Phylicia Rashad’s ex-spouses are William Lancelot Bowles Jr., Victor Willis, and Ahmad Rashad.
Her first husband was William Lancelot Bowles Jr., a dentist. She married singer Victor Willis three years after her marriage to Knowles ended. Her recent marriage to Ahmad Rashad, a former NFL wide receiver and sportscaster, lasted from 1985 – 2001.
In this article, we will delve into the lives of these ex-spouses, exploring their relationships with Rashad and their impact on her life and career. Join us as we uncover the stories of the men once married to the remarkable Phylicia Rashad.
How Old Is Phylicia Rashad?
Phylicia Rashad is 75 years old as of 2024. She was born Phylicia Ayers-Allen in Houston, Texas, on June 19, 1948. Her mother, Vivian Ayers, is a highly respected artist, poet, playwright, scholar, and publisher who was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Phylicia’s father, Andrew Arthur Allen, worked as an orthodontist.
She grew up alongside her siblings, including her brother Tex, a talented jazz musician; her sister Debbie Allen, a well-known actress, choreographer, and director; and her brother Hugh Allen, now a real estate banker in Charlotte, North Carolina.
When Phylicia was just six years old, her parents divorced. Seven years later, her mother made the bold decision to move with her and her sister to Mexico to escape the racial segregation prevalent in the United States at the time. This move likely significantly impacted Phylicia’s life and shaped her perspective on social issues.
After completing high school, Phylicia pursued her higher education at Howard University. In 1970, she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. While at Howard, Phylicia joined the prestigious Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, further enriching her college experience.
Phylicia Rashad’s upbringing in a family deeply involved in the arts and her exposure to her mother’s creative pursuits laid a strong foundation for her own artistic journey. From an early age, she was immersed in a world where appreciation for the arts was a core value.
Phylicia Rashad Has Been Married Three Times
Between 1972 and 2001, Phylicia Rashad spent her life as a married woman, albeit to three different men. Her first marriage was to dentist William Lancelot Bowles Jr. (m. 1972, d. 1975).
The talented actress’ second marriage was to singer Victor Willis (m. 1978, d. 1982), and most recent marriage was to Ahmad Rashad, a former NFL wide receiver and sportscaster (m. 1985, d. 2001).
| S/N | Phylicia Rashad’s Ex-Spouses | Children With Ex-Spouse | Duration of Marriage |
| 1. | William Lancelot Bowles Jr. | William Lancelot Bowles III (Born 1973) | Three Years (1972 – 1975) |
| 2. | Victor Willis | None | Four Years (1978 – 1982) |
| 3. | Ahmad Rashad | Condola Phylea Rashād (Born December 11, 1986) | Sixteen Years (1985 – 2001) |
Phylicia Rashad’s Marriage To William Bowles Jr. Lasted For Only Three Years
Phylicia Rashad married William Lancelot Bowles Jr., an American dentist, for three years, from 1972 to 1975. According to several sources, Phylicia met William Lancelot Bowles Jr. during her college years at Howard University.
They dated for about a few years before deciding to exchange marital vows in 1972. During their marriage, Phylicia and William had one child named William Lancelot Bowles III, who was born in 1973.
Aside from the fact that he is around 51 years old as of 2024, not much is known about Phylicia’s son with William at the moment, including where he is and what he does for a living
Phylicia and William divorced in 1975. However, the specific reason for their divorce is not publicly known.
Phylicia Rashad’s Second Husband Was Victor Willis, The Original Lead Singer Of The Village People
In 1978, three years after the end of her marriage to Bowles Jr., Phylicia Rashad tied the knot with Victor Willis, an American singer, songwriter, and actor best known as the original lead singer of the Village People.
Phylicia and Victor met while both were performing in the Broadway musical “The Wiz.” They dated briefly before exchanging marital vows in a lavish ceremony in 1978.
However, unlike Rashad’s first marriage to Bowled Jr., her four-year marital union with Willis did not produce any children. They divorced in 1982 for reasons that have remained unknown to the public.
Phylicia Rashad’s Third Marriage To Ahmad Radhad Was The Longest Of Her Three Marriages
In December 1985, Phylicia Rashad entered her third and ultimately longest marital union. This time, her partner was Ahmad Rashad, a former NFL wide receiver and sportscaster.
During a pregame show for a nationally televised Thanksgiving Day football game between the New York Jets and the Detroit Lions on November 28, 1985, Ahmad Rashad seized the moment to propose to Phylicia. This heartwarming gesture added a touch of magic to their love story.
On December 14, 1985, Phylicia Rashad exchanged vows with Ahmad Rashad, embarking upon a new chapter in their lives. Both had previously been married, making this their third union.
As their love blossomed, Phylicia and Ahmad Rashad welcomed their daughter, Condola Phylea Rashād, into the world on December 11, 1986, in New York. The birth of their child, who is now 37 years old as of 2024, further solidified their bond, bringing joy and fulfillment to their lives.
Unfortunately, despite the initial promise of their love, the marriage of Phylicia and Ahmad Rashad encountered difficulties. After a significant period together, the couple decided to part ways in early 2001.
The reasons behind their divorce remain known only to them. However, despite the dissolution of their union, Phylicia Rashad chose to retain the surname Rashad, a testament to the impact their time together had on her life.
Ultimately, Phylicia and Ahmad Rashad’s marriage was a significant chapter in their lives, marked by a heartfelt proposal and the arrival of their daughter. Although their journey ultimately led them to part ways, their bond continues to be remembered.
Phylicia’s decision to retain the surname Rashad gives a nod to the love they once had. While their marriage ended, their shared memories and experiences will forever be etched in their hearts.
FAQs
Who is Phylicia Rashad?
Phylicia Rashad is an American actress and director best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on the sitcom The Cosby Show. She is also a dean at Howard University and has won multiple awards for her performances on Broadway.
Are Phylicia And Ahmad Rashad Still Married?
No, Phylicia and Ahmad Rashad are no longer married. They tied the knot on December 14, 1985, but divorced in 2001, after sixteen years as a married couple.
