Phylicia Rashad is a name that needs no introduction. Her iconic role as Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show made her quite relatable to a wide audience. She almost feels like everybody’s favorite aunt. To many, she was even the mom they wished they had.
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Speaking of which, Phylicia often spoke openly about motherhood and how much it meant to her. She always kept her children out of the public eye,though.
The fans never stopped wondering and were especially curious about her eldest son, William Lancelot Bowles III.
Who Is William Lancelot Bowles III?
William Lancelot Bowles III is an intriguing character on account of being a Hollywood kid who preferred escaping the limelight. Unlike most celebrity family members, he chose to lead a quiet life.
Bowles was born in 1973, a year after his parents marriage. Little is known about William’s father, except that he was a dentist. William Lancelot Bowles Jr and Phylicia Rashad tied the knot in 1972, but soon untied it in 1975. At the time, their son, William was only three.
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The divorce didn’t affect him radically the way it does older children. However, the ripples of that early separation could have echoed for many years. Nevertheless, he grew up with a strong sense of family values, instilled by his mother.
In an interview, Phylicia talked about the importance of family and serious parenting. She said, “Raising children is about more than providing—they need your time, your ear, and your love.”
To truly appreciate William’s story, it’s essential to get to know his mother better.
Phylicia Rashad: A Star and Devoted Mother
Born on June 19, 1948, in Houston, Texas, Phylicia Rashad grew up in a family that celebrated the arts and education.
Her mother, Vivian Ayers, was a Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet. Similarly, her sister, Debbie Allen, is a celebrated actress, dancer, and choreographer. Her brother Tex Allen is also a musician.
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Rashad rose to fame as the poised and loving Claire Huxtable. It’s a role that made her a household name and cemented her place as an icon in television history.
Career and Achievements
Other notable works include Once Upon a Time…When We Were Colored (1995) and Loving Jezebel (1999). She stayed away from acting for a few years, then returned to the screens with Just Wright (2010), Good Deeds (2012), and A Fall from Grace (2020).
Despite her success, Rashad always prioritized her role as a mother. She often spoke about the delicate balance between her career and raising her children. It’s easy to notice how much her presence in their lives meant to her.
In an interview with Screen Rant, she discusses motherhood and her role in the animated movie Soul, “Oh, sure. Libba is Joe’s mother. And, like most mothers, she wants what she considers is the very best for him.” She added then, “And what she doesn’t see is that what she thinks he needs isn’t what he needs at all.”
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Her liberal ideas and willingness to empower her children must have contributed significantly to their individuality. It also explains why her eldest son, Willian didn’t fancy fame too much, while his half-sister, Condola Rashad embraced it.
Siblings and Family Bonds
Phylicia Rashard was married three times. The first was to William’s father, and it didn’t last too long.
The second time was three years after the divorce, in 1978, and that was to Victor Mills, who was the original lead singer of the Village People. Their union lasted only four years, and in 1982, Rashad was single again.
The third time Phylicia walked down the aisle with sportscaster and former NBA player, Ahmad Rashad. They had a daughter together, Condola Rashad, and so William had a half-sister from his mother’s side.
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Unlike her brother, William, Condola Rashad was attracted to acting, theatres, music, and the whole business of entertainment ever since she was a child. She has already carved a name for herself with notable Broadway and TV roles, like her appearance on Billions.
Despite their different paths, it is said the siblings share a strong bond.
A Legacy of Love and Abundance
For Rashad, family isn’t just a foundation, it’s the heart of everything she does. Whether through her work as an actress, or her dedication as a mother, she embodies the idea of strength and compassion.
Throughout that time, Phylicia managed to amass an admirable fortune of $25 million. Her first husband, William’s father, probably has $1.5 million from his practice as a dentist. Between the two of them, William enjoyed a wealth of emotional and material sufficiency.
The Takeaway
While much of William Lancelot Bowles III’s life remains behind the curtain, his story reminds us that fame isn’t the only path for celebrity children. Phylicia Rashad’s dedication to her family shines through her son’s grounded and private lifestyle.
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