Raven-Symoné
She evolved from a beloved child star on 'The Cosby Show' into a Disney Channel icon and a savvy, outspoken businesswoman defining her own path.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American actress and singer·Birthday: December 10·Millennials
Biography
Raven-Symoné has spent her entire life in the public eye, navigating fame with a sharp intelligence that transformed her from a precocious kid into a self-possessed mogul. America first met her as Olivia Kendall on 'The Cosby Show,' where her natural comedic timing was evident. She seamlessly transitioned to a teen idol, starring in the Disney Channel smash 'That's So Raven,' a show that broke ground with its lead character's psychic visions and its portrayal of a Black family. The series made her a generation-defining star and showcased her talents as a performer and producer. As an adult, she shrewdly controlled her narrative, returning to Disney for spin-offs, launching a successful clothing line, and becoming a bold, sometimes controversial voice on shows like 'The View.' Her journey reflects a rare arc in Hollywood: a child star who retained her relevance by constantly adapting, building an empire, and speaking her mind on her own terms.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Raven-Symoné was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Raven-Symoné Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Raven-Symoné's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred in and executive produced the hit Disney Channel series 'That's So Raven,' one of the network's most successful original shows.
- Received five NAACP Image Award wins from numerous nominations throughout her career.
- Became a co-host on the ABC daytime talk show 'The View' from 2015 to 2022.
- Launched her own clothing line, "Raven-Symoné for Adorable," which was sold in major department stores.
- Nominated for five Emmy Awards for her work on 'That's So Raven' and other projects.
Did You Know?
She began her career as a model for print ads at the age of two.
She is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, having joined while in college.
She voiced the character of Monique in the animated series 'Kim Possible.'
She legally removed her last name (Pearman) and now uses Raven-Symoné Christina Pearman-Maday professionally.
“I'm not African-American. I'm American. I don't know what country in Africa I'm from, but I do know I have roots in Louisiana.”
