Deon Richmond AKA Rudy’s Friend Bud from ‘The Cosby Show’ Turned into a Handsome Man & Went through a Lot after the Show

Former child star actor Deon Richmond who played Bud, a friend to Rudy on "The Cosby Show," is no longer a young boy but a handsome man with two kids, a beautiful home, and life. He's also been through some struggles.

Black drama lovers will forever remember the classic family drama "The Cosby Show," which featured one of the most adorable friendship stories in the history of television, Bud and Rudy, played by Deon Richmond and Keshia Knight Pulliam, respectively.

These two were young; still, they could bring to life their characters, express themselves confidently, all of which made them endearing to viewers. Although it has been a few years since the show ended, their names are often affiliated to the show, as the duo got their big start from the family drama.

It is no surprise that Deon Richmond's life has witnessed a 360-degree change in terms of career and lifestyle. The now 43-year-old is a father to two kids and a family man.

He has also suffered a few blows, including health challenges, but thankfully, he did not succumb to his illness. Instead, he became an advocate, bringing enlightenment to people.

AFTER "THE COSBY SHOW" ENDED

Not many fans know the rare truths about what happened to Bud, especially after his time on the show. The truth is, Richmond metamorphosed into an older boy and acted in TV series like "Sister, Sister" and "Hanging with Mr. Cooper."

The actor also starred in "Eddie Murphy Raw," "Getting By," "Trippin," "Scream 3," "Not Another Teen Movie," and "Hatchet." His TV appearances did not limit him from getting a sound education.

Richmond attended Texas Christain University; after graduation, he worked as a disc jockey and an on-air personality on KLIF and KNUS-FM in Texas, a New York radio station, and other top FMs around the country.

DEON RICHMOND ON FATHERHOOD

Undoubtedly, time has offered a lot of changes in the life of the former child star. But, like his on-screen buddy Rudy Huxtable, played by Keisha Knight Pulliam, who is now a mother, Richmond is already used to family life too.

He shares a set of twin daughters with his wife, Tamara Rachelle, who works as a blogger and hairstylist. The girls' names are Lila Jewel and Leone Jade, and they were conceived naturally.

Richmond shields his sweet girls from social media and seldom posts their photos. However, he does not mind spilling a few details about his family.

An interviewer once asked the parents how they prepared to welcome their babies since they are twins. Rachelle's response was:

"I don't think you can prepare for twins! It's a unique experience from pregnancy to birth to twin motherhood where you just give it your very best every day..."

Rachelle confessed that being a mother to her identical babies can be challenging. Still, it is a fate she has willingly accepted, as the journey involves many smiles and priceless moments amid the struggles.

The "The Cosby Show" legend is also involved in parenting, as he has teamed up with his wife to build a peaceful home for his daughters.

In addition, Richmond and his wife have taught the siblings to have a solid friendship and connection. While speaking about their relationship, the girls added that they are like every regular sibling but that:

"We like to be close at all times, we never want private time, we are always snuggled together."

SURVIVED CANCER THREE TIMES

A few years before welcoming his babies, the actor was diagnosed with colon cancer. He did not waste time treating himself, as he took a short break from TV to undergo surgery and recover.

After one year, Richmond's disease reappeared, and, this time, he took an extended break to proceed with his treatment. Thankfully, he made a full recovery and continued his work onscreen.

A few months later, the "The Cosby Show" alum received another diagnosis: male breast cancer. As expected, he went under the knife but suffered some significant complications.

Having gone through a series of surgeries and experienced a struggle with cancer, he became motivated to campaign for early cancer detection, explaining that it could have saved him the breakdown and struggles.

Ultimately, his final surgery left him in bad condition, and he had to slow down with work. Richmond could not appear on shows, although he later bagged a role in an independent production of Charles Dickens's classic, "Oliver's Twist."

WHERE IS DEON RICHMOND NOW?

Apart from starring in "Oliver's Twist," the man is happy with his family and is very active on social media. He also owns a Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram account where he gives fans constant updates of his lifestyle.

Richmond often describes himself as a renaissance man, actor, and producer. Most of his Instagram posts feature him wearing a charming smile across his handsome face while displaying some boyish swag.

In 2017, Richmond intrigued fans with a photo of himself on stage, in front of a mic. The accompanying caption read:

"My first time on stage telling jokes and there were only 8 ppl in the crowd….4 were fellow comics, 2 were bartenders but u can't tell from the look in my eyes! All I see is the future."

It has been more than two decades since his time on "The Cosby Show," but Bud still remembers his onscreen best friend. A few years ago, he celebrated Pulliam's birthday with a throwback snap showing them as child stars and added the words "Happy Birthday Kiz!!!," using his nickname for her!

Despite his low-profile lifestyle, he is very social and goes to events when necessary. His most recent update was a picture of him at a wedding, and his outfit was nothing conventional.

He dressed in a nice button-down, long sleeve shirt, floral-themed pants, and white kicks, posed by a tent while holding a drink in one hand, and a sign on the other. All in all, he seems to be doing great!