Chloe Arnold Honors Phylicia Rashad’s Birthday

A Tribute To Auntie Lish

Chloe Arnold, the Emmy-nominated tap dancer and choreographer behind the viral Syncopated Ladies, took to Instagram this week to celebrate the birthday of television legend Phylicia Rashad. In a post featuring two warm portraits of Rashad, Arnold wrote, “Auntie Lish, today we celebrate the woman who has shown us what it truly means to be powerful and kind, wise and humble, fierce and full of grace. You’ve led by example every step of the way—showing us how to stand tall, speak truth, love hard, and give freely.” She added, “May this year bring you as much light and love as you’ve given to the world. Happy birthday 🎉,” closing with #happybirthday #phyliciarashad #legend mother goat!!

Rashad has inspired generations through her groundbreaking work on The Cosby Show, where her portrayal of Clair Huxtable earned her widespread acclaim. A two-time Tony Award nominee, she made history as the first Black actress nominated for Best Actress in a Play, and later directed and starred in celebrated productions of A Raisin in the Sun.

Arnold’s Mentors And Inspirations

Arnold’s tribute is the latest example of her long-standing admiration for women who paved the way in entertainment. In a Mother’s Day Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJhQYvqpxYj/), she shared a slideshow of the women who shaped her life, writing, “Today I celebrate the beautiful queens who have shaped me in more ways than I can count. Their strength taught me resilience, their love showed me grace, and their wisdom gave me the courage to find my voice.” In that post she specifically listed “6, 7—Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad,” underscoring how closely she follows Rashad’s example both on stage and off.

While Arnold has built her own reputation—founding the all-female tap troupe Syncopated Ladies and earning multiple Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Choreography—she credits the trailblazers before her for laying the groundwork. Rashad’s commitment to authenticity and generosity resonates with Arnold’s own approach to performance and teaching.

Arnold’s Instagram tribute drew hundreds of comments from fans and fellow artists. One user wrote, “Beautiful tribute to a true icon!” while another added, “Phylicia’s legacy lives on through dancers and actors like Chloe.” The post quickly racked up likes from across the dance and television communities.

Whether celebrating a mentor’s birthday or honoring a group of personal heroes, Arnold’s social feeds consistently highlight the connections that drive her artistry. By spotlighting Rashad’s career milestones and personal virtues, she invites her audience to appreciate the multifaceted impact of a woman whose grace has resonated for over five decades.

Even as Arnold continues to create fresh choreography for live shows, film and television, her deep respect for pioneers like Phylicia Rashad shines through. The birthday salute is more than a social media moment—it’s a celebration of the bonds that unite generations of performers.

In sharing her admiration, Chloe Arnold ensures that Rashad’s influence reaches new audiences, reminding us all that standing tall, speaking truth and giving freely are gifts worth passing on.

Trivia

Chloe Arnold has collaborated with other artists and choreographers, pushing the boundaries of traditional tap dance through her innovative style.

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Ratika Pai

 

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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