Phylicia Rashad was born in the vibrant city of Houston, Texas, to a loving family of African-American parents, Vivian Elizabeth (Ayers),a talented and creative poet and art director, and Andrew Arthur Allen, a skilled and dedicated orthodontist. As a child, Phylicia, her older brother Andrew, affectionately known as Tex, and her younger sister, the accomplished dancer and actress Debbie Allen, lived in Mexico, where they spent a significant portion of their childhood. This experience was a deliberate decision made by their mother, who sought to provide her children with a brief respite from the chronic racism and segregation that was prevalent in Texas during the 1950s. As a result, Phylicia and Debbie developed a fluency in Spanish, which has undoubtedly enriched their artistic expressions.
Phylicia's educational background is impressive, as she graduated from the esteemed Howard University. Moreover, she has a strong connection to the institution, having later taught drama there. Her younger sister, Debbie Allen, is her partner in the production company D.A.D., which stands for Doctor Allen's Daughters. This venture is a testament to the sisters' shared passion for the arts and their commitment to creating innovative and impactful performances.
Phylicia's remarkable creativity as a performer is largely attributed to the influence and encouragement of her Pulitzer-nominated mother, who is an artistic and free-spirited individual. Her mother's unwavering support and guidance have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Phylicia's talents and inspiring her to pursue a career in the performing arts.
