Where Is the Cast of ‘The Cosby Show’ Now — 30 Pics

Time has a way of reshaping even the brightest memories. For those who once welcomed the Huxtable family into their homes, the actors behind those familiar faces live on in nostalgia — even as their real lives unfolded in far more complicated and unexpected ways.

Some stepped out of the spotlight. Some kept building careers. Others faced battles that changed the course of their lives. Nearly four decades after its debut, the cast of the show “The Cosby Show” has spread out in unexpected and sometimes heartbreaking directions.

The full cast of the hit series “The Cosby Show,” circa 1991. | Source: Getty Images

When the culture-shaping series first arrived on NBC in 1984, it didn’t just launch a sitcom — it quietly shifted the entire rhythm of American television. The show depicted a successful Black family — a doctor, Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable, and his lawyer wife, raising five children — offering joy, stability, and warmth at a time when such portrayals were rare.

The Huxtable family on “The Cosby Show,” dated March 3, 2012. | Source: Getty Images

It quickly became one of the most popular sitcoms in history, praised for its cultural impact and broad appeal. But what happened to the stars after the Huxtables said goodbye?

Vanessa, Theo, and Rudy Huxtable photographed together on the set of “The Cosby Show.” | Source: Getty Images

Those familiar faces grew up, moved on, and built lives far beyond the soundstage audiences remember. Here’s where they are now.

Dr. Heathcliff, Clair, Denise, Theo, Sondra, Vanessa, and Rudy Huxtable of “The Cosby Show,” circa 1990. | Source: Getty Images

1. Legal Turmoil and Family Tragedy: Bill Cosby

Bill’s career reached its peak through “The Cosby Show,” which became his most successful work. After the sitcom ended, he starred in “Cosby” (1996 – 2000), once again alongside Phylicia Rashad.

Doctor Heathcliff ‘Cliff’ Huxtable and his family on “The Cosby Show” circa 1989. | Source: Getty Images

A snapshot from the era, showing how closely he became tied to the character. But the stability and success of his early career eventually gave way to a far more turbulent chapter, both publicly and privately.

His later public life was dominated by legal battles, including a 2018 conviction overturned in 2021 because a prior deal should have prevented the case.

Bill Cosby as Dr. Heathcliff ‘Cliff’ Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” circa 1989. | Source: Getty Images

His daughter, Ensa Cosby — one of his most vocal public defenders during the 2018 proceedings — died at 44 from a renal condition. His son, Ennis Cosby, had already been murdered in a failed robbery in 1997.

Bill Cosby on the set of “The Cosby Show,” circa 1990. | Source: Getty Images

Rumors about trouble in Bill and Camille Cosby’s marriage resurfaced that same year, 2018. Still, his spokesperson firmly dismissed the speculation, calling it unfounded and emphasizing that the couple remained together in their Philadelphia home. Meanwhile, in December 2022, five women filed new sexual assault lawsuits against the comedian.

Bill Cosby arrives for sentencing for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania on September 24, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

2. From Huxtable Matriarch to Academic Leader: Phylicia Rashad

Phylicia’s portrayal of Clair Huxtable helped shape the show’s warmth and identity, becoming one of its most recognizable anchors. Her mini-biography notes her upbringing in Texas and Mexico, her artistic family — including sister Debbie Allen — and her fluency in Spanish.

Phylicia Rashad as Clair Hanks Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” in 1987 | Source: Getty Images

Phylicia later stepped into academic leadership, taking the helm of Howard University’s College of Fine Arts as its dean. Though the role pulled her into a more public space than she usually preferred, she committed to a three-year term and saw it through before shifting her focus back to her creative and educational pursuits.

Phylicia Rashad arrives at the 16th Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood, California on November 16, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

3. A Child Star Grows Up: Tempestt Bledsoe

Tempestt, born on August 11, 1973, in Chicago, Illinois, made her mark early as the adventurous Vanessa Huxtable. For her role on the 1984 hit series, she received nominations for Outstanding Youth Actor/Actress and Favorite TV Actress, among others.

Tempestt Bledsoe as Vanessa Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” in 1987 | Source: Getty Images

At 52 years old today, her later roles have included work on the 2013 animation “ParaNorman” and other film and TV projects, such as the 2010 thriller “N-Secure.” In 2013, she was nominated for the Best Voice Performance in the animated movie, “ParaNorman.”

Tempestt Bledsoe at GBK’s Oscars Gift Lounge 2013 at Sofitel Hotel in Los Angeles, California on February 22. | Source: Getty Images

4. Spotlight and Success: Keshia Knight Pulliam

Keisha became a national sensation as Rudy Huxtable, the youngest child of the family, on the sitcom. She was previously married to Ed Hartwell.

Keshia Knight Pulliam as Rudy Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” circa 1990 | Source: Getty Images

After her years on the sitcom, she continued building on that early momentum, taking on roles in “House of Payne” and “Madea Goes to Jail.” Today, she balances life as an actress, director, producer, and mother.

Keshia Knight Pulliam is seen in New York City on March 28, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

5. Private Life and Public Legacy: Lisa Bonet

Lisa had her upbringing in California, her early commercial work at 11, and her rapid climb to fame after joining the hit series at 16 as Denise Huxtable. Her marriage to musician Lenny Kravitz in 1987 — and the birth of daughter Zoë Isabella in 1988 — made her a regular in entertainment headlines.

Lisa Bonet as Denise Huxtable Kendall pictured on “The Cosby Show,” season 7 in 1990 | Source: Getty Images

Lisa, who now goes by Lilakoi Moon, has kept her personal life private in recent years. She later had two children — Lola Lolani and Nakoa-Wolf Momoa — with actor Jason Momoa, as reported by People.

Lilakoi Moon attends the VIP North American premiere of Sebatiao Salgado’s “Amazonia” exhibition at California Science Center in Los Angeles on October 19, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

6. A Sudden Loss: Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Malcolm-Jamal, who portrayed Theodore Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” from 1984 to 1992, died at the age of 54 after drowning in Costa Rica.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Theodore ‘Theo’ Huxtable, captured on “The Cosby Show,” season 7 in 1990 | Source: Getty Images

According to BBC News, authorities in Costa Rica said he was pulled out by a strong ocean current while swimming at Playa Grande in Cocles. The sudden loss left many who had grown up watching him as Theo Huxtable stunned and grieving.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner visits SiriusXM Studios in New York City on June 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Phylicia Rashad speaks onstage besides a photo of Malcolm-Jamal Warner (1970 – 2025) during the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre at LA Live in California on September 14, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

7. Stage Life Beyond Sitcom Fame: Sabrina Le Beauf

Sabrina was born in New Orleans and raised in Los Angeles. Beyond her role as Sondra Huxtable, she brought her talent to the stage in the Ephrons’ “Love, Loss, and What I Wore,” appearing in productions at New York’s Westside Theater, the Delaware Theater Center, and the Scottsdale Center for the Arts.

Sabrina LeBeauf as Sondra Huxtable Tibideaux pictured on the set of “The Cosby Show.” | Source: Getty Images

Away from the sitcom spotlight, she has remained rooted in the stage, building a long and respected career in classical theater. She also stepped into hosting, leading the four-part environmental series “In Your Own Backyard” for New York public television.

Sabrina LeBeauf, Marijke Ebbinge, and Stacy Keach attend the Pasadena Playhouse Presents “The Originalist” in California on April 13, 2017. | Source: Getty Images

8. Steady Work and Family Life: Geoffrey Owens

Geoffrey became beloved as Sondra’s husband, Elvin Tibideaux, on the sitcom “The Cosby Show.” He has been married to Josette Huber since 1995. They have one child.

Geoffrey Owens as Sondra Huxtable’s husband, Elvin Tibideaux on “The Cosby Show.” | Source: Getty Images

Over the years, his work has stretched across acting and directing, and he continues to appear in both television and film. He has worked on the 2025 movie “Nonnas.”

Geoffrey Owens at the “Never Let Go” world premiere held at Regal Times Square in New York City on September 16, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

9. Stardom After the Sitcom: Raven-Symoné

Raven’s career took off early, with her breakout role as Olivia Kendall on the 1984 sitcom. However, her rise to major stardom was through “That’s So Raven” and other projects.

Raven Symone as Olivia Kendall on “The Cosby Show,” circa 1991. | Source: Getty Images

Raven Symone as Olivia Kendall, and Bill Cosby as Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable are seen on the set of “The Cosby Show,” circa 1991. | Source: Getty Images

In an interview with PEOPLE in 2020, she shared that her quiet wedding to Miranda Pearman-Maday felt deeply personal and meaningful, shaped entirely around what the two of them wanted their future to look like.

Raven-Symoné poses at “The League” in Los Angeles, California on September 25, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

10. Life Behind and In Front of the Camera: Joseph C. Phillips

Joseph, who played Denise’s husband, Martin Kendall, in the beloved sitcom, was born on January 17, 1962, in Denver, Colorado.

Joseph Phillips as Lieutenant Martin Kendall and Lisa Bonet as Denise Huxtable Kendall on the set of “The Cosby Show.” on October 12, 1989. | Source: Getty Images

Now, he is an actor and director, known for the 2017 teenage drama series “13 Reasons Why,” the 2014 series “How to Get Away with Murder,” and the 2005 series “Criminal Minds.” He was previously married to Nicole Philips. His work in both film and television has kept him active in the industry, though he has largely maintained a quieter public profile in recent years.

Joseph C. Phillips on the “It Was the Worst Day of My Life” episode on the series, “How to Get Away with Murder,” on October 25, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

As the years passed, each cast member’s life moved in its own direction — a truth reflected in the rare moments they have shared publicly since the show ended.

Stevie Wonder presents the Impact Award to the cast of “The Cosby Show” at the 9th Annual TV Land Awards in New York City on April 10, 2011. | Source: Getty Images

The cast of “The Cosby Show” reunites on the “Today” show to discuss the series and its 25th Anniversary Commemorative Edition on May 19, 2009. | Source: Getty Images

Bill Cosby accepts the Impact Award alongside Stevie Wonder, Phylicia Rashad, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner at the 9th Annual TV Land Awards in New York City on April 10, 2011. | Source: Getty Images

Yet the connection they built with audiences endures, a reminder of how deeply their work once resonated and how lasting their impact remains.