Phylicia Rashad Quotes

Powerful Phylicia Rashad for Daily Growth

About Phylicia Rashad

Phylicia Rashad, born on June 19, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, is an acclaimed American actress, director, and singer, renowned for her captivating performances and significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Rashad's passion for acting was ignited early when she appeared in school plays during her childhood years. She continued nurturing this talent at Howard University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1970. Her professional career took off soon after, with notable roles on the stage, including Lena Younger in "A Raisin in the Sun" and Effie White in "Dreamgirls." In 1986, Rashad joined the cast of the hit television series "The Cosby Show," portraying Clair Huxtable. Her portrayal of a strong, intelligent, and loving mother became an iconic representation of African American women on TV. For her work, she received five NAACP Image Awards, three Golden Globe nominations, and an Emmy Award nomination. Rashad's influence extends beyond acting. In 2012, she became the first African-American woman to be appointed as the artistic director of the Apollo Theater in Harlem, a role that allowed her to support emerging artists and preserve the theater's rich cultural legacy. Throughout her illustrious career, Phylicia Rashad has proven herself to be a trailblazer, breaking barriers and setting an inspiring example for future generations. Her quotes often reflect her wisdom, resilience, and dedication to uplifting others: "I think the most important thing is to be true to yourself and not to compromise that truth. That's what's important. And if you can stay true to yourself, everything else will fall into place." - Phylicia Rashad.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"For women, the older we become, the more fearless we should be."

This quote by Phylicia Rashad emphasizes the notion that as women age, they should grow increasingly fearless. This means embracing confidence, speaking up for oneself, taking risks, and challenging societal norms without fear of judgment or failure. The wisdom and experiences gained through the years empower them to stand tall, assert themselves, and make bold decisions. In essence, it's a call to embrace one's age and use it as a platform to express strength, courage, and independence.


"The beauty of the African American family is that it's a circle, not a ladder."

Phylicia Rashad's quote emphasizes the communal nature and interconnectedness within African-American families. Unlike Western cultural ideals that often portray families as hierarchical structures (ladders), she depicts African-American families as circular, signifying equality, unity, and mutual support among its members. This perspective highlights the importance of collectivism in these communities, emphasizing that everyone has a role and value within the family unit.


"I am an artist and I will live my life as an artist, which means I don't have to fit into any mold."

Phylicia Rashad emphasizes her commitment to authenticity and self-expression through art in this quote. By declaring herself an "artist," she underscores the importance of living a life guided by creativity and individuality, rather than conforming to societal expectations or norms. In essence, Rashad's message is about embracing one's unique identity and talents, and staying true to oneself in all aspects of life, regardless of external pressures to conform.


"I think we have to start giving ourselves credit for what we bring to the table."

This quote emphasizes the importance of self-appreciation, particularly in the context of recognizing one's unique contributions to society or a specific setting, like work or relationships. Phylicia Rashad encourages us to acknowledge the value we bring through our skills, talents, and perspectives, rather than undervaluing ourselves. This mindset can boost self-esteem and encourage personal growth, fostering a more confident and productive life.


"The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity."

This quote emphasizes the idea that the primary barrier for success and equality among women of color lies not in their inherent abilities or qualities, but rather in the opportunities they are provided. It suggests a systemic issue where access to equal opportunities may be unevenly distributed, which consequently impacts the progress and achievements of women of color relative to others. The quote underscores the importance of creating more equitable systems that provide equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity.


Loving oneself isn't hard, when you understand who and what 'yourself' is. It has nothing to do with the shape of your face, the size of your eyes, the length of your hair or the quality of your clothes. It's so beyond all of those things and it's what gives life to everything about you. Your own self is such a treasure.

- Phylicia Rashad

Own, About, Your, Oneself

Any time women come together with a collective intention, it's a powerful thing. Whether it's sitting down making a quilt, in a kitchen preparing a meal, in a club reading the same book, or around the table playing cards, or planning a birthday party, when women come together with a collective intention, magic happens.

- Phylicia Rashad

Birthday, Women, Magic, Club

Let me just say that to imagine racism does not exist is imagination. And to imagine that it does not create its own set of problems is true imagination. So let's not imagine that racism is gone, extinguished, because it's not. We are seeing this in the top levels of the political arena, and we are seeing it very, very plainly.

- Phylicia Rashad

Political, Own, Very, Extinguished

I think the real understanding comes when we recognize our humanity in each other. That's not just between blacks and whites. That's between all religions as well.

- Phylicia Rashad

Think, Other, I Think, Blacks

We are told there is not enough money for education, but somehow there is enough money for people to raise billions of dollars to defeat somebody in an election? Oh! Okay! Does that make sense?

- Phylicia Rashad

Education, Okay, Billions, Enough Money

Let's just say that the theater is not for the faint of heart.

- Phylicia Rashad

Say, Theater, Just, Faint

Acting's not about nose jobs and liposuction. It's about being truthful to what you're doing.

- Phylicia Rashad

Doing, Nose, Jobs, Truthful

If there are no films or plays of interest to me, I don't go. I know how to go to a museum or a library or pick up a good magazine or I can watch the sun set. I know how to live. There's a whole creation out there full of magic and wonder to be explored.

- Phylicia Rashad

Good, Magic, Whole, Explored

There's all kinds of mothers, so to use the label 'mother' and to think you really understood all that a human being is because she's a mother, is a mistake.

- Phylicia Rashad

Mistake, Think, Human Being, Understood

If I had known being insane was so much fun, I'd have gone crazy long ago.

- Phylicia Rashad

Long, Had, Being, So Much Fun

When I am presented with good work, I accept it. Wherever it is.

- Phylicia Rashad

Work, I Am, Presented, Wherever

Without an educated populace, democracy cannot sustain itself.

- Phylicia Rashad

Educated, Populace, Itself, Sustain

The stubbornness I had as a child has been transmitted into perseverance. I can let go but I don't give up. I don't beat myself up about negative things.

- Phylicia Rashad

Myself, Give, Been, Let Go

A person can be big, because of spirit. A person can be big because of their position in the family, the hierarchy in the family. That role has been played by women who are quite thin.

- Phylicia Rashad

Big, Role, Been, Thin

If the playwright knew every little thing about his play, why bother? There must be discovery all the time, otherwise why bother to do it?

- Phylicia Rashad

Play, Bother, Otherwise, Playwright

What's in front of you is a whole world of experiences beyond your imagination. Put yourself, and your growth and development, first.

- Phylicia Rashad

Development, Your, Whole, Front

Everything you do, every thought you have, every word you say creates a memory that you will hold in your body. It's imprinted on you and affects you in subtle ways - ways you are not always aware of. With that in mind, be very conscious and selective.

- Phylicia Rashad

Memory, Thought, Very, Selective

I am having a good time doing nothing.

- Phylicia Rashad

I Am, Doing, Having, Good Time

There was a time when I couldn't watch sitcoms for a while because it was just cacophony, it was just noise.

- Phylicia Rashad

Time, Watch, Sitcoms, Noise

Historically, if you look at great civilizations, why do they crumble? Is it because of what's outside or because of something internal? It's always internal. It is.

- Phylicia Rashad

Always, Crumble, Internal, Historically

Things have a way of moving to the left, and then they move back to the right before somebody finds themselves in the center. That seems to be the nature of the creative world. It's not stagnant. I don't get upset about it.

- Phylicia Rashad

Upset, Move, Before, Stagnant

As artists, we do the work that we do. Receiving an award or not receiving an award in no way diminishes one's talent or value.

- Phylicia Rashad

Work, Award, Artists, Receiving

There's always something to suggest that you'll never be who you wanted to be. Your choice is to take it or keep on moving.

- Phylicia Rashad

Moving On, Always, Suggest, Moving

I love theater. To have the people onstage right there, to be working in concert with other artists, this is a like a school of fish moving together.

- Phylicia Rashad

Love, Other, Like, Moving

Every role affords me something different in the way of understanding, and that's really why you take these roles, not to show that thing that people talk about of showing what you can do - that has nothing to do with anything.

- Phylicia Rashad

Nothing, Role, Roles, Affords

How is it that you profess love for God but can't accept another human being?

- Phylicia Rashad

Love, How, Human Being, Accept

What I love about being an actress is being able to really look into myself and understand another human being.

- Phylicia Rashad

Love, Myself, Human Being, Actress

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