The Cosby Show cast is currently grieving the unexpected loss of one of their beloved members. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who brilliantly portrayed the character of Theodore “Theo” Huxtable, tragically passed away in July 2025 due to an accidental drowning incident while on vacation in beautiful Costa Rica. At the time of his passing, he was just 54 years old and is remembered fondly by his wife and daughter, who survive him. His untimely death has left a significant impact on fans and co-stars alike, highlighting the profound connections formed during the show’s run.
For those curious about the journeys of the remaining cast members from The Cosby Show, we’ve compiled a detailed update on where these former co-stars have been and what they have been up to since the show’s end. Each cast member has charted their own unique path, contributing to the entertainment industry in various ways, and many continue to be influential figures in television and film.
Bill Cosby’s Controversial Journey as “Cliff Huxtable” and Its Consequences
In 2018, Bill Cosby, best known for his role as the charismatic father Cliff Huxtable, was found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand back in 2004. This conviction marked a significant moment in the #MeToo movement, as the once-beloved comedian faced justice for his actions. He was sentenced to a prison term of three to ten years following his conviction on three counts of aggravated indecent assault. Numerous women have come forward with allegations against Cosby, detailing experiences of rape, sexual battery, and various forms of sexual misconduct, casting a long shadow over his legacy.
Despite serving time, Bill’s conviction was vacated in June 2021 by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania due to the violation of his 5th and 14th Amendment rights. However, in 2022, he faced further legal repercussions when he was found liable for sexually assaulting Judy Huth, who was just 16 years old at the time of the incident. This ongoing saga continues to evoke strong reactions from the public and serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability.
Phylicia Rashad: Celebrated Actress and Iconic “Clair Huxtable”
Celebrated as one of the most iconic maternal figures on television, Phylicia Rashad portrayed the strong and loving Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show. After the show concluded in 1992, she returned to her roots in theater, where she continued to shine. In 2004, Rashad made history by winning the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Play for her role as Lena Younger in a revival of A Raisin in the Sun, making her the first African American actress to achieve this honor. Her career has remained vibrant, with recent acclaim for her portrayal of Carole Clarke in the hit series This Is Us, which earned her multiple Emmy nominations. Phylicia’s contributions to the arts and representation in media continue to inspire many.
Lisa Bonet: The Trailblazing “Denise Huxtable” and Her Evolution
The beloved and rebellious character of Denise Huxtable was brought to life by Lisa Bonet, who quickly became a fan favorite after her debut on The Cosby Show. Denise’s unique style and personality resonated with audiences, leading to her own spin-off series, A Different World. While her performance in the initial season garnered mixed reviews, Lisa’s journey continued as she and her then-husband Lenny Kravitz announced their pregnancy, resulting in the birth of their daughter, Zoe Kravitz, in 1988. Following a return to The Cosby Show in 1989, Lisa experienced personal changes, including her divorce from Lenny in 1993 and her marriage to Jason Momoa in 2017. Together, they welcomed daughter Lola in 2007 and son Nakoa-Wolf in 2008. Lisa has continued her acting career, appearing in notable films like Enemy of the State and High Fidelity, as well as in various television series such as Drunk History, Girls, The Red Road, and Ray Donovan.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner: From “Theo Huxtable” to Multifaceted Artist
The world initially embraced Malcolm-Jamal Warner as the affable and kind-hearted Theo Huxtable, a character that resonated with many viewers. Following his successful stint on The Cosby Show, Malcolm embarked on a prolific career spanning various genres. He lent his voice to The Producer on the beloved PBS show The Magic School Bus, showcasing his versatility. Additionally, he starred, directed, and produced the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, where he also directed several episodes of The Cosby Show. His directorial work extended to popular series such as All That and Kenan & Kel. Malcolm has made memorable appearances on shows like American Horror Story, The Resident, and portrayed Al “A.C.” Cowlings in the first season of American Crime Story. Sadly, his life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 54 in July 2025 due to asphyxia resulting from drowning while vacationing in Costa Rica.
Tempestt Bledsoe: The Journey of “Vanessa Huxtable” Beyond the Show
Portraying the fourth child of Cliff and Clair Huxtable, Tempestt Bledsoe grew up in front of audiences as Vanessa Huxtable, navigating the complexities of adolescence. After the conclusion of The Cosby Show, Tempestt hosted The Tempestt Bledsoe Show and secured a recurring role on the legal drama The Practice. In the late 2000s, she voiced the character Abbey in the animated series The Replacements, and appeared in the short-lived sitcom Guys With Kids in 2013. A proud graduate of New York University, Tempestt has also made appearances on reality shows such as Househusbands of Hollywood, Clean House, and The Talk, showcasing her enduring presence in the entertainment industry.
Keshia Knight Pulliam: The Remarkable Legacy of “Rudy Huxtable”
As the adorable and quick-witted Rudy Huxtable, Keshia Knight Pulliam made history by becoming the youngest actress ever nominated for an Emmy at the tender age of 6. Her portrayal of the charming fifth Huxtable child captured the hearts of viewers everywhere. Following her time on The Cosby Show, Keshia appeared in a variety of television shows and reality programs, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Since 2007, she has played the role of Miranda Lucas Payne on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, solidifying her status in the industry. Keshia has also made appearances on reality television, including Celebrity Big Brother, and starred in the Lifetime movie Radio Christmas, as well as in the reimagined version of Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta.
Sabrina Le Beauf: The Evolution of “Sondra Huxtable” in the Series
As the eldest Huxtable child, Sondra Huxtable, portrayed by Sabrina Le Beauf, initially did not exist in the pilot episode of The Cosby Show but was later integrated into the storyline as a college sophomore. Sabrina skillfully brought Sondra to life throughout the series, contributing to the show’s dynamic family narrative. After her time on The Cosby Show, she appeared in various productions, including Star Trek: The Next Generation, the animated series Fatherhood, and The Sinbad Show. Additionally, Sabrina has collaborated with the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C., demonstrating her commitment to the performing arts and her versatility as an actress.
Raven-Symoné: From “Olivia Kendall” to a Multifaceted Star
Though many recognize her from the hit show That’s So Raven, Raven-Symoné first made her mark as the adorable Olivia on The Cosby Show. In the time between her appearances on The Cosby Show and her self-titled show, Raven showcased her talents in Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper and starred in several notable films, including the Dr. Doolittle series featuring Eddie Murphy, College Road Trip, and the popular Cheetah Girls franchise. She briefly took on the role of co-host on The View and competed on season two of The Masked Singer, further expanding her career in the entertainment industry.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member is available to provide confidential, judgment-free support and connect you with local resources to assist in healing and recovery.
