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Raven-Symoné

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This article is about the actress-singer. For her self-titled album, see Raven-Symoné (album).
Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné Christina Pearman (born December 10, 1985),[1] known professionally as Raven-Symoné or Raven, is an American actress, singer-songwriter, dancer, television producer, and model. She is best known for her television roles as Olivia Kendall on The Cosby Show, Galleria Garibaldi in The Cheetah Girls and The Cheetah Girls 2, and as Raven Baxter in the Emmy Award nominated series, That's So Raven.

Raven has also lent her voice to the animated series Kim Possible, for the character Monique and films such as Disney‘s Tinker Bell. Raven-Symoné also owns a "how-to" video website, Raven-Symoné Presents.[2]

Early life

Raven-Symoné was born in Atlanta, Georgia to Lydia (née Gaulden) and Christopher B. Pearman. At age three, her family moved to Ossining, New York where she attended Park School.[3][4] As an infant, she worked for Atlanta's Young Faces Inc. Modeling Agency and was featured in local print advertisements. At age two, she worked with Ford Models in New York City and appeared in ads for Ritz crackers, Jell-O, Fisher-Price, and Cool Whip.

Career

1989-2002: Early roles

In 1989, Raven-Symoné auditioned for a part in the Bill Cosby movie, Ghost Dad. At three years old she was considered too young for the role, but Bill Cosby liked her so much that he found a part for her on his show, The Cosby Show, as his granddaughter Olivia. Raven-Symoné played the part of Olivia until 1992. She then appeared as the younger version of Halle Berry's starring character, a headstrong biracial slave, in the TV movie Queen: The Story of an American Family, based on the book by Alex Haley. Within a year after The Cosby Show ended, she landed the role of Nicole Lee on the show Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. During her time on the show, she had her first big screen role in the movie The Little Rascals, playing Stymie's girlfriend. She was then cast in the Eddie Murphy comedy Dr. Dolittle (1998) and then Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001) as Charisse Dolittle, the oldest daughter of Murphy's character. Meanwhile, she also appeared in Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999).

2002-2007: That's So Raven and The Cheetah Girls

In 2002, Raven-Symoné auditioned for a role on an up-coming series for the Disney Channel titled Absolutely Psychic, about a teenager with psychic abilities.[5] Initially, she was cast as the best friend, but her role was changed to the lead character Raven Baxter and the series name changed to That's So Raven. The series debuted on January 17, 2003, becoming the Disney Channel's highest-rated and longest-running series. It spawned a franchise including soundtracks, dolls, episode DVDs, and video games. That’s So Raven was nominated for Outstanding Children's Program during the 2005 and 2007 Emmy Awards. The show also launched the channel's first spin-off series, Cory in the House.

During her time on the show, Raven-Symoné provided the voice of Danielle in Fat Albert and made an appearance in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. In 2003, she starred as lead singer Galleria Garibaldi in The Cheetah Girls, a Disney Channel Original Movie about four city girls who dream of becoming superstars. The movie was the channel's first musical and was the basis for another franchise, including dolls, video games, platinum-selling soundtracks. and more.[6] In 2006, Raven-Symoné reprised the role in The Cheetah Girls 2. Raven-Symoné served as executive producer of the film.[7] The film brought in more than 8 million viewers opening night, making it (at the time) Disney Channel's most-watched movie. The films soundtrack debuted at #5 on the Billboard Top 200 and is certified for platinum-level sales by the RIAA.

In 2008, The Cheetah Girls: One World began production, however Raven-Symoné did not return for another film, citing "territorial issues" and "catfights" on the set of Cheetah Girls 2, which led to a strained friendship with the other three actors.[8] In a later interview, Adrienne Bailon, Sabrina Bryan and Kiely Williams denied the rumors, saying they all get along well.[9]

2008-2010: College Road Trip and Tinker Bell

In 2008, Raven-Symoné starred in her first leading role. The comedy College Road Trip surrounds Melanie Porter a 17-year-old college-bound girl who is eagerly looking forward to her first big step towards independence, when she plans a girls only road trip to check out prospective universities. But when her overbearing police chief father (Martin Lawrence) insists on escorting her instead in hopes to sway her decision, soon finds her dream trip has turned into a nightmare adventure full of comical misfortune and turmoil. In its opening weekend, the film grossed approximately $13,601,419 in 2,706 theaters in the United States and Canada, ranking as the #2 film at box office. It went on to gross $50,873,923 worldwide. [10]

During 2008 and 2009, Raven-Symoné provided her voice for the light-fairy Iridessa in the Disney Fairies direct-to-DVD film series, Tinker Bell, and Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure. Raven-Symoné is expected to return to the franchise for the films, Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue, Tinker Bell: A Winter Story, and Tinker Bell: Race Through the Seasons. Raven also appeared in Chris Rock’s 2009 documentary Good Hair.

2010-Present: Revenge of the Bridesmaids

Raven-Symoné is set to star in ABC Family’s upcoming made-for-tv film, Revenge of The Bridesmaids. Casting is currently underway and filming is set to start on April 12, 2010. [11]

Music

1990-1999: Career development

Raven-Symoné began her singing career at the age of five, when she signed with MCA Records. She spent that year and the next taking vocal lessons from Melissa Elliott. Her first album, Here's to New Dreams, was released on June 22, 1993, which spawned two singles: "That's What Little Girls Are Made Of" and "Raven Is the Flavor". "That's What Little Girls Are Made Of" reached #68 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album however was not successful, and due to low sales she was dropped from MCA Records in 1995.

In 1996, Raven-Symoné and her father founded RayBlaze Records, in which she signed a distribution deal with Crash Records for her sophomore album Undeniable. Undeniable was released in May 1999. The album yielded one single: "With a Child's Heart", a remake of a classic Michael Jackson tune.

2002-2006: First commercial success

In early 2003, she signed a deal with Hollywood Records, a Disney-owned label. On September 21, 2004, she released her third studio album This Is My Time, which included the single "Backflip", which received heavy rotation on both Disney Channel, as well on BET and MTV. The album debuted and peaked at #51 on the Billboard 200 selling 19,000 copies in its first week of release and becoming her most successful album. This Is My Time has sold 235,000 copies in the U.S.

During 2004, Raven-Symoné also recorded music for That‘s So Raven’s first original television soundtrack. The soundtrack debuted and peaked at #44 on the Billboard 200 and is now certified Gold by the RIAA for sales of 500,000. copies.[12]

In support of her third studio album and That's So Raven Too! soundtrack, which was the second soundtrack album from the series. Raven-Symoné embarked on her first headlining tour. The "This Is My Time Tour" kicked off on May 19, 2006 in Richmond, VA and concluded on October 21, 2006 in Columbia, SC.

2007-2009: Raven-Symoné

Her fourth studio album Raven-Symoné was released on April 29, 2008.[13] The album features production by Sean Garrett (Beyoncé), The J.A.M. (Leona Lewis), Knightwritaz, and The Clutch (Timbaland, Ciara). The only single released was "Double Dutch Bus" a remake of Frankie Smith's 1981 funk track. The single was released to radio on February 9, while the video was released on February 18, 2008. The album debuted at #159 on Billboard's Top 200. To promote the album she planned to headline her first all-arena tour "The Pajama Party Tour" in Spring 2008, but due to what promoters call "unforeseen difficulties" the tour was postponed until further notice. Later on, Raven-Symoné confirmed that the tour would be re-scheduled and would kick off in the Summer of 2008. The tour now dubbed the “Raven-Symoné: Live Tour" kicked off in July 2008, and continued through 2009.

During her 2008 Summer tour, it was officially announced that after completing her 2 CD deal with Hollywood Records, she would not renew her contract with the label.

2009-present

In an interview with Teenmag.com, she announced that in late 2009, she would return to the studio to record her next album.[14] She said that the album will be "R&B, most definitely.....with an alternative base for the lyrics". She said, "It's good to go out there and spread your wings and find new talent and work with people you haven't worked with before. I'd love to find the next Pharrell or the next someone who's coming up and no one really knows yet, At the same time, I'd love to work with the Clutch and the J.A.M. again".[15]. her new label is CMG (Coalition Media Group) which is associated with Universal/Motown Records. The album is scheduled for a 2010 release according to Raven. In a recent web broadcast, Raven stated she has finished 5 songs for the album, and is still recording and writing as we speak.

Musical style, records and sellers

Raven-Symoné's music is predominantly R&B and Hip Hop and has included ballads and pop. She co-wrote several songs on This Is My Time and That's So Raven Too!. Her musical influences include Janet Jackson, Brandy, Beyoncé and Madonna. She has her third contract with a major label, MCA Records - the first and only youngest artist who signed with MCA, and Hollywood Records. She has sold more than 6 million records worldwide and is the fourth Disney Channel artist to achieve best-selling albums during the 2000s.

Filmography

Film
Year Film Role Notes
1994 The Little Rascals Stymie's Girlfriend
1998 Dr. Dolittle Charisse Dolittle
2001 Dr. Dolittle 2
2004 The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement Princess Asana
Fat Albert Danielle Voice
2006 Everyone's Hero Marti Brewster Voice
2008 College Road Trip Melanie Porter
2009 Good Hair Herself
2010 Little Fockers [16] Tamyra
Straight-to-DVD
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Kim Possible: A Sitch in Time Monique Voice
2005 Kim Possible: So the Drama
2008 Tinker Bell Iridessa Voice
2009 Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure Voice
TV Films
Year Title Role Channel
1999 Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century Nebula Wade Disney Channel
2003 The Cheetah Girls Galleria "Bubbles" Garibaldi Disney Channel
2004 Zenon: Z3 Nebula Wade Disney Channel
2006 For One Night Brianna McCallister Lifetime Movie
The Cheetah Girls 2 Galleria "Bubbles" Garibaldi Disney Channel
2010 Revenge of the Bridesmaids Abigail aka Abi ABC Family
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1989—1992 The Cosby Show Olivia Kendall Seasons 6–8
1993—1997 Hangin' with Mr. Cooper Nicole Lee Seasons 2–5
2002—2007 Kim Possible Monique Voice / Recurring role
2003—2007 That's So Raven Raven Baxter Main Character
Television guest appearances
Year Title Role Notes
1989 Different WorldA Different World Olivia Kendall "Forever Hold Your Peace" (episode 5, season 3)
1990 Muppets at Walt Disney WorldThe Muppets at Walt Disney World Young girl Television special
1992 Fresh Prince of Bel-AirThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Claudia "Vying for Attention" (episode 21, season 2)
1993 Blindsided Singer
Queen: The Story of an American Family 5-year-old Queen uncredited
1995 Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child Princess/Olive (voice)
Goldilock (voice)		 "The Princess and the Pauper" (episode 8, season 2)
"Goldilocks and the Three Bears" (Episode 8, Season 3)
1996 Bill Nye the Science Guy Herself "Human Transportation" (episode 56, season 3)
1997 Space Ghost Coast to Coast Herself "Piledriver" (episode 18, season 4)
2001 My Wife and Kids Charmaine "Mom's Away (Part 1 & Part 2)" (episode 1, 2, season 2)
Proud FamilyThe Proud Family Stephanie (voice) "Seven Days of Kwanzaa" (episode 11, season 1)
2004 Fillmore! Maryanne Greene (voice)
Alexandria Quarry (voice)		 "Code Name: Electric Haircut" (episode 9, season 2)
2005 Higglytown Heroes Playground Monitor (voice) "Wayne's Ripping Adventure" (episode 14, season 1)
2006 Suite Life of Zack and CodyThe Suite Life of Zack and Cody Raven Baxter "That's So Suite Life of Hannah Montana" (episode 20, season 2)
2007 Cory in the House Raven Baxter "That's So in the House" (episode 16, season 1)
2008 American Dad! Katie
Wife		 "Office Spaceman" (episode 14, season 3)
"Stanny Slickers II" (episode 15, season 3)
2010 Sonny With a Chance Amber

Production

Television
Movie/Show Role
That's So Raven Season 4 Producer
The Cheetah Girls 2 Co-Executive Producer
College Road Trip Executive Producer

Discography

Main article: Raven-Symoné discography
Main article: List of songs by Raven-Symoné

Awards and nominations

Year Result Award Category Nominated Work
1990 Nominated Young Artist Awards Outstanding Performance by an Actress Under Nine Years of Age The Cosby Show
1991 Won Exceptional Performance by a Young Actress The Cosby Show
1993 Nominated Outstanding Actress Under Ten in a Television Series The Cosby Show
1994 Nominated Best Youth Comedian Hangin' With Mr. Cooper
1996 Nominated NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Youth Actor/Actress Hangin' With Mr. Cooper
1999 Nominated Young Star Awards Best Performance by a Young Actress in a Mini-Series/Made for TV Film Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century
2004 Won Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Favorite TV Actress That's So Raven
Won NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Series/Special That's So Raven
Won Black Reel Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series The Cheetah Girls
Nominated BET Comedy Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series That's So Raven
Nominated Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actress — Comedy That's So Raven
2005 Won Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Favorite TV Actress That's So Raven
Won NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Series/Specia That's So Raven
Won Radio Disney Music Awards Best Actor/Actress-Turned-Singer
Nominated BET Comedy Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series That's So Raven
Nominated Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actress — Comedy That's So Raven
Nominated BET Comedy Awards Best Performance in an Animated Theatrical Film Kim Possible: So the Drama
2006 Won NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Series/Special That's So Raven
Won Junior Achievement Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Series/Special That's So Raven
Won Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actress — Comedy That's So Raven
Nominated Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Favorite TV Actress That's So Raven
2007 Won NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Series/Special That's So Raven
Won NAMIC Vision Awards 2007 North Star Award (top award)
Nominated NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series That's So Raven
Nominated Radio Disney Music Awards Favorite TV Star Who Sings
Nominated Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Favorite TV Actress That's So Raven
2008 Won NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Program — Series or Special That's So Raven
Won Outstanding Performance Program That's So Raven
Nominated Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Favorite TV Actress That's So Raven
Nominated Teen Choice Awards Choice Summer Comedy Movie/Performance College Road Trip
Won Summer Fort Myers Beach Film Festival "Fav Summer Teen Flick Comedy" College Road Trip
2009 Won Trumpet Awards Trumpet Awards Honorees - Pinnacle Award[18]
Won Black Girls Rock Awards '09 "Young, Talented and Black" Raven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné awards and nominations
Totals[a]
Nominations40
Note
  1. ^ Certain award groups do not simply award one winner. They acknowledge several different recipients, have runners-up, and have third place. Since this is a specific recognition and is different from losing an award, runner-up mentions are considered wins in this award tally. For simplification and to avoid errors, each award in this list has been presumed to have had a prior nomination.

References

  1. ^ "Raven Symone:Biography on MSN". MSN. 2008. Retrieved July 15, 2008.
  2. ^ RavenSymonePresents.com
  3. ^ Charlotte Moore (January 25, 2004). Raven takes flight PE.com.
  4. ^ http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/la/winn/bios/sym1569.txt
  5. ^ "Raven Biography". notablebiographies.com. Retrieved January 4, 2009.
  6. ^ Raven-Symone: 'I'm not a little kid anymore'
  7. ^ "Raven-Symone takes 'Cheetah Girls' to Spain". msnbc.msn.com. 21 August 2006. Retrieved 04-01-2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  8. ^ http://www.nationalledger.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=1&num=6127
  9. ^ http://www.vividseats.com/concerts/the-cheetah-girls-tickets/articles/275.html
  10. ^ http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2008/CLGRT.php
  11. ^ http://oncameratalent.livejournal.com/91402.html
  12. ^ That's So Raven Soundtrack: Gold by RIAA
  13. ^ Raven~Symoné
  14. ^ http://www.teenmag.com/seen-in-teen/raven-symone-interview-2 New Album
  15. ^ http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003841425
  16. ^ [1]
  17. ^ Raven-Symoné Live Tour to be contuined in 2009
  18. ^ http://www.trumpetfoundation.org/trumpet2009.htm
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