You probably know Phylicia Rashad as the kind and smart mom from The Cosby Show. But what many people don’t know is that she has a son — William Lancelot Bowles III. While Phylicia became a big name on TV and her daughter, Condola Rashad, became a star on stage, William chose a completely different life.
He stays away from cameras, doesn’t post online, and keeps his world very private. And that’s exactly why his story is so interesting. In this article, we’ll take a simple and friendly look at who William Lancelot Bowles III is, what his childhood was like, and how he lives a quiet life while still being part of one of the most talented families in Hollywood.
William Lancelot Bowles III Quick bio
| Full Name | William Lancelot Bowles III |
| Nickname | Billy Bowles |
| Born | 1973 |
| Age (2026) | 52 years |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Mother | Phylicia Rashad |
| Father | William Lancelot Bowles Jr. |
| Sibling | Condola Rashad (half-sister) |
| Profession | Computer Graphics Specialist |
| Past Work | Production Coordinator |
| Known For | Phylicia Rashad’s son |
| Marital Status | Private |
| Children | Not publicly known |
| Residence | West Coast, USA (likely Los Angeles) |
| Social Media | None |
Who Is William Lancelot Bowles III?
William Lancelot Bowles III is best known as Phylicia Rashad’s son. His nickname is “Billy,” and he was born in 1973. But unlike many children of famous people, William didn’t try to become a celebrity. He never acted in movies or appeared on TV. He’s not on Instagram or TikTok, and he doesn’t do interviews.
Even though he was born into a family full of actors, directors, and artists, William chose peace and privacy. He has lived most of his life away from the spotlight, doing his own thing and keeping a low profile.
Many people are surprised to learn that Phylicia Rashad even has a son. That’s how private William has kept his life. But even though he’s not famous, his story is still full of interesting moments and loving family connections.
William Lancelot Bowles III’s Early Life
William was born in 1973, just one year after Phylicia married her first husband, William Lancelot Bowles Jr., a dentist. At the time, Phylicia was only 24 and had just finished her studies at Howard University, where she earned a degree in Fine Arts.
Sadly, her marriage didn’t last. She and William’s father got divorced in 1975 when William was just two years old. From that point on, Phylicia raised her son mostly on her own.
Even though she was building her career in acting, Phylicia always made time for William. She took care of him, spent mornings making breakfast, and stayed close to him no matter how busy life got.
Meet His Parents: Phylicia Rashad and William Bowles Jr.
William’s parents come from very different worlds. His mother, Phylicia Rashad, is now one of the most respected actresses in the world. She’s known for her powerful performances and warm, wise roles. But back in the 1970s, she was just starting out, doing theater and small acting jobs.
His father, William Lancelot Bowles Jr., worked as a dentist. He lived a very quiet life and stayed out of the public eye, even after marrying someone who would later become a major TV star.
They got married in 1972, welcomed their son in 1973, and divorced in 1975. There isn’t much public information about William Bowles Jr., but it’s clear he and Phylicia both loved their son and cared for him in their own ways.
William’s Childhood After the Divorce
After the divorce, William stayed with his mother. Life wasn’t always easy, but Phylicia made sure her son felt safe and loved. She took him everywhere — even to work. When she acted in the Broadway musical The Wiz, little William sat in rehearsals and gave her acting tips.
Believe it or not, at just seven years old, William would tell his mom, “You needed more energy in that part,” and she actually listened. He had a natural eye for performance, even though he never wanted to be on stage himself.
In 1978, Phylicia married Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People. That marriage ended in 1980, when William was seven. But through it all, Phylicia made sure she and her son stayed close. Her favorite memory? Cooking him breakfast every morning and chatting about the day ahead.
Did William Lancelot Bowles III Grow Up with Fame?
Yes, he did — but not in the usual way. William grew up around fame, but he never took part in it. He went to rehearsals, TV studios, and even weddings full of celebrities. But he stayed behind the scenes.
One sweet moment happened when William was 12 years old. His mother was getting married again — this time to Ahmad Rashad, a former NFL player and sportscaster. William attended the wedding with his grandmother and really wanted to walk his mom down the aisle himself.
That shows just how close they were. Even with a busy and famous mother, William always had her love and attention. But still, he never stepped into the spotlight himself. From the very beginning, he made it clear that he preferred a quieter life.
His Strong Bond with Phylicia Rashad
William and Phylicia have always been close. She once said her best memories were the simple ones — like making her son breakfast or walking to school together. Even after becoming a star, Phylicia never let fame come before being a mom.
She brought William along to set, listened to his thoughts, and made sure he felt heard. In return, William stayed loyal, kind, and honest with her. Even today, Phylicia speaks with great respect for her son’s decision to live privately.
They don’t appear in public together often, but their love runs deep. It’s quiet, strong, and built on years of trust, respect, and little daily moments that matter.
His Sister Condola Rashad and Their Family Legacy
William Lancelot Bowles III may live a quiet life, but he comes from a very artistic and talented family. His younger half-sister, Condola Rashad, followed in their mother’s footsteps. She’s a successful actress who has starred on Broadway and in TV shows. Condola has even been nominated for four Tony Awards.
Though William and Condola chose different lives, they share something special — a deep creative spirit. Their grandmother, Vivian Ayers, was a poet who was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Their aunt, Debbie Allen, is a famous actress, dancer, and producer, known for her work on shows like Grey’s Anatomy.
It’s clear that art runs in the family. And while William Lancelot Bowles III didn’t become a performer, he still belongs to this amazing legacy. His story shows that you can be part of a creative world, even if you stay out of the spotlight.
What Does William Lancelot Bowles III Do for Work?
Instead of acting or singing, William chose a career behind the scenes. In the early 2000s, he worked as a production coordinator. Later, he moved into the computer graphics field. That means he uses computers to help create images, videos, and designs — a creative job, just in a different way.
His work may not be famous, but it’s still important. People who work in graphics help bring stories to life. From movie effects to digital ads, computer graphics are everywhere. And William is one of those quiet artists helping things look beautiful from the background.
He is believed to live on the West Coast, most likely in Los Angeles. That’s where many creative and tech jobs are. But even in a city full of celebrities, William Lancelot Bowles III stays private and peaceful.
Why Phylicia Rashad’s Son Stays Out of the Spotlight
In today’s world, many people share every part of their life online. But William Lancelot Bowles III is the opposite. He doesn’t post on social media, and he never shows up in interviews or red-carpet events.
Why? Because he values peace. He chose a life without cameras, fame, or public attention. And his family supports that choice. In fact, Phylicia Rashad has said she respects him deeply for living life on his own terms.
Some people chase fame. Others choose quiet. William’s story is special because it shows that both paths are okay. You don’t have to be a star to live a meaningful life.
Is William Lancelot Bowles III Married or a Father?
There is no public information about William being married or having children. He has kept that part of his life completely private. In a time where even small things go viral, that’s pretty amazing.
If he does have a partner or kids, he’s doing a great job of keeping them safe and away from the spotlight. And honestly, that’s something to admire. Not everyone wants their family life to be public — and William shows it’s okay to live differently.
Even without headlines or social media posts, William Lancelot Bowles III reminds us that real life happens off-camera, too.
Where Is William Lancelot Bowles III Now?
As of 2026, William is believed to live in Los Angeles, or somewhere else along the West Coast. That makes sense since he works in computer graphics, and many creative jobs are based there.
But no matter where he lives, one thing is clear: he enjoys a peaceful and private life. He may come from a family of stars, but he never wanted to be in the center of attention. He made a different choice — one that gives him space, calm, and a life that feels true to who he is.
Final Thoughts
William Lancelot Bowles III proves something very powerful — that you don’t need to be famous to be important. He was born into a well-known family. His mother is loved around the world. His sister shines on Broadway. But William found a different kind of success.
He chose a life filled with quiet moments, honest work, and creative thinking behind the scenes. He supports his family without stepping into the spotlight. He stays kind, loyal, and grounded — even when the world around him is full of flashing cameras.
In the end, William’s story reminds us that success comes in many forms. Some shine on stage. Others shine quietly at home or behind a computer screen. And that kind of quiet strength is something worth celebrating.
(FAQs)
Is William Lancelot Bowles III married?
No one knows if he has a wife. He never talks about his love life, so it’s a big mystery.
Has William Lancelot Bowles III been in any movies or shows?
He has never acted in movies or TV. Even with a famous mom, he stayed away from the spotlight.
Does William Lancelot Bowles III have any kids?
There’s no news about him having children. He keeps his family life very private.
How much is William Lancelot Bowles III worth?
His net worth is not known. But since he works in computer graphics, he likely earns enough to live a good, quiet life.
Where does William Lancelot Bowles III live now?
He lives a peaceful life, probably in Los Angeles. He stays away from fame and enjoys his privacy.
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