Age: 78
female
Phylicia Rashad (née Ayers-Allen; born June 19, 1948) is an American actress. She was most recently dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University before her three-year contract ended in May 2024. Known for her roles on stage and screen, she has received two Tony Awards as well as nominations for six Primetime Emmy Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She is best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom The Cosby Show (1984–1992) which earned her two Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series nominations in 1985 and 1986. She also played Ruth Lucas on Cosby (1996–2000), and Brenda Glover in Little Bill (1999–2004). She was also Emmy-nominated for her roles in A Raisin in the Sun (2008) and This Is Us (2019–2021). On stage, Rashad became the first Black actress to win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play, for a revival of A Raisin in the Sun (2004). She won her second Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for Dominique Morisseau's Skeleton Crew (2022). Her other Broadway credits include Into the Woods (1988), Jelly's Last Jam (1993), Gem of the Ocean (2004), and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (2008). She has appeared in various films such as For Colored Girls (2010), Good Deeds (2012), Creed (2015), Creed II (2018), Creed III (2023), and The Beekeeper (2024). She lent her voice to the Disney-Pixar animated film Soul (2020). In the 21st century, she has directed revivals of three plays by August Wilson, in major theaters in Seattle, Princeton, New Jersey; and Los Angeles. She also directed Purpose (play) in its 2024-2025 run at the Helen Hayes Theater on Broadway.
Phylicia Rashād
Lula Mae Hardaway
for Lula Mae Hardaway in Wonderful: The Stevie Wonder Story
Suggested by rebelvision
Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 1960s and 70s, "Wonderful" chronicles the life of Stevie Wonder from his childhood in Detroit, where he discovered his extraordinary musical talent at a young age despite his blindness. Raised by a single mother who believed in his dreams, Stevie's unwavering determination and innate musical genius propelled him to stardom. The film takes the audience on a compelling journey as Stevie Wonder signs with Motown Records at just 11 years old and releases a string of hits that captivate the world. It explores his unique ability to blend genres, from soul and R&B to pop and funk, and how he used his music as a powerful platform for social change during the civil rights movement. Stevie's anthem "Living for the City" becomes an anthem for the era, and his album "Songs in the Key of Life" solidifies his place in music history. As Stevie navigates the complexities of fame, the film delves into his personal life, including his triumphs and struggles, his enduring friendship with Ray Charles, and his deep commitment to philanthropy. It also highlights the enduring impact of his music, which continues to inspire and connect generations of fans around the world.
