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Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné

Acting, Producing, Directing, Television · Lesbian · American

About

Raven-Symoné is an American actress, singer, producer, director, and television personality whose career spans more than three decades. She became a major figure in children’s television through That’s So Raven, becoming the first Black woman to have her name in the title of a comedy series, and later expanded her work into producing and directing.

Biography

Raven-Symoné began performing professionally as a child and gained early recognition as Olivia Kendall on The Cosby Show. She later played Nicole Lee on Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper before reaching a new level of visibility on Disney Channel. In 2003, she began starring as Raven Baxter in That’s So Raven, becoming the first Black woman to have her name in the title of a comedy series. The show became one of Disney Channel’s signature programs, and she became a series producer during its fourth season, at age 19.

She played Galleria Garibaldi in The Cheetah Girls and The Cheetah Girls 2, appeared in films including The Princess Diaries 2 and College Road Trip, released studio albums, and contributed to Disney soundtracks. Her television work beyond Disney included State of Georgia, black-ish, Master of None, and Empire. In 2012, she made her Broadway debut as Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act. She later served as a full-time co-host of ABC’s The View from 2015 to 2016.

In 2017, Raven-Symoné returned as Raven Baxter in Raven’s Home, on which she also served as an executive producer. She made her directorial debut with a 2019 episode of the series and went on to direct episodes of Sydney to the Max. In July 2026, Disney announced that she would reprise Galleria and executive-produce The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen, with production scheduled to begin in South Africa that month. Across more than three decades, her work has spanned acting, music, producing, directing, and television hosting.

BQW Impact

Raven-Symoné’s career reflects the cultural influence of a Black queer woman who grew from child performer into an actor, producer, director, and creative decision-maker. Her long-standing visibility in children’s and family entertainment, combined with her public lesbian identity and expanding creative control, makes her a significant figure in Black queer representation in popular culture.

Notable Works

  • That’s So Raven (2003 – 2007)

    Disney Channel sitcom starring Raven-Symoné as Raven Baxter; she became a series producer at age 19.

  • The Cheetah Girls (2003)

    Disney Channel musical film in which Raven-Symoné played Galleria Garibaldi.

  • Raven’s Home (2017 – 2023)

    Disney Channel sequel series in which she reprised Raven Baxter and expanded her work as an executive producer and director.

  • The Best Podcast Ever With Raven and Miranda

    Podcast co-hosted by Raven-Symoné and Miranda Pearman-Maday featuring conversations about their lives, relationships, and experiences outside the spotlight.

  • The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen (2026)

    Disney+ musical film greenlit in 2026, with Raven-Symoné returning as Galleria and serving as an executive producer.

Learn More

Profile details

  • Fields: Screen & Stage
  • Roles: Acting, Producing, Directing, Television
  • Gender Identity: Woman
  • LGBTQ Identity: Lesbian
  • Nationality: American
  • Ethnicity: African American
  • Topics: Television

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