Once the most iconic family on television, the cast of The Cosby Show became household names in the 1980s and early ’90s. But what happened to the beloved Huxtables after the cameras stopped rolling? And how did the show’s dark legacy impact their lives?
Here’s a look at the stunning journey of The Cosby Show stars — before and after the fame, and the shadow that never quite left.
Bill Cosby (Cliff Huxtable): From America’s Dad to America’s Shame
Then: The patriarch of the Huxtable family, Cosby was hailed as a genius — actor, writer, producer, and moral voice for a generation.
Now: In 2018, Cosby was convicted of sexual assault, serving time before his release in 2021 due to legal technicalities. His legacy is in ruins. Awards rescinded. Shows canceled. What was once admiration has turned into national disgust.
Phylicia Rashad (Clair Huxtable): Dignified On-Screen, Divisive Off
Then: As Clair Huxtable, she was the picture of elegance — a powerful lawyer and mom who balanced family and career.
Now: Rashad enjoyed continued success on stage and TV (Empire, This Is Us), but stirred controversy in 2021 for defending Cosby after his release. While still respected in theater circles, her loyalty to Cosby created backlash among fans and fellow actors.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner (Theo Huxtable): From Teen Heartthrob to Respected Actor
Then: As the only son in the Huxtable clan, Warner was a relatable, lovable figure for young audiences.
Now: Warner has reinvented himself with serious roles in The Resident, American Crime Story, and music projects. Though he rarely speaks about Cosby, he’s called the experience “complicated and heartbreaking.”
Lisa Bonet (Denise Huxtable): The Rebel Who Saw It Coming
Then: Denise was the free-spirited daughter, known for her fashion and independence — on-screen and off.
Now: Bonet had a famously tense relationship with Cosby, who reportedly disliked her bold persona and risqué roles (Angel Heart). After leaving the show, she forged her own path. Today, she remains a cult icon, recently divorced from actor Jason Momoa.
Keshia Knight Pulliam (Rudy Huxtable): From Child Star to Advocate
Then: America fell in love with Rudy, the adorable youngest Huxtable child.
Now: Pulliam has maintained a modest acting career and became a vocal advocate for women’s rights — a notable contrast to her defense of Cosby early on, which she later walked back. She now focuses on family and social impact work.
Tempestt Bledsoe (Vanessa Huxtable): Low-Key But Still Working
Then: As the sassy, brainy middle child, Bledsoe added humor and depth to the show.
Now: She’s kept a lower profile, appearing in guest roles and hosting shows like Clean House. She’s often praised for her dignity in the face of the scandal, staying neutral and avoiding public drama.
A Legacy Forever Changed
The Cosby Show gave the world an unforgettable family — but real life was far messier than the scripts. Some cast members rose. Others vanished. And all were touched, in some way, by the downfall of the man at its center.
