Phylicia Rashad
Also Credited As: Phylicia Ayers-Allen
Birth Place: Houston, TX, USA
Latest News on Phylicia Rashad:
Bishop Arts Theatre to Present FANNIE: THE MUSIC & LIFE OF FANNIE LOU HAMER (Apr 16, 2024)
Steppenwolf Theatre's PURPOSE Extends Through Mid May (Apr 4, 2024)
Liz Callaway, Hugh Panaro & More to Join Amas Musical Theatre Benefit Concert (Apr 2, 2024)
Bishop Arts Theatre to Present FANNIE: THE MUSIC & LIFE OF FANNIE LOU HAMER (Apr 16, 2024)
Steppenwolf Theatre's PURPOSE Extends Through Mid May (Apr 4, 2024)
Liz Callaway, Hugh Panaro & More to Join Amas Musical Theatre Benefit Concert (Apr 2, 2024)
Phylicia Rashad 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.
Phylicia Rashad 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, 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
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
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Cast members Mark Jude Sullivan, Cynda Williams, Playwright Paul Oakley Stovall and cast members Kamal Angelo Bolden, Shanesia Davis, Bryan Terrell Clark, J. Nicole Brooks and Director Phylicia Rashad
Date:
05/04/2015
From: Photo Flash: Phylicia Rashad and the Cast of IMMEDIATE FAMILY Celebrate Opening Night at the Taper
Condola Rashad & mom Phylicia Rashad attending the 65th Annual Theatre World Awards held at the MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in New York City. The Theatre World Award celebrates the oldest Award given for Broadway and Off-Broadway Debuts. June 2, 2009
Date:
05/06/2012
From: Photo Blast From The Past: 2012 Tony Nominees - The Woman
CULVER CITY, CA - JANUARY 22: (L-R) Cast member Kenya Alexander, Director Phylicia Rashad and cast members Kevin T. Carroll, Deidrie Henry and Kim Staunton pose during the party for the opening night performance of Ebony Repertory Theatre's production of
Date:
01/23/2012
From: Photo Flash: A RAISIN IN THE SUN Opens at CTG/Kirk Douglas Theatre
Phylicia Rashad STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
Phylicia Rashad Productions
Phylicia Rashad 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
Phylicia Rashad 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
Phylicia Rashad 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
Phylicia Rashad 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
VIDEO: BLUE Celebrates Mothers' Day, Featuring Lynn Whitfield, Phylicia Rashad, and More!
by Stephi Wild - May 10, 2020
Phylicia Rashad News
Bishop Arts Theatre to Present FANNIE: THE MUSIC & LIFE OF FANNIE LOU HAMER
Bishop Arts Theatre Center will continue its 30th Anniversary season with the Regional premiere of Cheryl West’s Fannie: The Music & Life of Fannie Lou Hamer, a collaborative production with Dallas Theater Center. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Steppenwolf Theatre's PURPOSE Extends Through Mid May
Steppenwolf Theatre Company will present two additional weeks of performances for its world premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ epic family drama Purpose. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Liz Callaway, Hugh Panaro & More to Join Amas Musical Theatre Benefit Concert
Amas Musical Theatre has revealed the line-up of talent that will be on hand to celebrate the company's 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert. Learn more about the gala and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Get a First Look at Steppenwolf Theatre's PURPOSE
Steppenwolf Theatre Company is continuing its 48th season with the world premiere of Purpose. Check out footage!
Tory Kittles, Brittany Inge & Stori Ayers to Star in HOME on Broadway
Roundabout Theatre Company has revealed the complete cast for the new production of Home by Samm-Art Williams, not seen on Broadway in more than 40 years, directed by Kenny Leon. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Go Inside Opening Night of PURPOSE at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
Check out photos from opening night of Purpose at Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
Photos: First Look at Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' PURPOSE at Steppenwolf
Steppenwolf Theatre Company is continuing its 48th season with the world premiere of Purpose, an epic family drama by two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Get a first look at photos.
Review: PURPOSE at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has set the table for one hell of a family dinner in PURPOSE. Directed by Phylicia Rashad in a world premiere for Steppenwolf, this family drama keenly focuses on the privileged Jasper family, whose patriarch is a Civil Rights icon. The first act moves at a brilliant clip with lots of darkly funny moments during a contentious family drama, then unspools into a more serious and somber contemplation of the skeletons in the family’s closet in the second.
Video: First Look at Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Phylicia Rashad-Directed PURPOSE
Get a first look at Steppenwolf Theatre Company's world premiere of Purpose, an epic family drama by two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad. Check out the video!
THE COLOR PURPLE, Colman Domingo, and More Take Home NAACP Image Awards - Full List of Winners!
The 55th Annual NAACP Image Awards were announced during a ceremony on Saturday, March 16th. See the full list of winners here!
Video: Watch a Trailer for Steppenwolf's PURPOSE, Directed by Phylicia Rashad
Steppenwolf Theatre Company has released a trailer for their production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' PURPOSE. Watch video footage here!
Steppenwolf Theatre's PURPOSE World Premiere Extends Through Late April
Steppenwolf Theatre Company's world premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ epic family drama Purpose has added one additional week of performances. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: First Look at Steppenwolf Theatre Company's PURPOSE in Rehearsal
Check out rehearsal photos for Steppenwolf Theatre Company's world premiere of Purpose, an epic family drama by two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad, here!
Amas Musical Theatre To Honor Patricia Birch And Len Cariou At 55th Annual Benefit Gala Concert
Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Baruch Performing Arts Center.
Industry Pro Newsletter: North Carolina Theater Files for Chapter 11, Second Stage Gives Up the Kiser
The restructuring of the industry continues - in North Carolina, Raleigh has lost one of its major institutions (for the time being) as North Carolina Theater suspends their 2024 season and files for bankruptcy. The labor movement continues to notch wins in New York, as the Atlantic Theater workers have voted to join IATSE.
Looking at the Lack of Theater Journalism and Saying Goodbye to Lynda Gravátt
We’ve all heard about the shuttering of media outlets and the departure of entertainment journalists from publications still in business. In the last couple of months, I’ve been thinking a lot about how the dearth of theater coverage is changing our perception of the art form.
Photos: First Look at On the Verge Theatre's TIED
In honor of Black History Month, On the Verge Theatre is presenting Tied, a one-man play by Crystal Rae on-stage February 22 - 25, 2024 at Bering Church. Check out production photos here!
Meet the Cast of THE OUTSIDERS, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!
The Broadway premiere of The Outsiders, the new musical based on the novel by S.E. Hinton & Francis Ford Coppola’s film, begins previews tonight, Saturday, March 16. Meet the cast of The Outsiders here!
Photos: Phylicia Rashad Directs the World Premiere of PURPOSE By Branden Jacobs- Jenkins At Steppenwolf Theatre Company
Steppenwolf Theatre Company will continue its 48th season with the world premiere of Purpose, an epic family drama by two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad. See photos of the company! Purpose will play March 14 – April 21, 2024 in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theater.
TIED to Play On The Verge Theatre This Month
In honor of Black History Month, On the Verge Theatre will present Tied, a one-man play by Crystal Rae on-stage February 22 - 25, 2024. Learn more about the production here!
Phylicia Rashad 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?
Phylicia Rashad has been nominated for several awards throughout her career, including Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Skeleton Crew," Distinguished Performance Awards at the Drama League Awards for "Skeleton Crew," Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Skeleton Crew," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Skeleton Crew," and a Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for "Head of Passes." She was also nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play at The Lortels for "Head of Passes," Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Resident Play at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Every Tongue Confess," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Gem of the Ocean," Best Leading Actress in a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for "A Raisin In The Sun," Outstanding Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Raisin in the Sun," Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "A Raisin in the Sun," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "A Raisin in the Sun," Outstanding Lead Actress at The Lortels for "Blue," and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Play at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Blues for an Alabama Sky."
What awards has Phylicia Rashad won?
Phylicia Rashad has won several awards, including Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Skeleton Crew," Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play at The Lortels for "Head of Passes," Best Leading Actress in a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for "A Raisin In The Sun," Outstanding Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Raisin in the Sun," and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "A Raisin in the Sun."
Videos
