
Elizabeth Jessup
Stranded
Mary
Curses!
[ 2023-2024 ] Georgia
Diarra from Detroit
Vonda

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Phylicia Rashad, Skeleton Crew

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Distinguished Performance Awards

Phylicia Rashad, Skeleton Crew

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Phylicia Rashad, Skeleton Crew


winner
Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Phylicia Rashad, Skeleton Crew

Drama League Awards - 2016 - Distinguished Performance Award

Phylicia Rashad, Head of Passes


winner
The Lortels - 2016 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play

Phylicia Rashad, Head of Passes

Helen Hayes Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Play

Phylicia Rashadevery tongue confess

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Phylicia Rashad, Gem of the Ocean


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2004 - Best Leading Actress in a Play

Phylicia Rashad, A Raisin In The Sun


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Phylicia Rashad, A Raisin in the Sun

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Phylicia Rashad, A Raisin in the Sun


winner
Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Phylicia Rashad, A Raisin in the Sun

The Lortels - 2002 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Phylicia Rashad, Blue

Helen Hayes Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play

Phylicia RashadBlues for an Alabama Sky

Videos

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News


Photos: Stars Honor James Earl Jones at Memorial Event Photo
Photos: Stars Honor James Earl Jones at Memorial Event
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 9, 2025

On April 7, 2025, stars of the stage and screen gathered to honor the life of the late James Earl Jones at the James Earl Jones Theatre on Broadway. Check out photos here!
Video: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Talks PURPOSE and Directing Husband Samuel L. Jacks Photo
Video: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Talks PURPOSE and Directing Husband Samuel L. Jackson in THE PIANO LESSON
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 8, 2025

LaTanya Richardson Jackson is back on Broadway in Purpose, and the actress recently visited Sherri to discuss her experience in the show, as well as to reveal what it was like to direct her husband, Samuel L. Jackson, in The Piano Lesson. Watch the interview now!
The Longwood Writers Workshop Debuts New Anthology A GATHERING OF VOICES Photo
The Longwood Writers Workshop Debuts New Anthology A GATHERING OF VOICES
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 28, 2025

Authors Denise Billings, Charles Floyd Johnson, Denise Nicholas, Otto E. Stallworth, Jr., MD, GW Williams, and Hattie Winston (collectively: The Longwood Writers Workshop) have announced the debut of their new book, A GATHERING OF VOICES
Video: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Shares What She Wrote on New Sardi's Portrait Photo
Video: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Shares What She Wrote on New Sardi's Portrait
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 27, 2025

LaTanya Richardson Jackson joined The View on Thursday to discuss starring in the new play Purpose, her new Sardi's portrait, and more. Watch the interview!
Photos: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Receives Portrait at Sardi's Photo
Photos: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Receives Portrait at Sardi's
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 27, 2025

LaTanya Richardson Jackson, currently starring on Broadway in Purpose, was recently honored with her portrait at the iconic Sardi's. BroadwayWorld was there for the unveiling and you can check out photos here!
Photos: Whoopi Goldberg Visits PURPOSE on Broadway Photo
Photos: Whoopi Goldberg Visits PURPOSE on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 27, 2025

Whoopi Goldberg recently paid a visit to the Hayes Theatre, home of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' new play Purpose. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos here!
US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand Celebrates 25 Years Starring In LET IT BE ART! On Photo
US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand Celebrates 25 Years Starring In LET IT BE ART! On Tour In Asheville
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 26, 2025

US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand celebrating his 25th year starring as Harold Clurman, the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre' touring around the world in his celebrated solo play, LET IT BE ART! will perform in Asheville, North Carolina at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts on April 25th.
Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 3/23/25 - GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK Starring Clooney To Photo
Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 3/23/25 - GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK Starring Clooney Tops the List
by - Mar 25, 2025

Grosses for all the Broadway shows for the week ending 3/23/2025.
Videos You Missed This Week: PURPOSE, OPERATION MINCEMEAT, and More Photo
Videos You Missed This Week: PURPOSE, OPERATION MINCEMEAT, and More
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 21, 2025

It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! 2025 has officially arrived and the second half of the 2024-25 Broadway season is very much underway. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending March 21, 2025 with videos from Purpose, Operation Mincemeat, and more!
Regina Taylor's EXHIBIT To Have World Premiere At Curious Theatre Company Photo
Regina Taylor's EXHIBIT To Have World Premiere At Curious Theatre Company
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 21, 2025

Curious Theatre Company has announced the highly anticipated world premiere of Exhibit, a groundbreaking new play by the celebrated actress, director, playwright, educator, and activist Regina Taylor.
Video: Olivia Puckett Shares Her Experience Working on the All-Female ALL NIGHTER Photo
Video: Olivia Puckett Shares Her Experience Working on the All-Female ALL NIGHTER
by Survival Jobs - Mar 20, 2025

This video features Olivia Puckett who is currently understudying all five roles in the new limited engagement 12 week off-Broadway play, All Nighter. During the episode Olivia dives into her experience working alongside the all female cast plus the female director Jaki Bradley and female playwright Natalie Margolin.
Video: Inside Opening Night of PURPOSE on Broadway Photo
Video: Inside Opening Night of PURPOSE on Broadway
by Joey Mervis - Mar 19, 2025

The stars came out to celebrate Monday at the Hayes Theatre, where Branden Jacobs-Jenkins's new play Purpose celebrated its opening night. Watch in this video as we take you inside the opening night festivities.
Photos: PURPOSE Stars on the Opening Night Red Carpet Photo
Photos: PURPOSE Stars on the Opening Night Red Carpet
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 18, 2025

Purpose officially opened last night, March 18, at the Helen Hayes Theater, featuring Phylicia Rashad making her Broadway directorial debut. Get a first look at the stars of the production on the red carpet here!
Photos: PURPOSE Takes Opening Night Bows Photo
Photos: PURPOSE Takes Opening Night Bows
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 18, 2025

Purpose officially opened last night, March 18, at the Helen Hayes Theater, featuring Phylicia Rashad making her Broadway directorial debut. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from opening night here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 18, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 18, 2025
by - Mar 18, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 18, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Review Roundup: Phylicia Rashad Directs PURPOSE By Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' On Broadwa Photo
Review Roundup: Phylicia Rashad Directs PURPOSE By Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 18, 2025

The great Phylicia Rashad makes her Broadway directorial debut, with PURPOSE by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, opening tonight at the Helen Hayes Theater. Find out how the critics felt about their visit with the influential and dysfunctional Jasper family on Broadway. Read the reviews!
Photos: First Look at Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' PURPOSE Photo
Photos: First Look at Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' PURPOSE
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 17, 2025

Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and directed by Phylicia Rashad in her Broadway directorial debut, PURPOSE officially opens tonight, Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Helen Hayes Theater. Check out photos of the cast in action here!
Video: PURPOSE Arrives on Broadway Photo
Video: PURPOSE Arrives on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 17, 2025

Purpose is getting ready to celebrate it's opening night! Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and directed by Phylicia Rashad in her Broadway directorial debut, PURPOSE officially opens tonight, Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Helen Hayes Theater. Check out video highlights of the cast in action here.
How Glenn Davis Shepherded PURPOSE on Its Path to Broadway Photo
How Glenn Davis Shepherded PURPOSE on Its Path to Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 16, 2025

Glenn Davis had a huge part to play in the Purpose's journey, not only as a cast member in Chicago and now on Broadway, but as Steppenwolf's co-Artistic Director and the person behind pushing along its development in recent years.
Video: Phylicia Rashad Talks Directing Broadway's PURPOSE, Praises Collaborators Photo
Video: Phylicia Rashad Talks Directing Broadway's PURPOSE, Praises Collaborators
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 12, 2025

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Purpose is now in previews at the Helen Hayes Theatre, marking the Broadway directorial debut of legendary performer Phylicia Rashad. The director recently visited Sherri Shepherd's talk show to discuss her experience helming the new production.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Phylicia Rashad been in?

Phylicia Rashad has appeared on Broadway in 8 shows.

How many West End shows has Phylicia Rashad been in?

Phylicia Rashad has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Phylicia Rashad been nominated for?

Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Skeleton Crew, Distinguished Performance Awards (Drama League Awards) for Skeleton Crew, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Skeleton Crew, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Skeleton Crew, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Head of Passes, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play (The Lortels) for Head of Passes, Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for every tongue confess, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Gem of the Ocean, Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for A Raisin In The Sun, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Blue and Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Blues for an Alabama Sky.

What awards has Phylicia Rashad won?

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Skeleton Crew; Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play (The Lortels) for Head of Passes; Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for A Raisin In The Sun; Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun; Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun.

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