Following her film debut, Alexander joined the Royal Shakespeare Company on a performance tour, which helped solidify her foundation in classical theater. She later caught the attention of famed producer Joseph Papp, founder of the Public Theater in New York City, who cast her in theatrical productions that launched her into the mainstream acting scene.

Breakthrough with ‘The Cosby Show’ and ‘Living Single’

Erika Alexander rose to national prominence with her portrayal of Pam Tucker on the hit television series The Cosby Show from 1990 to 1992. This breakthrough role established her as a talented young actress capable of bringing depth and personality to her characters.

She achieved even greater acclaim when she starred as Maxine Shaw, a sharp and assertive attorney, in the sitcom Living Single. The series ran from 1993 to 1998 on Fox and remains one of her most iconic roles. Alexander's performance earned widespread praise and solidified her reputation for playing strong, complex female characters. Her success in this role led to additional guest appearances in television sitcoms, where she was often cast in similarly assertive roles.

In 1992, she appeared in the ABC sitcom Going to Extremes, a short-lived but critically acknowledged series. She also portrayed the character Flora in the television miniseries Mama Flora’s Family, based on the novel by Alex Haley.