Who Is William Lancelot Bowles III? Meet Phylicia Rashad’s Private Son

You probably know Phylicia Rashad — the kind and smart mom from The Cosby Show. But did you know she has a son named William Lancelot Bowles III? He’s not in movies or on TV, and you won’t find him on social media either. That’s because William chose a life that’s very different from his famous mom and sister.

In this article, we’ll take a close and friendly look at who William really is. We’ll talk about his early life, his family, and how he decided to stay away from the Hollywood spotlight. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to grow up in a famous family but take a different path, William’s story will give you the answer.

William Lancelot Bowles III Quick Bio

Who Are William’s Parents?

William was born into a very interesting family. His mom is Phylicia Rashad, a well-loved actress known for playing Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show. His dad, William Lancelot Bowles Jr., worked as a dentist. The two got married in 1972, and a year later, they welcomed their son, William Lancelot Bowles III.

But the marriage didn’t last long. In 1975, when William was just two years old, his parents got divorced. Even though they split, both parents still cared deeply for their son. And Phylicia, even while chasing her dreams in acting, always made sure William came first.

When Was William Lancelot Bowles III Born?

William Lancelot Bowles III was born in 1973. That means he’s now 52 years old as of 2025. He was named after his father, so sometimes people call him William Jr., Billy, or simply William III.

At the time he was born, Phylicia was just 24 years old. She had just finished college at Howard University, where she studied Fine Arts. Soon after, she started building her career as an actress on stage and later on TV. But even as she rose to fame, she always stayed close to her son.

What Was William Lancelot Bowles III’s Childhood Like?

William spent most of his childhood with his mother. After the divorce, Phylicia raised him while she worked hard to make a name for herself. She never let her career come before her son. Even when life got busy, she made sure to do simple things, like cooking breakfast for him every morning.

In 1978, when William was about five years old, Phylicia married again. This time to Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People. That marriage didn’t last long either. They divorced in 1980 when William was seven.

Despite these changes, Phylicia always made time for William. They shared quiet moments, small talks, and meals together. She once said her favorite moments were just making breakfast for him and talking about the day ahead.

Did William Grow Up Around Fame?

Yes, he did — but not in the way you might think. While William wasn’t on screen himself, he often went with his mother to rehearsals and sets. He was even there when she performed on Broadway in The Wiz. At just 7 years old, he would give her acting notes — and she listened! Phylicia once said, “He’d say, ‘Mommy, you needed more energy in this part,’ and he was right.”

When William was 12, he went with his grandmother to his mother’s wedding to former NFL star Ahmad Rashad. Fun fact — William wanted to walk his mom down the aisle himself. That’s how close they were.

So yes, he saw a lot of the spotlight — but he never stepped into it. From an early age, it was clear he preferred being behind the scenes.

Who Is William’s Sister, Condola Rashad?

William has a younger half-sister named Condola Rashad. She was born in 1986, thirteen years after William. Her father is Ahmad Rashad, Phylicia’s third husband. Unlike William, Condola did follow in her mother’s footsteps.

She’s a well-known Broadway actress with several Tony Award nominations, and she’s also done TV and film. But even though they chose different careers, William and Condola share a strong family bond.

They also share something special — creativity. Their grandmother, Vivian Ayers, was a poet who was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Their aunt, Debbie Allen, is a famous actress and director. Talent clearly runs in the family, and even though William chose a quieter life, he’s still part of this creative legacy.

What Does William Lancelot Bowles III Do for Work?

While his family shines in Hollywood, William Lancelot Bowles III works behind the scenes. He didn’t go into acting like his mother or sister. Instead, he built a career in computer graphics.

In the early 2000s, he was working as a production coordinator, and by 2009, it was confirmed that he was working in the graphics field. He’s a tech person with a creative side — the perfect mix for someone from an artistic family.

He also lives on the West Coast, most likely in Los Angeles. It’s a city full of stars, but William stays out of that world, choosing a quieter and more private lifestyle.

Why Does William Stay Out of the Spotlight?

One of the most interesting things about William Lancelot Bowles III is how he stays completely away from fame. While his mother and sister often appear on red carpets and in interviews, William chooses peace and privacy. He does not have a public Instagram, doesn’t give interviews, and rarely appears in the media.

This isn’t because he doesn’t care about his family. In fact, it’s the opposite. His mother, Phylicia Rashad, has said that she respects his choice and supports his quiet lifestyle. He simply wants to live a calm, private life — something many people admire today.

In a world full of constant attention, William’s life feels refreshing. He proves that even if you’re born into fame, you can still choose your own path — and keep it simple.

What Is His Relationship with Phylicia Rashad?

Even though William Lancelot Bowles III isn’t in the public eye, he shares a close bond with his mother. Phylicia has always spoken with warmth and pride about her son. She says he is thoughtful, kind, and very honest. When he gives advice, she listens.

Their connection goes back to the early years when it was just the two of them. She would cook for him every morning, take him to rehearsals, and even ask for his feedback on her acting. That strong bond hasn’t faded, even as William grew older and moved away.

They may not appear in photos together often, but people close to them know that the love is still there, quiet and strong.

How Does He Fit into the Rashad Family Legacy?

William may live a quiet life, but he’s still part of a family filled with talent. His mother is a Tony Award-winning actress. His sister is a rising star on Broadway. His aunt, Debbie Allen, is a powerful name in TV and film. And his grandmother, Vivian Ayers, was even nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

This shows how deeply rooted the arts are in the Rashad family. William chose a different path, but that doesn’t mean he’s not creative. Working in computer graphics is also an art — it just happens behind the scenes. He’s using his skills in his own quiet way, just like his family uses theirs on stage or screen.

So even if he’s not famous, he still carries the Rashad family legacy — just in a different form.

Is William Lancelot Bowles III Married?

There is no public information about William being married or having children. He keeps his personal life completely private, so we don’t know much about what his home life looks like. And honestly, that’s okay.

Some people want the world to see everything. Others want their lives to be peaceful and away from the noise. William clearly chose the second option. If he does have a family, he’s doing a great job keeping them safe and away from the spotlight.

It’s rare to find someone so grounded in a world full of constant sharing. That alone makes his story even more interesting.

What Is William Lancelot Bowles III’s Net Worth?

Since William lives a quiet life, his exact net worth is not known. But based on his career in computer graphics and his work as a production coordinator, it’s safe to say he earns well enough to live comfortably.

His mother, Phylicia Rashad, has an estimated net worth of $25 to $55 million. His father, William Bowles Jr., a dentist, is also believed to have a solid net worth of over $1.5 million.

Even though William doesn’t live like a celebrity, he likely enjoys a steady and peaceful lifestyle, far from the flashing lights and paparazzi.

Final Thoughts

In the end, William Lancelot Bowles III reminds us that success isn’t always about fame. Some people shine on stage. Others shine quietly, behind the scenes. William chose the second kind of life — and it fits him perfectly.

He could have followed his mother and sister into acting. He had every opportunity. But instead, he created a path for himself. A path filled with creativity, but also with privacy, calm, and purpose.

In a world where everyone wants to be seen, William’s quiet life stands out. And that makes his story truly special.

(FAQs)

How many children does Phylicia Rashad have?

Phylicia Rashad has two children — a son, William Lancelot Bowles III, and a daughter, Condola Rashad. Surprisingly, her son lives a completely private life and is rarely seen in public.

What is William Lancelot Bowles III’s net worth and job?

William works in computer graphics and once served as a production coordinator. While his exact net worth is unknown, it’s shocking that he lives comfortably off the radar despite being the son of a multi-millionaire.

When was William Lancelot Bowles III born, and how old is he now?

William was born in 1973, making him 52 years old in 2025. Shockingly, even after all these years, his exact birth date has never been made public.

Is William Lancelot Bowles III married or does he have kids?

There is no public record of William being married or having children. It’s surprising that in today’s world of oversharing, his personal life has stayed completely hidden.

Where is William Lancelot Bowles III today?

Today, William lives a quiet life on the West Coast, likely in Los Angeles. Even with his famous family, he has chosen a life of privacy, far from the spotlight — and that’s what makes his story so rare.