All through the historical past of TV, there have been quite a few exhibits which have managed to ring a bell with audiences and turn out to be a timeless piece of Americana within the course of. The Cosby Present, which aired on NBC for eight seasons from 1984 to 1992, is such a collection. Nevertheless, the basic sitcom’s legacy has been a subject of debate over the previous a number of years, amid the authorized issues of its co-creator and lead star – Invoice Cosby. Amid the drama, a few of his former co-stars have spoken out on whether or not the present’s legacy must be tarnished because of this. Collection alum Keshia Knight Pulliam is now getting candid about that topic.
The 44-year-old actress gained worldwide fame when she was solid because the diminutive and cute Rudy Huxtable again within the Eighties. Although she’s executed extra within the years since her stint on the household comedy ended, she nonetheless often discusses the present and her experiences. The present is ready to show 40 in 2024 and, forward of that, the star was requested about how the present’s legacy must be weighed in mild of the controversies surrounding the lead. The Home of Payne star said that the acclaimed sitcom “was larger than one particular person.” She gave the next sentiment as effectively:
You possibly can’t take away the work that all of us collectively did.
It’s true that The Cosby Present was conceived as a car for Invoice Cosby, although it did show to be an ensemble piece, that includes expert actors like Phylicia Rashad, Lisa Bonet and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Keshia Knight Pulliam herself was additionally lauded for her efficiency because the youngest Huxtable sibling, even incomes an Emmy Award nomination for Excellent Supporting Actress in A Comedy Collection on the age of six. Pulliam went on to inform Individuals that she’s grateful for the place she was in throughout that point in her profession:
A variety of actors wait their total lifetime for a chance like that. I am grateful I’ve been part of a bit of labor that has actually transcended generations and that is nonetheless educating classes which might be related in the present day.
The present’s presence on TV and throughout the public consciousness has modified in recent times, although, as Invoice Cosby has confronted varied sexual assault allegations courting again to the ‘70s. He was discovered responsible on three felony counts of aggravated indecent assault in opposition to accuser Andrea Constand. A choose sentenced Cosby to a few to 10 years in jail, although he was launched after two years in 2021 resulting from his case being voided because of a previous deal the star made with a prosecutor.
Amid his sea of authorized troubles, the now-86-year-old comedian acquired assist from a handful of his former co-stars. Keshia Knight Pulliam confirmed as much as assist him at his trial in 2018 and, years earlier, in 2015, Pulliam defended him whereas additionally saying on the time that she hadn’t been in touch with him. Clair Huxtable actress Phylicia Rashad additionally shared a celebratory submit after the Ghost Dad star was launched from jail early and later apologized for it.
The Cosby Present reruns have been pulled from varied networks years in the past because of the scandals. Regardless of that, the present continues to be out there to observe in some locations, and followers nonetheless search it out. Keshia Knight Pulliam makes a good evaluation concerning the collection, because it did contribute rather a lot to popular culture and served as a precursor to a number of the nice Black sitcoms of the previous few many years. Nonetheless, it’s probably that the dialogue revolving round its connection to the titular star will proceed for the foreseeable future.
