Phylicia Rashad
Also Credited As: Phylicia Ayers-Allen
Birth Place: Houston, TX, USA
Latest News on Phylicia Rashad:
Norm Lewis and Nona Hendryx Will Headline Theater Resources Unlimited's 2024 TRU Love Benefit (Nov 9, 2024)
2024 IDEA AWARDS FOR THEATRE Recipients Announced (Nov 8, 2024)
Alvin Ailey's Opening Night Gala Will Honor Jody Gottfried Arnhold (Oct 31, 2024)
Norm Lewis and Nona Hendryx Will Headline Theater Resources Unlimited's 2024 TRU Love Benefit (Nov 9, 2024)
2024 IDEA AWARDS FOR THEATRE Recipients Announced (Nov 8, 2024)
Alvin Ailey's Opening Night Gala Will Honor Jody Gottfried Arnhold (Oct 31, 2024)
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 Westonâ€), 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 Britanniaâ€) 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
S. Mayumi Grigsby, Harry Lennix, Associate Director Tyrone Phillips, Ayanna Bria Bakari, Tamara Tunie, Director Phylicia Rashad, Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Glenn Davis, Jon Michael Hill, Alana Arenas and Kenya K. Merritt
Date:
03/27/2024
From: Photos: Go Inside Opening Night of PURPOSE at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
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From left, director Phylicia Rashad and cast member Kim Steele during the company celebration after the opening night performance of ?Blues for an Alabama Sky? at Center Theatre Group / Mark Taper For
Date:
04/14/2022
From: Photos: BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY Opens At Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum
From left, Josh Clapper, Center Theatre Group Managing Director/CEO Meghan Pressman and director Phylicia Rashad during the company celebration after the opening night performance of ?Blues for an A
Date:
04/14/2022
From: Photos: BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY Opens At Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum
From left, scenic designer John Iacovelli and director Phylicia Rashad during the company celebration after the opening night performance of ?Blues for an Alabama Sky? at Center Theatre Group / Mark T
Date:
04/14/2022
From: Photos: BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY Opens At Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum
From left, director Phylicia Rashad, cast members Joe Holt, Kim Steele, Nija Okoro, Greg Alverez Reid and Dennis Pearson during the company celebration after the opening night performance of ?Blues fo
Date:
04/14/2022
From: Photos: BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY Opens At Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum
STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
Productions
Movies
Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored
[ 1995 ] Ma Ponk
[ 1995 ] Ma Ponk
Loving Jezebel
[ 1999 ] Alice Melville
[ 1999 ] Alice Melville
The Visit
[ 2000 ] Dr. Coles
[ 2000 ] Dr. Coles
Rwanda Rising
[ 2007 ] Historical Narration
[ 2007 ] Historical Narration
Frankie & Alice
[ 2010 ] Edna
[ 2010 ] Edna
Just Wright
[ 2010 ] Ella McKnight
[ 2010 ] Ella McKnight
For Colored Girls
[ 2010 ] Gilda
[ 2010 ] Gilda
Good Deeds
[ 2012 ] Wilimena
[ 2012 ] Wilimena
Gods Behaving Badly
[ 2013 ] Demeter
[ 2013 ] Demeter
Creed
[ 2015 ] Mary Anne Creed
[ 2015 ] Mary Anne Creed
Creed II
[ 2018 ] Mary Anne Creed
[ 2018 ] Mary Anne Creed
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
[ 2020 ] Grandmother Journey
[ 2020 ] Grandmother Journey
Soul
[ 2020 ] Libba
[ 2020 ] Libba
Black Box
[ 2020 ] Lillian
[ 2020 ] Lillian
A Fall from Grace
[ 2020 ] Sarah
[ 2020 ] Sarah
tick, tick... BOOM!
[ 2021 ] Sunday Legend #12
[ 2021 ] Sunday Legend #12
Creed III
[ 2023 ] Mary Anne Creed
[ 2023 ] Mary Anne Creed
TV Shows
A Different World
Clair Huxtable
Clair Huxtable
Cosby
Ruth Lucas
Ruth Lucas
David Makes Man
Dr. Woods-Trap
Dr. Woods-Trap
Empire
Diana DuBois
Diana DuBois
Little Bill
Brenda, Brenda Glover
Brenda, Brenda Glover
Psych
Winnifred Guster
Winnifred Guster
The Cleveland Show
Dee Dee Tubbs
Dee Dee Tubbs
The Cosby Show
Clair Huxtable
Clair Huxtable
This Is Us
Carol Clarke
Carol Clarke
Touched by an Angel
Elizabeth Jessup
Elizabeth Jessup
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
Video: First Look at Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Phylicia Rashad-Directed PURPOSE
by Joshua Wright - Mar 21, 2024
Video: Watch a Trailer for Steppenwolf's PURPOSE, Directed by Phylicia Rashad
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 10, 2024
Video: Watch Billy Porter & Luke Evans' Surprise Performance at the Tribeca Film Festival After OUR SON Film Premiere
by Michael Major - Jun 12, 2023
Video: Watch Lillias White Talk HADESTOWN and Four-Decade Career on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Blair Ingenthron - May 28, 2023
Video: Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey & More Featured in BEING MARY TYLER MOORE Documentary Trailer
by Michael Major - May 9, 2023
VIDEO: Broadway Comes Out to Celebrate the Newly Dedicated James Earl Jones Theatre
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 14, 2022
VIDEO: Dominique Morisseau and Company Talk Bringing SKELETON CREW to Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 12, 2022
VIDEO: Lin-Manuel Miranda Says He Plans on Going to Every Broadway Show on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Sarah Leiber - Jun 9, 2021
VIDEO: Watch the Trailer for CHADWICK BOSEMAN: PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST on Netflix
by Sarah Leiber - Apr 13, 2021
VIDEO: Billy Porter, Phylicia Rashad, Uzo Aduba and More Honored at the 2020 Television Humanitarian Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 18, 2020
Video Flashback: Bryan Terrell Clark and Kamal Angelo Bolden in Center Theatre Group's IMMEDIATE FAMILY
by Stephi Wild - Jun 27, 2020
News
Norm Lewis and Nona Hendryx Will Headline Theater Resources Unlimited's 2024 TRU Love Benefit
Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) will present their first live gala since 2019, the 2024 TRU Love Benefit: Passion...Pass It On! this month. Learn more about the benefit and how to get tickets here!
Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) will present their first live gala since 2019, the 2024 TRU Love Benefit: Passion...Pass It On! this month. Learn more about the benefit and how to get tickets here!
2024 IDEA AWARDS FOR THEATRE Recipients Announced
The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation has announced the recipients of their 2024 Idea Awards for Theatre.
The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation has announced the recipients of their 2024 Idea Awards for Theatre.
Alvin Ailey's Opening Night Gala Will Honor Jody Gottfried Arnhold
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicks off its five-week holiday season on Wednesday, December 4 at 7pm with a star-studded Opening Night Gala, including a performance at New York City Center and party at Ziegfeld Ballroom. Check out all of the details here!
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicks off its five-week holiday season on Wednesday, December 4 at 7pm with a star-studded Opening Night Gala, including a performance at New York City Center and party at Ziegfeld Ballroom. Check out all of the details here!
FROM KABUL WITH LOVE & More Receive Theatre Aspen 2024 Solo Flights Project Advancement Fund Grant
Theatre Aspen has revealed two grant recipients of the 2024 Solo Flights Project Advancement Fund. Learn more about the Fund and about the projects.
Theatre Aspen has revealed two grant recipients of the 2024 Solo Flights Project Advancement Fund. Learn more about the Fund and about the projects.
Apple TV+ Offers Halloween Programming for the Entire Family This Spooky Season
Apple TV+ has lots to offer ghouls and goblins of all ages this fall, including the debut of the second season of DreamWorks Animation's adventure series, “CURSES!” on Friday, October 4. Guest voice stars on this one-of-a-kind spooky adventure series include horror legend Robert Englund, as well as James Marsters, Rhea Perlman, Phylicia Rashad, and more.
Apple TV+ has lots to offer ghouls and goblins of all ages this fall, including the debut of the second season of DreamWorks Animation's adventure series, “CURSES!” on Friday, October 4. Guest voice stars on this one-of-a-kind spooky adventure series include horror legend Robert Englund, as well as James Marsters, Rhea Perlman, Phylicia Rashad, and more.
Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand to Bring Harold Clurman In LET IT BE ART! To Athens
Ronald Rand will perform his acclaimed solo play LET IT BE ART! as Harold Clurman in Athens during the Global Arts Education Summit, marking nearly 25 years of world tours. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Ronald Rand will perform his acclaimed solo play LET IT BE ART! as Harold Clurman in Athens during the Global Arts Education Summit, marking nearly 25 years of world tours. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Apple TV+ Unveils CURSES! Season Two Sneak Peek
Apple TV+ has released a sneak peek clip from season two of the celebrated spooky adventure series from DreamWorks Animation, “CURSES!,” premiering globally on Friday, October 4. Watch it now!
Apple TV+ has released a sneak peek clip from season two of the celebrated spooky adventure series from DreamWorks Animation, “CURSES!,” premiering globally on Friday, October 4. Watch it now!
Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre, and More Take Home Equity Jeff Awards
The winners have been announced for the 2024 Joseph Jefferson Equity Awards, more commonly known as the Equity Jeff Awards. These awards are given for theatre arts produced in the Chicago area.
The winners have been announced for the 2024 Joseph Jefferson Equity Awards, more commonly known as the Equity Jeff Awards. These awards are given for theatre arts produced in the Chicago area.
Video: Apple TV+ Releases Trailer for CURSES Season 2
Apple TV+ has released the trailer for season two of the thrilling and spooky adventure series for kids from DreamWorks Animation, “CURSES!,” premiering globally on Friday, October 4.
Apple TV+ has released the trailer for season two of the thrilling and spooky adventure series for kids from DreamWorks Animation, “CURSES!,” premiering globally on Friday, October 4.
Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation Announces Liz Diamond as New SDCF Board President
Liz Diamond, Jonathan Parker, and Barbara Whitman have been announced as new members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF) Board of Trustees, bringing their extensive experience to the organization.
Liz Diamond, Jonathan Parker, and Barbara Whitman have been announced as new members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF) Board of Trustees, bringing their extensive experience to the organization.
How Jen Silverman Turned Family Drama Into a Hit Play
It's been almost a decade since Jen Silverman wrote The Roommate- a play that is making its Broadway debut this season with the help of the stage and screen power duo that is Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone. Jen checks in about the new play in this interview!
It's been almost a decade since Jen Silverman wrote The Roommate- a play that is making its Broadway debut this season with the help of the stage and screen power duo that is Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone. Jen checks in about the new play in this interview!
Darryl Reuben Hall Returns To The Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series Next Month
Darryl Reuben Hall, a celebrated Broadway artist, will perform a solo cabaret show at The Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series on September 25 and 26, 2024. Don't miss this special event.
Darryl Reuben Hall, a celebrated Broadway artist, will perform a solo cabaret show at The Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series on September 25 and 26, 2024. Don't miss this special event.
Len Cariou, Anthony Rapp And More Announced for Theatre Aspen SOLO FLIGHTS Festival
THEATRE ASPEN has announced the lineup for its fifth annual SOLO FLIGHTS festival, featuring a diverse range of solo performances. The festival continues to celebrate and showcase individual storytelling talent.
THEATRE ASPEN has announced the lineup for its fifth annual SOLO FLIGHTS festival, featuring a diverse range of solo performances. The festival continues to celebrate and showcase individual storytelling talent.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld August 15, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is August 15, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is August 15, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' PURPOSE, Directed by Phylicia Rashad, Will Arrive On Broadway in 2025
BroadwayWorld has just learned that the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company production of Purpose, written by Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and directed by Two-time Tony Award-winner Phylicia Rashad, will come to Broadway in spring 2025. We have all of the details!
BroadwayWorld has just learned that the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company production of Purpose, written by Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and directed by Two-time Tony Award-winner Phylicia Rashad, will come to Broadway in spring 2025. We have all of the details!
Leslie Uggams, Andrea Martin, & More Join THE GILDED AGE Season 3
A slew of new names have joined the third season of HBO's hit drama The Gilded Age. Bill Camp (Broadway's The Crucible), Merritt Wever, Leslie Uggams, and Lisagay Hamilton will all play key roles in Season 3's ensemble. Additionally, Tony Award winner Andrea Martin is set to portray a medium named Madame Dashkova.
A slew of new names have joined the third season of HBO's hit drama The Gilded Age. Bill Camp (Broadway's The Crucible), Merritt Wever, Leslie Uggams, and Lisagay Hamilton will all play key roles in Season 3's ensemble. Additionally, Tony Award winner Andrea Martin is set to portray a medium named Madame Dashkova.
Glen Powell and Taraji P. Henson Lead Two New Star-Studded Scripted Comedy Podcasts This Fall
Audible Inc. and Broadway Video Enterprises, has announced two new original comedy podcasts featuring A-list casts set to premiere this fall: The Best Man’s Ghostwriter, starring Glen Powell and Nicholas Braun, and Stranded, starring Taraji P. Henson and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Audible Inc. and Broadway Video Enterprises, has announced two new original comedy podcasts featuring A-list casts set to premiere this fall: The Best Man’s Ghostwriter, starring Glen Powell and Nicholas Braun, and Stranded, starring Taraji P. Henson and Tracee Ellis Ross.
56th Jeff Awards Nominations Revealed
The Jeff Awards revealed nominations for their 56th anniversary, celebrating excellence in Chicago's Equity theaters. Learn more!
The Jeff Awards revealed nominations for their 56th anniversary, celebrating excellence in Chicago's Equity theaters. Learn more!
Photos: Telly Leung Takes the Stage At Birdland Jazz
On Monday, July 22, Birdland presented Broadway leading man Telly Leung with a new concert, “Back to Birdland.” See photos from the show!
On Monday, July 22, Birdland presented Broadway leading man Telly Leung with a new concert, “Back to Birdland.” See photos from the show!
Pascale Armand, Fedna Jacquet & More to Star in BAD KREYOL World Premiere
Signature Theatre and Manhattan Theatre Club has revealed the cast of their world premiere co-production of Dominique Morisseau’s Bad Kreyol. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Signature Theatre and Manhattan Theatre Club has revealed the cast of their world premiere co-production of Dominique Morisseau’s Bad Kreyol. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
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, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun.
Videos