The long-running legal saga surrounding Bill Cosby, once hailed as America’s beloved TV father, has captivated the public for years. Now, as the 79-year-old actor faces charges of aggravated indecent assault after former basketball coach Andrea Constand accused him of drugging and assaulting her in 2004, many are asking: what do the women who once starred alongside him in The Cosby Show think about the scandal—and where are they now?
Keshia Knight Pulliam, who played Cosby’s youngest daughter Rudy, has been one of the most visible figures offering support to the embattled actor. But what about the rest of the female stars from the show? Here’s what they’ve been up to since the series ended—and their reactions to the scandal that’s rocked their former co-star’s legacy.
Keshia Knight Pulliam (Rudy Huxtable)
Keshia Knight Pulliam was just five years old when she was cast as Rudy, the adorable youngest Huxtable. By 1986, she became the youngest actress ever nominated for an Emmy Award for her role. After The Cosby Show, she starred in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and appeared in reality TV shows. In 2018, she gave birth to her first child.
Pulliam has been publicly supportive of Bill Cosby throughout his legal battles. She attended the opening day of his trial and explained that she believed in his innocence. “You’re innocent until proven guilty,” she told reporters. “The job now is for the two sides to prove their cases, and I accept whatever verdict is handed down.” She emphasized the importance of showing support for people even when things are difficult.
Phylicia Rashad (Clair Huxtable)
Phylicia Rashad, who played Cosby’s wife, Clair Huxtable, became an icon of grace and strength on television. After The Cosby Show, she enjoyed a successful career in theater, winning a Tony Award for her role in A Raisin in the Sun. She’s appeared in numerous films and TV series, continuing her work on stage, and even returned to work with Cosby on the 1996–2000 sitcom Cosby.
Rashad has been outspoken in her support for Cosby. In a 2015 interview, she suggested that the accusations against him were part of an orchestrated effort to destroy his legacy. “Someone is determined to keep Bill Cosby off TV, and it’s worked,” she said. Although she didn’t attend the start of his trial, a source close to her confirmed that her support has never wavered, and she remains available to help him if needed.
Lisa Bonet (Denise Huxtable)
Lisa Bonet, who played the rebellious and stylish Denise Huxtable, left The Cosby Show after a few seasons, and her character was spun off into A Different World. Bonet has remained somewhat distant from the controversy surrounding Cosby. After her split from her first husband, Lenny Kravitz, she married actor Jason Momoa in 2007, and the couple has two children.
Though Bonet has not made any public statements about Cosby’s case, her daughter, Zoë Kravitz, did tell The Guardian that her mother was “disgusted and concerned” by the scandal. While Bonet hasn’t spoken out directly, her silence speaks volumes, given her daughter’s candid remarks about the situation.
Sabrina Le Beauf (Sondra Huxtable)
Sondra, the oldest Huxtable child, was portrayed by Sabrina Le Beauf. After the show, she pursued a career in theater and interior design, appearing in Fatherhood and even guest-starring in Star Trek. Known for her quiet nature, Le Beauf has largely remained silent regarding the Cosby allegations. Despite the scandal, she has focused on her work, leading productions with the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., and expanding her interior design business.
To date, she has not publicly commented on Bill Cosby’s trial or the accusations against him.
Tempestt Bledsoe (Vanessa Huxtable)
Tempestt Bledsoe played the smart and sassy Vanessa Huxtable on The Cosby Show before moving on to host The Tempestt Bledsoe Show and later pursue a degree in finance. Bledsoe’s post-Cosby career included appearances in various TV shows and reality TV. However, like Le Beauf, she has not made any public statements regarding Cosby’s legal troubles.
Bledsoe’s silence on the issue has left fans wondering where she stands, but it seems she has opted to focus on her career and private life instead of addressing the ongoing controversy.
Raven-Symoné (Olivia Kendall)
Raven-Symoné was introduced to audiences as Olivia, the Huxtables’ young step-granddaughter. After The Cosby Show, Raven-Symoné became a Disney Channel star with That’s So Raven, which later led to a spinoff series, Raven’s Home. She’s had a successful career in entertainment and has spoken about her time on The Cosby Show, distancing herself from the scandal.
In 2015, Raven-Symoné addressed the Cosby allegations in an interview, stating, “He gave me my first job. He’s the reason I’m on this panel in the first place.” While she acknowledged the accusations, she said she would reserve judgment until all the facts were presented. She has also made it clear on social media that she was never personally affected by Cosby, saying, “Everyone on that show treated me with nothing but kindness.”
The women of The Cosby Show have had varying reactions to the allegations against Bill Cosby, with some offering public support, while others have chosen silence. Despite their differing stances, each of these actresses has continued to carve out their own paths in Hollywood and beyond. While the shadow of Cosby’s legal battles may forever be a part of their shared history, these women’s careers and voices stand apart from the controversy that has overshadowed the once-beloved sitcom.
