The Unseen Battle: What Happened To Deon Richmond, 'Kenny' From The Cosby Show, After Hollywood?
Few child actors from the 1980s and 90s left a more distinct impression on a cultural icon like The Cosby Show than Deon Richmond, the actor behind the character Kenny. Known affectionately by his nickname "Bud," Kenny was the wisecracking, often comically chauvinistic best friend of Rudy Huxtable, providing some of the show's most memorable moments with his pre-teen, overly-confident worldview. While his character was a recurring fixture in the Huxtable brownstone, Richmond's life after the show took several unexpected turns, including a major health crisis and a quiet but persistent return to Hollywood, with his most recent work, Bad Connection, released in 2023.
As of December 2025, Deon Richmond continues to work in the entertainment industry, but his journey has been anything but typical. His story is one of resilience, moving from the bright lights of a beloved sitcom to a private, life-altering health battle, before re-emerging to continue a career that spans over three decades.
Deon Richmond: The Complete Biography and Filmography
Deon Richmond is an American actor best known for his recurring roles in two major sitcoms of the 90s: The Cosby Show and Sister, Sister. His career began at a very young age, quickly establishing him as a recognizable face in television and film.
- Full Name: Deon Richmond
- Date of Birth: June 2, 1978
- Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
- Occupation: Actor
- Years Active: 1986–Present
- Net Worth: Estimated at $1 million
- Notable Roles: Kenny "Bud" on The Cosby Show (1986–1992, 32 episodes) and Jordan Bennett on Sister, Sister (1997–1999).
- Early Career Highlight: Appeared in the music video for Kool & the Gang’s "Cherish" in 1985 before landing his role on The Cosby Show.
Selected Filmography Highlights
While his television roles defined his early career, Richmond transitioned to film, often appearing in popular comedies and horror films:
- The Cosby Show (TV Series, 1986–1992): Kenny "Bud"
- Sister, Sister (TV Series, 1997–1999): Jordan Bennett
- Trippin' (Film, 1999): T.J.
- Scream 3 (Film, 2000): Tyson Fox
- Not Another Teen Movie (Film, 2001): Bruce
- Hatchet (Film, 2006): Marcus
- Psych (TV Series, 2014): Gus's New Boss
- Bad Connection (Film, 2023): Horror/Thriller
The Enduring Legacy of Kenny "Bud" Huxtable's Best Friend
Kenny’s character on The Cosby Show first appeared in 1986 and quickly became a fan favorite. His role was primarily to serve as a foil to Rudy Huxtable, played by Keshia Knight Pulliam, and to deliver comedic lines with a surprisingly mature, albeit often misguided, perspective on gender roles and life.
The nickname "Bud" was a running gag throughout the series, a name Kenny's mother insisted on using, much to his chagrin. This comedic device highlighted the universal childhood experience of being embarrassed by your parents. The character’s most memorable trait, however, was his tendency to preface his questionable advice with phrases like, "My father says..." or "My Uncle Ray says..." This made Kenny a vehicle for the show to subtly satirize the outdated, often chauvinistic advice passed down through generations.
Richmond appeared in 32 episodes, cementing Kenny's place as one of the most significant recurring characters outside the immediate Huxtable family. His dynamic with Rudy, which often blurred the line between friends and a childhood couple, was a key element in the later seasons of the show.
A Private Battle: Deon Richmond's Life as a Cancer Survivor
The biggest and most surprising revelation in Deon Richmond's post-Cosby Show life is his courageous battle with cancer. In 2001, at the young age of 23, Richmond was diagnosed with colon cancer. This diagnosis came at a point when his career was transitioning from television to film, having just appeared in major motion pictures like Scream 3 and Not Another Teen Movie.
His initial diagnosis required him to take a leave of absence from acting to undergo surgery and recovery. Tragically, the colon cancer returned in 2002. Richmond underwent a second surgery on September 20, 2002, followed by a rigorous course of chemotherapy.
This intense health battle significantly impacted his professional trajectory. The complications and recovery process from the disease prevented him from taking on the demanding schedule required for a regular role in a new TV series. This explains why, after his successful run on Sister, Sister, his subsequent television appearances were often limited to guest spots or smaller, less-intensive roles.
Richmond’s decision to step away to focus on his health is a powerful, yet often overlooked, chapter in his life story. He has successfully beaten the disease, emerging as a survivor, and his determination to return to the craft he loves is a testament to his resilience.
What is Deon Richmond Doing Now? The 2023 Return
Contrary to the perception that Deon Richmond retired from acting, he has maintained a steady, if less high-profile, career in the years following his cancer recovery. His filmography shows a consistent presence in independent films, horror movies, and guest spots, demonstrating his commitment to his craft.
In a significant and recent update, Richmond appeared in the 2023 horror-thriller film Bad Connection. This role confirms that the actor is actively pursuing new projects and is still a working member of the entertainment industry. The choice of genre, a stark contrast to the family-friendly sitcoms that made him famous, shows a willingness to explore diverse and challenging roles.
While his public profile remains relatively low, focusing more on his work than on personal celebrity, his legacy as "Bud" on The Cosby Show and Jordan Bennett on Sister, Sister continues to resonate with fans of 90s television. His life story—from a beloved child star to a cancer survivor and a working actor—adds a layer of depth and inspiration to the memory of the wisecracking kid who always had an "Uncle Ray" story to share.
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