Phylicia Rashad is a renowned American actress, singer, and director, who is best known for her work in the entertainment industry. She was born on June 19, 1948, in Houston, Texas, to Andrew Arthur Allen Jr. and Vivian Elizabeth Ayers. Her father was a dentist, and her mother was a Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet, playwright, and publisher. Rashad grew up in a family that valued education and the arts, and she was encouraged to pursue her passions from a young age. Rashad attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she studied fine arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1970. During her time at Howard, Rashad became involved in the theater program and began to develop her skills as an actress. She also became interested in music and began to explore her talents as a singer. After graduating from Howard, Rashad moved to New York City to pursue a career in the arts. She began to work in theater, appearing in productions of "The Great White Hope" and "Dreamgirls." She also began to work in television, appearing in shows like "The Cosby Show" and "A Different World." Rashad quickly became known for her talent and versatility as an actress, and she began to receive critical acclaim for her work. In addition to her work in acting, Rashad also continued to explore her talents as a singer. She released her first album, "Josephine Superstar," in 1983, which was a tribute to the legendary performer Josephine Baker. The album was well-received by critics and helped to establish Rashad as a talented singer in her own right. Throughout her career, Rashad has continued to work in both theater and television. She has appeared in numerous productions on Broadway, including "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Gem of the Ocean," and "A Raisin in the Sun." She has also appeared in several television shows, including "Do No Harm," "For the People," and "David Makes Man." Rashad's work in the entertainment industry has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She has been nominated for several Emmy Awards for her work in television, and she won a Tony Award for her performance in "A Raisin in the Sun" on Broadway. She has also been recognized for her work as a director, receiving a NAACP Image Award for her direction of the play "Gem of the Ocean." In addition to her work in the arts, Rashad has also been involved in philanthropy and activism. She has been a vocal advocate for education and the arts, and she has worked with organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Film Institute. She has also been involved in efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, and she has spoken out about issues like police brutality and racial inequality. Overall, Phylicia Rashad is a talented and accomplished artist who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Her work as an actress, singer, and director has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, and she has been a vocal advocate for education, the arts, and social justice. Rashad's legacy as an artist and activist will continue to inspire future generations of performers and activists for years to come.

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