Phylicia Rashad and Angela Bassett discussed having a strong connection to their 'Soul' characters. ... Rashad, who fans recall as the no-nonsense mother Claire Huxtable on the '80s sitcom, ...

Revered '80s Sitcom Star, 76, Is 'Simply Beautiful' in Rare Appearance. ... By far, the one who held the whole TV family crew together was Clair Huxtable, played by actress Phylicia Rashad.