By Edward C. Lee
Emmy nominated actress (1986), Clarice Taylor passed away this week at the age of 93. She is best known for her role as Anna Huxtable, Bill Cosby’s mother on The Cosby Show. I remember when the Cosby Show was in its prime, there were those that felt that the show was not a real picture of “Black America.” It was an argument that I did not agree with then, and I still don’t get that. I think all people desire and strive to be in and have healthy loving families. So at the occasion of Ms. Taylor’s passing, I wanted to write this post in honor of what she stood for in her recurring and groundbreaking role as a faithful grandmother and mother, both on the Cosby Show and Sesame Street.
As Anna Huxtable, Clarice helped many to understand and embrace the reality of a healthy African American family. She and Cliff’s dad were married to each other on the show for years 50 years and passed on their love and wisdom to their children and offspring with laughter and love. Now, there is no need to denigrate any of our “other” favorite African American television families but Anna Huxtable, with her distinctive voice, was part of a positive imagery of the black family that still endures even 20 years after it is off the air (Wow, I am getting old.)
We are now in a time when there is much debate about African American women being portrayed on television as “angry” and bitter. So it all the more fitting that the memory of one that always represented what our women are really like – faithful wives, doting grandmothers and beloved mothers – should be highlighted and remembered as a model for the love and strength of character that African American families really are built on.
So we thank God for the life and television model seen through the life of Clarice Taylor. BMWK family do you have a favorite memory or episode of Clarice “Anna Huxtable” Taylor?
Edward is an Ordained Minister, host of the blog: elevateyourmarriage.com and Author of two first of their kind marriage books, Husbands, Wives, God: Introducing the Marriages of the Bible to Your Marriage and his new book, Husbands, Wives, God – Weekly Devotions: 52 Weeks of Relationship Enriching Devotions. Follow Edward on his blog or on Facebook at Husbands, Wives, God.
Anonymous says
Two of my favorite Cosby Show episodes of all time were the anniversary episodes where the family performed for the grandparents.
Anonymous says
I watched those clips on YouTube last night – classic
TrinityZMom says
All of Lady Taylor’s appearances on the show were memorable so I appreciate BMWK for honoring her legacy and informing us all of her passing!
Zeig32 says
I think that we must understand that most African American familys was as such I know my family was. My mother had 1 husband for over 50 years until his death we believed in patience and education It is just that the media portrays the negative aspects of our family and culture . It is not easy to continue to feel suprerior to another race unless you are able to find fault and ridecule. It is up to us to stand up for what we believe in and to be able to see past the nonsense. We must always look toward the bigger picture More African American teen aspired to go beyond their surroundings during the course of differant world and the cosby show on tv than any other time but they play babyboy set it off menece to society reruns all day every day do we ask ourselves why is that
Anonymous says
Great comments and I would have to agree, the negative portrayals seem to out weigh the positive ones significantly.
Bill Motley says
My wife and I also saw Ms. Taylor portray Moms Mabley in an off Broadway production in the late 80’s or early 90’s. She was a wonderful actress with a broad list of credits beyond her great role on the Cosby Show.
Eloquence Inc says
Loved and still love the Cosby Show!
Eloquence Inc says
Why did we go from A Different World to COLLEGE HILL I wonder? It is not WHITE people that are watching it and supporting the downgrade in black entertainers on television, it’s BLACK people!
Lrtweedy says
Thanks for such a wonderful tribute. I loved the Cosby show as a child. While my family was not completely reflective of what I was watching, (but television [a 30 minute sitcom] is just that, entertainment) I did know I wanted more moments like the ones portrayed on the show.
Definitely the show gave me a positive perspective, and my family (my single mother) gave me the tools, values, and understanding that allowed me to process the show and its meaning. Yes, somewhat idealistic, but definitely something to aspirer towards.
Edgoblin1 says
RIP Ms. Taylor WE LOVE & will MISS U…GOD BLESS Thank you for helping teach us (the world who watch the cosby show and your other work) about LIFE, SUCCESS, FAMILY & CULTURE <3