'Sister, Sister': 8 Sisters We Celebrate For National Siblings Day

2. Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen

Phylicia Rashad is a 76-year-old Houston, Texas, native who played the respectable mother and wife in the popular Black sitcom The Cosby Show. It ran for eight seasons, and in that time, Phylicia completely owned the role of Clair Huxtable. Her beloved character was a successful lawyer married to a doctor with whom she shared five children. 

In 2004, she became the first Black actress to win the Best Actress category at the Tony Awards. This was for her role in the play A Raisin in the Sun. She’s also a six-time Emmy award nominee. Additionally, Phylicia was cast in the film Steel Magnolias and the heartfelt TV series This Is Us.

As for Debbie Allen, she is best known for starring in the 1980s series Fame. Her role earned her a Golden Globe award in 1983. She also won three Emmys in Choreography for the series. Debbie lent her talents on stage as well. She was cast in the Broadway musical West Side Story revival in 1980. But her career extends beyond the screen and the stage. She’s also a choreographer who has been recognized for choreographing the Academy Awards 10 times. 

Debbie, who is 75, has even worn the hat of director. She’s directed shows like Empire, Scandal, How To Get Away with Murder, and Insecure.