Before Phylicia Rashad became a household name through her role on The Cosby Show, she had already experienced marriage, family life, and motherhood. Her first husband, William Lancelot Bowles Jr., and their son, William Lancelot Bowles III, remain part of her story even though they live outside the fame. Many people wonder about their lives today what William Jr. did in his career, and what their son is doing now.
Marriage of Phylicia Rashad and William Lancelot Bowles Jr.
Phylicia married William Lancelot Bowles Jr. in 1972, years before Hollywood fame would shape her career. Their relationship was relatively short-lived, but it produced a son who became her first child.
- Marriage Year: 1972
- Separation: 1975
- Child Together: William Lancelot Bowles III
Though their union ended, it was an important chapter that shaped Phylicia’s early adulthood and motherhood experience.
Who Was William Lancelot Bowles Jr.?
William Jr. has kept his life very private. Unlike Phylicia, he did not pursue a career in the public eye. Reports suggest he had professional interests away from the entertainment industry.
Points About William Lancelot Bowles Jr.
- Maintain a private lifestyle.
- Known mainly for his marriage to Phylicia Rashad.
- Separated from her in the mid-1970s.
- Father of one son, William III.
Although little has been published about his work, his connection to Phylicia and their child makes him part of her larger family history.
Their Son – William Lancelot Bowles III
Born in 1973, William III grew up as the son of a woman who would later become a celebrated actress. However, much like his father, he has chosen a private lifestyle.
Info of William III
| Real Name | William Lancelot Bowles III |
| Year of Birth | 1973 |
| Parents | Phylicia Rashad & William Bowles Jr. |
| Siblings | Condola Rashad (half-sister) |
| Profession | Private – outside of acting |
| Public Presence | Low profile |
Relationship Between Mother and Son
Even though Phylicia became a Hollywood star, she worked hard to balance her career with motherhood. William III grew up in her care, while she pursued acting roles on stage and television.
- He shared his early childhood with her during her Broadway career.
- Later, as she rose to prominence in The Cosby Show, he preferred life away from media attention.
- Their bond has been described as warm and close, though details remain largely private.
Half-Sibling Connection – Condola Rashad
After her divorce from William Jr., Phylicia remarried and later had another child — actress Condola Rashad, born in 1986 to Phylicia and sportscaster Ahmad Rashad.
- Condola followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a successful actress.
- This makes William III the elder half-brother of Condola.
- Unlike Condola, William chose a quieter path outside of the entertainment business.
Career Choices of William Lancelot Bowles III
There is little public information about William III’s professional life. Unlike his sister, he does not appear in interviews, television, or film credits. Sources suggest:
- He pursued private business and personal ventures.
- He avoids the entertainment spotlight.
- He values privacy more than publicity.
This decision sets him apart from his mother and sister, showing that not every member of a famous family chooses a life in the arts.
Comparing Public Paths in the Rashad Family
To better see how William III differs from other family members, here’s a simple comparison:
| Family Members | Profession | Public Presence |
| Phylicia Rashad | Actress, Dean at Howard University | High – TV, theater, education |
| Ahmad Rashad (former stepfather) | Sportscaster, former NFL player | High – sports & TV |
| Condola Rashad | Actress (Billions, Broadway) | Medium to High – film & theater |
| William Bowles Jr. | Private professional life | Low |
| William Bowles III | Private ventures | Low |
Why Is Information Limited?
Both William Jr. and William III live private lives. Unlike many celebrity families, they have successfully avoided turning their personal stories into media headlines.
Reasons for limited information include:
- Preference for privacy.
- Careers outside of entertainment.
- Desire to live away from public scrutiny.
This choice highlights the different paths family members can take even with Hollywood connections.
Family Legacy and Public Interest
Despite their privacy, interest in William Jr. and William III remains because of Phylicia’s fame. Fans want to know about her family background, marriages, and children. However, both men value keeping their lives personal.
Points of interest that surface in searches:
- Early marriage to William Jr.
- Son from that marriage, William III.
- How their lives contrast with Condola Rashad’s acting career.
The relation of William Lancelot Bowles Jr. and his son, William III, adds an early chapter to Phylicia Rashad’s life. While Phylicia and Condola have embraced public careers in theater and television, William Jr. and William III have chosen privacy. Their decision to live away may keep details scarce, but it also preserves the balance between fame and personal life.
