Yesterday, Raven-Symoné addressed Diddy’s most recent Instagram apologies on her program. The musician’s most recent social media post, which surfaced after CNN published the exclusive video of him violently abusing his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel in 2016, was discussed by the former together with her spouse Miranda Maday. The 2016 incident came to light through a security footage that CNN made public. Symone didn’t seem to be persuaded by Sean “Diddy” Combs’ most recent apology.
Following Diddy’s apology, several individuals have voiced their opinions, with Raven-Symoné being the most recent one. The most recent edition of the Raven & Miranda podcast was released yesterday, and in it, the duo discussed Combs’ body language, whether or not the artist genuinely expressed regret for his acts, and whether or not the apology was sincere. According to Symone, the artist may have apologized because “his money is about to deplete,” but that is the only reason. She went on to go into more detail on why she thinks that.
Raven-Symoné gave her opinion on Diddy’s apology, saying, “There’s always been rumors in the industry about his shenanigans, and it’s always been kind of ‘hush-hush,’ put underneath the rug, and now things and windows are starting to open and people are starting to see in.” She continued, “His apology video… I think he’s distraught because he knows that his money is about to deplete. He’s apologetic… I think he’s sorry that he got caught.” She is not buying the apology. Raven says if he was sincere, the situation would have never happened in the first place.
She also stated, “He [Diddy] can sit up there naked as a jay bird and write “I apologize” all over his thing, and we’re always going to say that is not enough because you shouldn’t have done it in the first place.” The world is closing in on Diddy. Raven-Symoné does not believe what seems like an effort to maintain some level of his reputation. The massive federal probe and the lawsuit that was filed by his ex-Cassie show that he’s in serious water. Overall, folks like Raven-Symoné are no longer buying what he is selling anymore.
In the unforgiving entertainment world, fame often comes with a hefty price tag. This is especially true for child stars thrust into the limelight at a tender age. While the allure of stardom can be irresistible, the journey to the top is filled with challenges. The many stories of these child stars underscore the harsh realities of fame and the toll it can take on young talents. From battling mental health issues to grappling with substance abuse and legal troubles, their journeys serve as cautionary tales of the perils of celebrity culture. While most of them are doing well today, not everyone is lucky.
Raven-Symoné
Best known for her role as Raven Baxter on That’s So Raven, Raven-Symoné faced the daunting task of balancing fame with her personal growth. Despite her success, she confronted body image issues and the pressure to conform to industry standards. In an interview with People, she opened up about being body-shamed and criticized for her weight while on set.
“I wish I was living now as a younger person,” she said. “I probably wouldn’t have so many mental issues. [They said] I was too big to be doing an hour-and-a-half concert. ‘I don’t know how she can dance being that big.’ And I was like, ‘I still did it!’ I was on tour forever because it’s not about your size, it’s about what you have to say.”
Gary Coleman
As the lovable Arnold Jackson on Diff’rent Strokes, Gary Coleman was one of the most famous child stars of his time. However, behind the laughter lay a troubled soul battling financial woes and legal disputes. Despite his iconic status, Coleman struggled to shake off the stereotypes associated with his on-screen persona, grappling with the harsh realities of fame. His relationship with his parents was also fraught. They were accused of mishandling his earnings and using him for their own financial interests.
After his seeming success in the ’70s and ’80s, Coleman’s career started to wane in the 1990s. As a result, he encountered difficulties securing more roles in Hollywood. Additionally, he grappled with legal troubles, including a lawsuit against his parents and an arrest for assault in 1999. Sadly, Coleman succumbed to complications from his congenital kidney condition in 2010 at the age of 42.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s name is known worldwide. When discussing child stars and the consequences of fame, there’s perhaps no better illustration. Michael began his career at the tender age of five and later became widely known as the “King of Pop.” He dazzled the world with his extraordinary talent, but behind it all lay a childhood marred by exploitation and intense scrutiny. Michael endured relentless media attention and struggled with his identity under the spotlight, facing immense pressure to maintain his image as the epitome of perfection.
Speaking with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, he confessed: “It hit me before I was a teenager. I wanted so badly to play in the park across the street because the kids were playing baseball and football but I had to record. I could see the park, right across the street. But I had to go in the other building and work until late at night making the albums. I sat there looking at the kids with tears running down my face and I would say, ‘I am trapped and I have to do this for the rest of my life. I am under contract.’”
Regina King
Some may not know Regina King as a child actress and may recognize her from her roles in Boyz n the Hood, A Cinderella Story, and If Beale Street Could Talk. However, the actress became quite popular when she starred as Brenda Jenkins in the TV series 227. She was 14 years old at the time and struggled quite a bit because of her rising popularity. She opened up with People Magazine about her mother’s decision to keep her in public school.
Thanking her mother, she said, “It was instrumental in me becoming a person who can find balance on shaky ground. It’s not an easy thing, living your life on display, and it’s particularly hard when you’re young. But participating in those social situations as a teen gave me an understanding of how different people can be, which has been very helpful when navigating Hollywood.”
Keke Palmer
Bursting onto the scene with her breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee, Keke Palmer was one of the most adored child stars around. Yet, as she transitioned into adulthood, Palmer faced the pressure to shed her child-star image and prove herself in a competitive industry. Despite her resilience, she confronted moments of self-doubt and scrutiny from the media. She told The Root: “However, it caused me a lot of pain because I essentially had to abandon my childhood feelings and desires, becoming like a parentalized child, which is something some of you can probably relate to in your own way. This was something that I have had to continuously work through because I am grateful but often feel like I missed ‘IT.’”
Orlando Brown
Known for his role as Eddie Thomas on That’s So Raven, Orlando Brown’s journey from child star to adulthood was marked by personal turmoil and legal troubles. Despite his early success, Brown grappled with substance abuse and erratic behavior. This subsequently overshadowed his talent and threatened to derail his career. The former child star has since had several run-ins with the law for drug possession and burglary.
He appeared on The Dr. Phil Show and opened up about his battles with addiction, homelessness, and his mental health. “I was drinking a lot,” he said. “I just found myself in a dark place because I couldn’t really find everybody. It’s kinda like looking for your keys, when you stop looking, they’re right there type of deal. I started to realize what was in front of me.”
Jaleel White
Immortalized as the iconic Steve Urkel on Family Matters, Jaleel White experienced the highs and lows of child stars at a young age. Despite his success, White grappled with the burden of being typecast and struggled to break free from the shadow of his most famous character. He also faced racial discrimination. During an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, he disclosed that certain prominent child stars from that era received preferential treatment compared to him.
Furthermore, he lamented that he was never extended an invitation to the Emmys. He said: “It’s fair of me now to definitely say, you were made to feel African-American. Fred Savage was always invited to the Emmys; he was always treated like a darling during this time. I was never invited to the Emmys, even to present. I was pretty much told that I would be wasting my time to even submit myself for nomination.”
Lindsay Lohan
Rising to fame with her roles in Disney films like The Parent Trap, Mean Girls, and Freaky Friday, Lindsay Lohan was destined for stardom. Yet, her journey took a tumultuous turn as she grappled with substance abuse and legal troubles in her teenage years. The constant glare of the media magnified her struggles, casting a shadow over her promising career.
In 2019, she spoke with Variety, stating, “The first time I was in a tabloid, I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I feel like Britney Spears!’ because she was in a tabloid and I felt cool. Little did I know what would happen from there. I know that I’m a damn good actress, and it’s been my passion since I was a child, and I know that when I care about something I put 100 percent and more into it. And I know that in my past I was young and irresponsible, but that’s what growing up is. You learn from your mistakes.”
Amanda Bynes
Amanda Bynes was one of the child stars on a meteoric rise. However, behind the scenes, Bynes battled with mental health issues exacerbated by the pressures of fame. Her public struggles played out in the media, underscoring the harsh realities faced by child stars thrust into the unforgiving spotlight. Bynes later took a break from acting due to her constant reliance on drugs. She confessed to Paper Magazine in 2018 that her drug usage changed her.
“My advice to anyone who is struggling with substance abuse would be to be really careful because drugs can really take a hold of your life. Everybody is different, obviously, but for me, the mixture of marijuana and whatever other drugs and sometimes drinking really messed up my brain. It really made me a completely different person.”
Rising to fame as a Disney Channel star, Demi Lovato charmed audiences with her powerhouse vocals and relatable persona. However, behind the facade of success lay a battle with addiction and mental health issues. These were exacerbated by the pressures of fame. Lovato’s journey to recovery played out in the public eye, shedding light on the challenges child stars face.
While promoting her docuseries Simply Complicated at the Cannes Lions, she stated: “I wouldn’t start that young if I could do it over again. It was a difficult transition from child star to transforming into a mainstream artist. It’s something that is very challenging. You have to find your identity. For so long you’ve been molded into something and then you’re expected to figure out who you are very fast in front of the entire world. It’s definitely been difficult, but it’s been a learning experience. I am still figuring out who I am every day.”
Macaulay Culkin
As the precocious Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, Macaulay Culkin became a household name overnight. Yet, his rapid rise to fame took a toll on his childhood, leading to strained relationships and personal struggles in adulthood. According to Entertainment Weekly, Culkin pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor drug possession charges in 2005. He also confessed to Esquire: “I played with some fire, I guess is the best way to put it. At the same time, I’ve never been to rehab or anything like that. I’ve never had to clean out that way. There were certain times when I had to catch myself, once or twice.”
That’s So Raven was a beloved Disney sitcom which ran from 2003-2007. The series spawned several spin-offs and was yet another hit series for star Raven-Symoné. The show focused on the titular teen as an aspiring fashion designer and artist with a keen psychic ability to see glimpses of the future. Though many of her visions are destined to become a reality, others can be prevented, leading the teen and her ensemble of friends and family headfirst into wacky hijinks. Since the series concluded in 2007, many lead actors have gone on to new and exciting projects.
Since her tenure concluded on That’s So Raven, the eponymous star has gone on to appear in many television roles. She appeared in series’ such as Black-ish, K.C. Undercover, and HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show. Raven-Symoné has also reprised her role as Raven Baxter in the spin-off show Cory in the House and the ongoing revival series Raven’s Home. The revival series has been running since 2017, with a seventh season expected to air in 2024. While many of the That’s So Raven cast have joined the Icon Award winner in the revival program, some have moved on from the Raven-verse entirely.
Orlando Brown
Orland Brown portrayed Raven’s best friend Eddie in all four seasons of the hit Disney original series. Since the conclusion of That’s So Raven, Brown has continued acting in small roles, while focussing on his budding music career. The actor-turned-musician has released two solo albums. His film and television credits include minor roles in The End and Straight Outta Compton, as well as the reality television series Bad Boys: Texas. Unfortunately, Orlando Brown has also faced legal issues in recent years, including a 2022 arrest for domestic violence and drug possession.
Anneliese van der Pol starred in That’s So Raven as Raven’s other bestie, the perpetually vexed Chelsea. Like Raven-Symoné, van der Pol has reprised her role in Raven’s Home. The actress maintained a starring role in the show for the first four seasons but has since left, maintaining appearances in sporadic cameos. Other credits for the former child star include projects such as Vampires Suck, Shake It Up, and Friends With Benefits.
Rondell Sheridan
Rondell Sheridan stands as one of the most enthusiastic participants of the Raven-verse, having appeared in every episode of That’s So Raven, as well as both spin-off series. Sheridan has portrayed the Baxter family patriarch, Victor, in all three shows, serving as a quirky chef who worked his way up to serving the sitting president of the United States. While starring in That’s So Raven, Sheridan honed his directing skills, leading to a prolific career behind the camera. Rondell Sheridan has taken on a larger role in recent seasons of Raven’s Home, leaving fans with plenty of opportunity to see the character again in the coming years.
Kyle Massey
Kyle Massey starred as Raven’s brother Cory in That’s So Raven and served as the main character for the spin-off Cory In The House. Since leading the cast in both shows, Massey has gone on to appear in Gotham, Bad Company, and Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He also joined Dancing with the Stars for a season in 2011. Unfortunately, Massey has faced legal trouble in recent years, including charges of sexual misconduct with a minor in 2021. Massey has not been found guilty of this crime, and the actor maintains his innocence. Regardless, the scandal seems to have had a major effect on the future of his career.
T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh
Raven Baxter’s skeptical but supportive mother was brought to life in the show by T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh. Though the actress departed the series in Season 4 to care for an ailing family member, the character left a lasting impact on fans. Like many of her That’s So Raven co-stars, T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh has gone on to appear in the revival show while balancing other acting roles. The actress holds credits for projects such as Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens, Dumped, and Harlem of the South. She also has several projects in various stages of active development, per IMDb.
Whoopi Goldberg is recognized for her openness about her personal life. She recently joined Raven Symoné and her wife for a recent episode, The Best Podcast Ever. During the chat, the Disney star reveals she thought her former The View co-host gave off” lesbian vibes.” Instead of being offended, the Sister Act actress laughed it off. “I want to just dig into your business a little bit, this is a safe space,” Symoné began.
She continued: “Honestly, when I was around you, I loved you so much like I just wanted to be up underneath the t*tty the whole time! But that’s also because you just kind of gave me lesbian vibes!” Goldberg noted that while she considers herself an ally, she doesn’t play for that side of the team.
People Have Always Questioned Her Sexuality, Whoopi Goldberg Says
“Women have been asking me this for as long as I’ve been around, I am not a lesbian,” she said. “But I know lots of them, and I’ve played them on television.” Goldberg continued: “But I have always had lesbian friends because they’re just my friends. I’m not gonna kiss you, but I’ll kiss you over here, I’ll do this but I’m not going to do this… And they’re like, “OK!”‘ Earlier this year, Goldberg opened up about her past relationships and claims she was not in love with any of her ex-husbands.
“I wanted to feel normal, and it seemed to me that if I was married, I’d have a much more normal life. But clearly, that’s not the case, that’s not a good reason to get married. You have to actually want a life with someone through ups and downs. I just discovered that wasn’t for me,” she told Piers Morgan. She added, “What I know now is that I don’t want to live with anyone. I think I tried it with probably the right guys for other people. But it wasn’t them, it was me. I actually like living on my own, I like being able to go up and down my stairs farting like a queen and not having to explain. I like my privacy.”
In Hollywood, the future of child actors can be a very slippery slope. While some manage to emerge unscathed and free of the toxicities of the industry, others are not so lucky. Many factors can lead child actors to a downward spiral. Most of these are the pressures that come with fame at an early age.
Regardless, there have been child actors have become Hollywood royalty over the years. Whether they rose from the ashes of controversies or simply maintained their privacy, they are shining stars nonetheless. These former child actors have gone on to achieve success in Hollywood. Furthermore, they offer a wide range of interesting talents, benefiting multiple industries.
Tyler James Williams
Tyler James Williams started his career at just 4 years old, and just a few years later, he landed a recurring role on Saturday Night Live in 1999. By 2000, he appeared in 10 episodes of Sesame Street. Throughout his childhood, he continued to star in notable releases. However, he achieved great fame as Chris in the autobiographical sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. Williams has continued to enjoy a stellar acting career since. These days, he’s earning even more critical acclaim and recognition as Gregory Eddie in Abbot Elementary. This role gave him his first Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nomination.
Raven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné is one of the most recognized former child actors of all time. She began her career as a toddler, becoming a child model under Ford Models. Raven has had several high moments in her career since she was three. She joined The Cosby Show in its sixth season, staying until the series ended. After the show’s conclusion, she earned a space in Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper. At 15, Raven became tween and teen royalty after scoring the lead role in Disney Channel’s That’s So Raven. Her contributions to film and television are incredible. Nowadays, the actress, singer, and director reprises her role as Raven in Raven’s Home.
Brandy’s career was a success straight out of the gate. Before scoring a timeless, multi-platinum debut album, she ventured into acting. She starred in the sitcom Thea prior to her lead role in Moesha, solidifying her name in many Black American households. Brandy has been a star for much of her three-decade-long career. Whether acting or singing, she has continued to earn praise for her work. In 2022, Brandy signed with Motown Records before releasing her highly anticipated eighth studio album.
Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer is one of the most prolific former child actors ever. Since her breakthrough in the mid-2000s, she has been an unstoppable force. Palmer’s ventures today include a thriving acting career, a music career, a successful podcast, and more. She has earned significant critical acclaim over the years. Her performance in Akeelah and the Bee is often noted as one of the best acting showcases by a child actor. Today, the Emmy winner is now a mom, she still continues to gain a slew of fans with each endeavor. While she’s first and foremost an actress, Keke “Keep A Bag” Palmer has her foot in many baskets!
Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi was just nine years old when she starred alongside Eddie Murphy in Imagine That. After a series of guest roles, she received her most notable part as a member of the award-winning sitcom Black-ish. Shahidi has reprised her role as Zoey in Grown-ish since 2018. Like many other child actors, she started as a model, starring in numerous commercials. Besides the small screen, Shahidi has gained prominence for her political awareness and activism. She is also a Harvard graduate, studying Social Studies and African American Studies.
Zendaya
Zendaya kicked off her acting career on Disney Channel’s Shake It Up. There, she showed off her multiple talents. She has gone on to become one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. Not only is she a successful actor, but she’s also a singer, performer, and rising fashion icon. Zendaya is set to star in the upcoming movie Challengers, which has garnered significant buzz. She is also heralded as one of few child actors to steer clear of controversy, often keeping her personal life private. Above all, Zendaya is one of the most prolific stars in Hollywood today.
Marsai Martin
In 2019, Marsai Martin became the youngest executive producer when she was 14. She starred alongside Issa Rae and Regina Hall in the fantasy-comedy Little. Martin’s career, like that of many child actors, began as a model. By 2014, she rose to prominence as the smart-mouthed and witty daughter Diane in the sitcom Black-ish. Her performance garnered widespread acclaim, quickly cementing her as a talent to watch. She further earned several NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her performance. Martin is currently executive producing the comedy series Saturdays, which airs on Disney Channel.
Born on December 10, 1985, Raven-Symoné Christina Pearman grew up with an ambition as large as her personality. Atlanta, Georgia, was the playground where she discovered her talents. A child star at the tender age of two, she soon dazzled audiences with her infectious energy. Her precocious talent didn’t go unnoticed. By age three, she had already signed with the Ford Modeling Agency and was appearing in commercials. But this was merely the overture to a net worth that would reach $55 million in 2023, according to Fresherslive.
A Symphony Of Success: Career Highlights
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–MAY 15: Seven-year-old Raven-Symoné works with Producer Hitman Howie Tee (aka Howard Thompson). When she records her “Here’s To New Dreams” album and CD at Soundtracks Studios on May 15, 1992 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Raven’s career is a rich tapestry of artistic milestones. It began with a breakthrough role as Olivia Kendall on the iconic show The Cosby Show. Her appearance as the adorable, sassy youngster captured hearts and made her a household name. Her star continued to rise with a leading role in the Disney Channel’s That’s So Raven. The show, which aired for four seasons, became Disney’s first to reach 100 episodes. Notably, her portrayal in the episode “True Colors” sparked conversations around race and identity.
Further, Raven’s musical career is equally impressive. Her debut album, Here’s to New Dreams, spawned the hit single “That’s What Little Girls Are Made Of.” Her subsequent albums, including Undeniable, showcased her versatility as an artist, blending pop, R&B, and hip-hop.
The Private Melody: Personal Life
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 06: (L-R) Miranda Maday and Raven-Symoné attend the Disney+ Original Series “The Santa Clauses”. Premiere at Walt Disney Studios on November 06, 2022 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images)
Raven’s personal life has been a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. An advocate for body positivity and LGBTQ+ rights, she has used her platform to inspire others. Her 2016 coming out was an affirmation of her commitment to living authentically. Further, a lover of art and education, Raven attended the Academy of Art University, combining her passion for creativity with academic pursuits. Her life off the screen is a harmonious blend of the arts, advocacy, and personal growth.
Outside of her entertainment career, Raven’s business acumen shines. Investments in various industries and savvy financial management have solidified her position as an influential businesswoman. Additionally, her philanthropic endeavors further illustrate her commitment to making a positive impact. Supporting causes from education to LGBTQ+ rights, her charitable contributions manifest her desire to uplift communities.
A Standing Ovation: Conclusion
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 30: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Producer Whoopi Goldberg and Raven Symone (Whoopi played the role of “Deloris Van Cartier” in the film) pose backstage. At the hit musical “Sister Act” on Broadway at The Broadway Theater on May 30, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)
Raven-Symoné’s life and career are a masterclass in artistic brilliance and personal resilience. From the bright-eyed child star to the confident businesswoman, her journey is an extraordinary blend of triumphs and learning curves. Her ability to embrace change, champion important causes, and entertain millions is a dazzling act that continues to inspire. Her story is not just one of fame and fortune. It’s a multifaceted tale that resonates with all who aspire to live fully, love openly, and create unapologetically. Her net worth of $55 million symbolizes her success, but her true wealth lies in the legacy she’s building and the lives she’s touching.
Whoopi Goldberg wants everyone to know: “I am not a lesbian.” Speaking with Raven Symone on The Best Pod Ever, Goldberg told her fellow star that she isn’t a lesbian. The moment of clarity came after Symone stated Goldberg “gives off lesbian vibes, stud vibes.”
“Women have been asking me this for as long as I’ve been around,” Goldberg replied. “I am not a lesbian. But I know lots of them, and I’ve played them on television. But I have always had lesbian friends because they’re just my friends.”
She added, “I’m not gonna kiss you, but I’ll kiss you over here, I’ll do this but I’m not going to do this… And they’re like, ‘OK!’”
The revelation received a positive response from Symone who stated, “There is something beautiful about a woman being able to embrace their masculine and feminine at the same time and wear it so well, like you do.”
During a recent episode of Raven-Symone’s podcast, The Best Podcast Ever, she revealed that she went under the knife before the age of 18. According to the former child star, she had been receiving negative comments about her weight during her time on That’s So Raven. This led her her to explore surgical fixes. She decided to get liposuction, as well as a surgical breast reduction. She says that her father was in support of, and even recommended, that she have her breasts reduced.
“There was paperwork involved,” she explained. “My dad suggested strongly that I should get my breasts reduced. He was like, ‘So you don’t feel bad, is there anything that you want?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, if I get lipo, will people stop calling me fat?’” Raven continued, “So I got a twofer. It was just a mess, just being that young and the pain of it all.”
On top of getting the procedures done at a young age, Raven also suffered a traumatic experience during one surgery. She had a seizure, which she says she still fears to this day. “I remember waking up and seeing everything … and then I just started to have this dry mouth and couldn’t breathe and went back under,” she revealed. Though the experience was frightening, she went on to get an additional breast reduction. She was still under 18 for the second, which she got when she gained weight after her first one.
Raven-Symone has been open in the past about how growing up on television impacted her self-perception. Clearly, being under a microscope at a young age introduces new pressures to a young person. Body-shaming was also particularly rampant in the early 2000s, when That’s So Raven was airing. Now that she’s grown up and started to open up about her experience, she’s shedding light on a lot of issues that continue to plague young people, and even adults, in the industry.
Raven-Symoné made a shocking revelation during a recent episode of The Best Podcast Ever with Raven and Miranda. The 37-year-old actress confessed that she had undergone multiple plastic surgeries before the age of 18. Raven Reveals She Experienced Seizures The former child star candidly shared, “I had two breast reductions and lipo before I turned […]
That’s So Raven was a staple of the Disney Channel’s early 2000s programming. Airing between 2003 and 2007, the show followed Raven-Symoné as Raven Baxter, a psychic teenager living in Los Angeles. The show followed the typical teen sitcom format of wacky hijinks, usually as a result of Raven misinterpreting her premonitions.
The show was an undeniable hit. It was reportedly the highest-rated original show on the Disney Channel. Furthermore, it actively led to the Disney Channel changing its approach to original programming. It garnered two spinoffs, Cory In The House and Raven’s Home. Furthermore, its format would lead to shows like Hannah Montana, and The Suite Life of Zack And Cody as the Disney-Nickelodeon programming wars of the late 2000s/early 2010s began in earnest.
Raven Was Not The Original Protagonist Of “That’s So Raven”
However, a shocking new detail has come out about the show. According to Anneliese van der Pol, who played Raven’s best friend Chelsea, the show was not originally about Raven. “When I went in to audition, the show was called Absolutely Psychic,” van der Pol said on Vulnerable with Chrissy Carlson Romano, “And at the time, Raven wasn’t the lead. She was the sidekick.” According to van der Pol, the roles of Chelsea and Raven were originally reversed, with the white Chelsea leading the show. Meanwhile, Raven would serve in the stereotypical “funny Black girl” supporting role that was coming in children’s programming.
However, van der Pol continued to reveal more details. “When they filmed [the pilot], they realized that Raven was the funniest one,” van der Pol said. Furthermore, she gave her opinion of why Raven was initially sidelined. “I think that was kind of like racism. They couldn’t really see a Black girl leading a show….They saw her as a sidekick.” Raven Baxter was the first Black lead of Disney Channel’s live-action era, and Raven-Symoné was widely praised for her comedic ability. However, it speaks to the attitude that was present at Disney and many other studios producing children’s television in the early 2000s. Raven-Symoné was not only an icon and inspiration for Black children, but her subsequent coming out has made her a queer icon also.
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