Pulliam Family Genealogy & History

Keshia Knight Pulliam, born on April 9, 1979, in Newark, New Jersey, is a renowned American actress best known for her role as Rudy Huxtable on NBC's "The Cosby Show," where she made history as the youngest Emmy Award nominee. Pulliam continued her successful acting career with prominent roles such as Miranda Lucas-Payne on the TBS comedy drama "Tyler Perry's House of Payne." Her accolades include multiple NAACP Image Awards, highlighting her as an influential figure in television. Pulliam's diverse career spans from acting in films like "Madea Goes to Jail" to appearances on reality shows like "Celebrity Big Brother" and "The Celebrity Apprentice."

Keshia Knight Pulliam is the daughter of Denise and James Knight Pulliam Sr. and has three brothers: James Knight Pulliam II, Mshon Knight Pulliam, and Juwan Pulliam. Raised initially in New Jersey, her family relocated to Virginia after "The Cosby Show" ended. She attended several prestigious schools, graduating from Foxcroft School in 1997 and later earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Spelman College in 2001. Pulliam's personal life includes her marriage to actor Brad James, with whom she has a son, Knight James, born in 2023.

Nicole Pulliam is a distinguished American actress known for her compelling performances. Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Pulliam has cultivated a diverse filmography that showcases her versatility and dedication to her craft. Her career spans various roles across both film and television, highlighting her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Pulliam's contributions continue to capture the attention of audiences, solidifying her reputation as a talented and committed actress.

Eugene C. Pulliam was a prominent American newspaper publisher and businessman, known for founding Central Newspapers Inc. and acquiring 46 newspapers nationwide, including the Indianapolis Star and the Arizona Republic. A graduate of DePauw University, Pulliam was also a cofounder of Sigma Delta Chi, now the Society of Professional Journalists. He operated radio stations and wrote several works, including "Window on the Right." As a political conservative, he was a delegate at the 1952 Republican national convention. His legacy continued with the Gannett Company's acquisition of Central Newspapers in 2000 for $2.6 billion.

Eugene C. Pulliam was born in Ulysses, Kansas, to Martha Ellen (Collins) and Reverend Irvin Brown Pulliam, a Methodist missionary. Pulliam grew up in various prairie towns, gaining early exposure to the newspaper business in Chanute, Kansas.

Dolph Pulliam, born March 14, 1946, in West Point, Mississippi, is a celebrated former basketball player and television sportscaster. Pulliam gained fame at Drake University, where he played a pivotal role in leading the men's basketball team to the 1969 Final Four and a third-place finish. His accomplishments earned him a place on Drake University's All-Century basketball team and a retired #5 jersey. In 2019, he was inducted into the Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame. Pulliam was the first African-American television broadcaster in Iowa, joining KRNT (later KCCI) television. Though drafted by the Boston Celtics and Dallas Cowboys, he chose a career at Drake University, contributing as a color analyst and director of Community Outreach and Development.

Dolph Pulliam grew up in Gary, Indiana, after his family moved from Mississippi. He had eight siblings, and his mother raised them after leaving their father when Dolph was six. Tragically, his mother passed away in 1952 under circumstances that Dolph found suspicious, leading to his upbringing by an aunt and uncle. During his childhood, Pulliam picked cotton in Missouri, showing resilience and determination that would characterize his future successes.