William Lancelot Bowles Jr. is an American public figure born in the United States in 1944, making him 81 years old as of 2025. He holds American nationality, stands approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighs around 165 pounds.
He is the son of William Lancelot Bowles Sr. While not much is publicly known about his mother, William is widely recognized for his previous marriage to actress Phylicia Rashad, known for her role in The Cosby Show. The couple had one child together, Condola Rashad, who has become a successful actress. Information about William’s siblings, if any, has not been publicly disclosed.
William began his education in the early 1950s and went on to complete his higher studies. His professional passion led him into the healthcare field, where he worked as a dentist. Though he maintains a very private life and stays away from the public spotlight, his family connections have kept some attention on him over the years.
Currently, William Lancelot Bowles Jr. is not publicly known to be remarried. His estimated net worth is around one million dollars, primarily earned through his dental career.
Quick Bio of William Lancelot Bowles Jr.
| Full Name | William Lancelot Bowles Jr. |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1944 |
| Age | 81 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (approx.) |
| Weight | 165 pounds (approx.) |
| Parents | William Lancelot Bowles Sr. (father) |
| Siblings | Not publicly known |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Former Spouse | Phylicia Rashad |
| Children | Condola Rashad |
| Education | Completed higher education |
| Profession | Dentist |
| Passion | Healthcare |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $1 million |
Who is William Lancelot Bowles Jr.?
William Lancelot Bowles Jr., a retired American dentist, is best known as the first husband of actress Phylicia Rashad. He was born in 1944 in the United States and is now approximately 81 years old. He married Phylicia Rashad in May 1972 and has one son, William Lancelot Bowles III, who was born in 1973. The pair were divorced in 1975. Although Bowles is not a popular figure, his affiliation with Rashad, a well-known actress well recognised for her part in The Cosby Show, helped him earn some attention. He lived a low-profile life after their divorce and is not known to have remarried. His career began in the healthcare industry, where he worked as a dentist for many years. While specific amounts have not been confirmed, his net worth is considered to be over $1 million.
Early Life and Family Background
William Lancelot Bowles Jr. was born in 1944 in the United States. He was raised in a modest and respectable environment by his father, William Lancelot Bowles Sr. While information about his mother and any siblings is not publicly known, his early life was mainly kept out of the media limelight. William had a strong interest in academics since an early age and pursued a career in healthcare.
His family emphasised education and discipline, which would eventually influence his job as a professional dentist. Though his early years are generally unknown, his life became more apparent after he married actress Phylicia Rashad.
Professional Journey in Dentistry
William Lancelot Bowles Jr. established a successful and respected career in dentistry. After finishing his higher study in the medical sciences, he decided to specialise in dental treatment and devote his professional life to improving oral health. William, known for his calm commitment and professionalism, worked as a dentist for many years, most likely in a private clinic or a healthcare centre. Despite keeping a low profile and avoiding public attention, his work gained him a solid reputation in his local neighbourhood. His career as a dentist not only gave financial stability, but also demonstrated his desire to help others through healthcare.
Life and Marriage with Phylicia Rashad
William Lancelot Bowles Jr. married Phylicia Rashad, a famous actress, in May 1972. Their union brought together two people from opposite professional backgrounds: William in healthcare and Phylicia in the performing arts. The couple had one son, William Lancelot Bowles III, who was born in 1973. Despite their shared family life, their marriage lasted only a few years, resulting in divorce in 1975. Although their relationship was brief, it is an important aspect of William’s personal history because of Phylicia Rashad’s celebrity in the entertainment world. William has generally avoided the spotlight since their split.
Who is Phylicia Rashad?
Phylicia Rashad is an accomplished American actress, singer, and stage director best known for her breakthrough role as Clair Huxtable on the hit television show The Cosby Show. She was born on June 19, 1948, and has received widespread appreciation for her dramatic performances on film and theatre. Rashad has received multiple prizes, including Tony prizes, for her work in theatre, demonstrating her flexibility and ability. Aside from acting, she is known for her commitment to the arts and mentoring budding actors. Phylicia Rashad’s influence extends beyond entertainment, as she has become a symbol of strength, grace, and greatness in the African-American community.
Separation and Shared Parenting
William Lancelot Bowles Jr. and Phylicia Rashad divorced in 1975 after only a few years of marriage. Despite the end of their relationship, they have taken a polite approach to co-parenting their son, William Lancelot Bowles III. They have worked hard to keep their child’s well-being and upbringing a top priority, emphasising the need of creating a nurturing and loving atmosphere. Their ability to co-parent peacefully demonstrates their dedication to family despite the difficulties of divorce.
About Their Son, William Lancelot Bowles III
William Lancelot Bowles III, better known as “Billy,” is the son of actress Phylicia Rashad and her first husband, William Lancelot Bowles Jr. He was born in 1973 and has mostly stayed out of the spotlight, opting for a different path than his mother and half-sister, Condola Rashad, in the entertainment sector.
Billy’s job is upon computer graphics, which allows him to express himself creatively while being private. He has worked as a production coordinator in Los Angeles, assisting with many films behind the scenes. Despite his family’s notoriety, he has chosen a life away from the spotlight, concentrating on his professional pursuits and personal interests.
His decision to live a solitary life indicates a desire to develop his own identity independent of his family members’ public personalities. While facts regarding his personal life are scant, it is known that he has a close relationship with his mother, Phylicia Rashad, who has discussed managing her profession and parenthood. Billy’s decision to remain out of the spotlight demonstrates his desire to live life on his own terms, free of the obligations and expectations that come with being a member of a prominent family.
Estimated Net Worth of William Lancelot Bowles Jr.
Precise information regarding William Lancelot Bowles Jr.’s net worth is unavailable because he lives a quiet life away from public scrutiny. However, given his employment as a dentist—a vocation known for providing a consistent and substantial income—it is logical to assume that he made a decent living throughout his career. While particular data are not available, his financial situation would have been influenced by factors such as his practice’s location, specialisation, and length of profession.
It’s worth noting that Bowles Jr.’s ex-wife, Phylicia Rashad, has an estimated net worth of $20 million, which she obtained primarily from her successful acting career. While Bowles Jr. did not receive the same amount of public prominence, his professional career in dentistry would have provided him with financial security.
FAQs
When and where was William Lancelot Bowles, Jr. born?
He was born in 1944 in the United States.
What’s his professional background?
William chose a career in dentistry. After finishing his study, he worked as a dentist for many years, focussing on providing high-quality dental healthcare to his patients.
Who was he married to, and do they have children?
He was married to Phylicia Rashad, an accomplished actress. The couple married in 1972, and their son, William Lancelot Bowles III, was born in 1973. They got divorced in 1975.
Is he currently married or involved in a relationship?
There are no public records or reports showing William’s remarriage following his divorce from Phylicia Rashad.
What is his estimated net worth?
While specific amounts are not available, his net worth is estimated to be approximately $1 million, which stems primarily from his long career in dentistry.
Does William Lancelot Bowles Jr. have a public presence?
No, he prefers to keep a low profile and live his private life away from the media and the public eye.
Final Thought
William Lancelot Bowles Jr. depicts a figure who has effectively blended a professional career with a family life while remaining out of the public eye. Though his marriage to Phylicia Rashad connects him to a well-known showbiz family, he has forged his own way in the healthcare profession as a dedicated dentist. His life story emphasises the importance of privacy, professionalism, and family commitment, demonstrating that not all important lives are played out in the public eye. Bowles has maintained respect and stability via his professional and personal decisions, quietly leaving his mark outside of the public glare.
