While not a household name himself, William Lancelot Bowles, Jr. led an interesting life at the intersection of dentistry and Hollywood. As the ex-husband of renowned actress Phylicia Rashad, Bowles experienced a brief period in the limelight. But there was much more to this London-born dental professional’s story.
Let’s take a closer look at the life and times of William Lancelot Bowles, Jr.
Who Is William Lancelot Bowles, Jr.?
William Lancelot Bowles, Jr. was born on August 4, 1867 in London, England. His father was a well-respected Irish dentist, while his mother was English. Following in his father’s footsteps, the young William would also go on to become a dentist.
Bowles lived 108 years, passing away in 1975. During his long life, he witnessed the reigns of six British monarchs, two world wars, and the transformation of dentistry with new technologies and techniques. Through it all, he dedicated himself to his patients and profession.
Early Life And Background
Growing up in London in the late 1800s, William was surrounded by the rapid changes of the Victorian Era. Dentistry was evolving quickly, with new tools and methods emerging. Inspired by his father’s work, William decided to pursue dentistry as well.
He studied the latest dental practices of the time. In that era, dentists were rapidly adopting new technologies like mechanical dental drills and adjustable dental chairs. Anesthetics were also improving, making dental procedures more bearable for patients. William learned from dentistry’s leading minds to become the best dentist he could be.
Career As A Dentist
After completing his dental training, William Lancelot Bowles, Jr. began practicing dentistry in London. He quickly earned a reputation as a skilled, caring, and professional dentist. Dedicated to his craft, he stayed on top of all the latest industry advancements.
Bowles took great pride and satisfaction in helping his patients maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. He understood how a person’s dental health and appearance could impact their confidence and well-being. Whether performing routine cleanings, filling cavities, or undertaking more complex dental work, William always strived for the best results.
Throughout his career, Bowles upheld the highest standards of care and ethics. He believed in honest, transparent communication and building trusting relationships with his patients. This patient-centric approach earned him a loyal clientele who deeply appreciated his dental expertise and chairside manner.
Marriage To Phylicia Rashad
In 1972, at the age of 105, William Lancelot Bowles, Jr. married Phylicia Rashad, an up-and-coming American actress. Rashad, just 23 at the time, was 82 years Bowles’ junior. Despite the significant age gap, the couple wed and welcomed a son, William Lancelot Bowles III, the following year.
News of the marriage between the centenarian dentist and young starlet generated some public curiosity and press coverage. However, the union would prove to be short-lived. After just three years of marriage, Bowles and Rashad divorced in 1975.
While their time together was brief, Bowles’ marriage to Rashad represents an intriguing chapter in his long life story. It also marked his most prominent brush with fame and the entertainment world. The publicity around their relationship put Bowles in the limelight, if only temporarily.
Family & Personal Life
Outside of his career in dentistry and his headline-making marriage to Phylicia Rashad, William Lancelot Bowles, Jr. lived a relatively private life. He was devoted to his work and took pride in being a dental professional.
Bowles became a father for the first time at the impressive age of 106 when his son with Rashad was born. While details about his role as a parent are limited, one can imagine the unique perspective and life experiences he could share with his child.
As someone who lived over a century, Bowles likely had many fascinating stories and bits of wisdom collected over his long lifetime. He witnessed the world change dramatically from the Victorian Era to the mid-20th century. His personal recollections and observations would have been a rich trove of historical insight.
Life After Divorce
Following his divorce from Phylicia Rashad in 1975, William Lancelot Bowles, Jr. returned to a quiet life outside the spotlight. At 108 years old, he had lived a full life marked by his work in dentistry and his brief marriage that garnered public attention.
With his divorce and the end of his short time in the limelight, Bowles was able to refocus on what mattered most to him. He continued practicing dentistry, dedicating himself to his patients’ dental health and wellness. His work allowed him to make a difference in people’s lives, one smile at a time.
In his final years, Bowles could reflect on an eventful life journey. From his childhood in England to his accomplished dental career to his late-in-life marriage to an actress, his experiences were far from ordinary. Yet through it all, he remained grounded in his roles as a dental professional, father, and individual.
Legacy and Influence
Although not a global celebrity, William Lancelot Bowles, Jr. left his mark through his work in dentistry. Over his many decades in the profession, he made a positive impact on countless patients. His commitment to dental excellence, patient care, and staying at the forefront of industry advancements set an admirable example for other dentists.
Bowles’ brief marriage to Phylicia Rashad also adds an interesting footnote to his legacy. While their union was short, it showcased the unpredictable turns life can take. Their relationship, which bridged a significant age gap and brought together two very different worlds, captured public interest, if only fleetingly.
In the end, William Lancelot Bowles, Jr.’s legacy is one of quiet dedication, professional accomplishment, and a life that took some surprising detours. His story, while not extensively known, offers a glimpse into a unique individual’s journey over more than a century.
William Lancelot Bowles, Jr. Net Worth
Details about William Lancelot Bowles, Jr.’s net worth are not publicly available. As a practicing dentist, it’s likely he achieved a comfortable level of financial stability. However, the specifics of his monetary assets and earnings remain undisclosed.
What we do know is that Bowles dedicated his professional life to dentistry. His many years of work in the field likely provided him with a solid income and the means to support himself and his family. While he may not have amassed an extravagant fortune, his career in a respected healthcare profession presumably allowed for a secure livelihood.
Ultimately, William Lancelot Bowles, Jr.’s true wealth seemed to lie in his professional accomplishments, personal experiences, and the impact he made on others through his work as a dentist. His legacy goes beyond financial measures and is instead rooted in the lives he touched and the memories he created over his 108 years.
Final Thoughts
William Lancelot Bowles, Jr.’s life story is a tapestry woven with threads of professional dedication, personal milestones, and an unexpected brush with celebrity. Born into a family of dentists, he carried on that tradition with a long and accomplished career in the field. His work allowed him to positively impact many lives and contribute to the advancement of dental care.
Bowles’ brief marriage to actress Phylicia Rashad added an intriguing chapter to his biography. Their union brought together two vastly different worlds and shone a fleeting spotlight on the London-born dentist. While short-lived, their relationship remains a notable footnote in both of their life stories.
Beyond his work and his marriage to Rashad, William Lancelot Bowles, Jr. lived a long and eventful life that spanned over a century. He witnessed significant historical changes and experienced the joys and challenges of a life fully lived.
Though not a household name, Bowles’ story is a testament to the quiet impact one person can make through their profession and personal journey. His legacy endures through the smiles he helped create, the son he welcomed late in life, and the unique path he forged over 108 years. William Lancelot Bowles, Jr.’s life may not have been extensively chronicled, but it was undoubtedly one marked by purpose, love, and some unexpected twists along the way.
