Post by *~Çhëlšêå~* on Aug 30, 2006 14:47:10 GMT -5
Sunday, August 27, 2006
By Lori Cook
The Grand Rapids Press
Chatting with entertainer Raven-Symone was like hanging out with one of my girlfriends. We joked, laughed and talked seriously about her life as a child star.
Raven, who played Olivia in the long-running hit television series, "The Cosby Show," was born in Atlanta and began her career in the entertainment industry at age 3.
Her credits include the role of Nicole in "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper" and appearing in such big movies as "Dr. Dolittle," "Dr. Dolittle 2" and "The Princess Diaries 2."
But you probably know her best as Raven Baxter in "That's So Raven" on the Disney Channel, and as a Cheetah Girl. Raven-Symone is bringing her stage show to the Allegan County Fair Sept. 10. She's touring with the musical group Jump 5. We talked about all this and a whole lot more. Here's a bit of our conversation:
Maranda: Has it been difficult growing up in the spotlight?
Raven: I think it takes a certain person. You need great family support and tough skin. I've been blessed to have great people around me my whole life. My parents have always been involved in my business, and I really value their advice.
Maranda:Does it ever seem strange to think you've been on television your whole life?
Raven:What's strange is I don't need to watch home videos, I can just watch old reruns of all the shows.
Maranda:Not only are you an actress, you also are a songwriter. What do you love about music?
Raven:Music is such a reflection of who you are. Writing and music are from the heart. Acting and music are what I love. You live your truth.
Maranda:How do you feel about being a role model for millions of kids?
Raven:It's fun to look at different people and think that person is cool ... but you shouldn't want to be me. Be yourself and find out who you are.
Maranda:Over the years, what are some of the biggest lessons you've learned?
Raven:You need to be respectful and professional, no matter who is standing in front of you -- the person who signs your check or the guy cleaning your room. We're all the same, and we all deserve respect.
Maranda:What's your best advice for kids?
Raven:Respect people, because everyone is here for a reason. I have a song called, "Everyone is a Star," and it's talking about the importance of every person and that we all can be stars if we do what we love.
Maranda:Does the idea that child stars in entertainment come and go quickly ever freak you out?
Raven:I understand, with the career I have chosen, that there is a typical lifespan with what you do. The 'tween life only lasts so long.
Maranda:I'm a child star. I'm about to make that transition into adulthood. So now I have to go another route.
Raven:There's always someone who may take my spot, and I'm OK with that. I'd love to find the next person to take on this.
Maranda:I know you've got a new movie coming out, and you'll continue to make music. But what would you do if it all came to an end?
Raven:I would love to be a chef. My mom said 'What are you going to do when it comes to an end?' I told her I can always do nails or create my own product line and market it myself.
Maranda:What's it like touring with Jump 5?
Raven:I love Jump 5. The first time I worked with them, on a Christmas show ... we clicked. They are really down-to-earth. Our careers are similar.
Maranda:What can we expect from your big show here?
Raven:Kids can expect so much fun! Jump 5 is all about nonstop dancing, really good voices and songs. For my part, it's about different kinds of dancing, lots of songs and crowd participation. Kids can get questions ready. We pick five or six who come on stage, and I'll answer their questions.
By Lori Cook
The Grand Rapids Press
Chatting with entertainer Raven-Symone was like hanging out with one of my girlfriends. We joked, laughed and talked seriously about her life as a child star.
Raven, who played Olivia in the long-running hit television series, "The Cosby Show," was born in Atlanta and began her career in the entertainment industry at age 3.
Her credits include the role of Nicole in "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper" and appearing in such big movies as "Dr. Dolittle," "Dr. Dolittle 2" and "The Princess Diaries 2."
But you probably know her best as Raven Baxter in "That's So Raven" on the Disney Channel, and as a Cheetah Girl. Raven-Symone is bringing her stage show to the Allegan County Fair Sept. 10. She's touring with the musical group Jump 5. We talked about all this and a whole lot more. Here's a bit of our conversation:
Maranda: Has it been difficult growing up in the spotlight?
Raven: I think it takes a certain person. You need great family support and tough skin. I've been blessed to have great people around me my whole life. My parents have always been involved in my business, and I really value their advice.
Maranda:Does it ever seem strange to think you've been on television your whole life?
Raven:What's strange is I don't need to watch home videos, I can just watch old reruns of all the shows.
Maranda:Not only are you an actress, you also are a songwriter. What do you love about music?
Raven:Music is such a reflection of who you are. Writing and music are from the heart. Acting and music are what I love. You live your truth.
Maranda:How do you feel about being a role model for millions of kids?
Raven:It's fun to look at different people and think that person is cool ... but you shouldn't want to be me. Be yourself and find out who you are.
Maranda:Over the years, what are some of the biggest lessons you've learned?
Raven:You need to be respectful and professional, no matter who is standing in front of you -- the person who signs your check or the guy cleaning your room. We're all the same, and we all deserve respect.
Maranda:What's your best advice for kids?
Raven:Respect people, because everyone is here for a reason. I have a song called, "Everyone is a Star," and it's talking about the importance of every person and that we all can be stars if we do what we love.
Maranda:Does the idea that child stars in entertainment come and go quickly ever freak you out?
Raven:I understand, with the career I have chosen, that there is a typical lifespan with what you do. The 'tween life only lasts so long.
Maranda:I'm a child star. I'm about to make that transition into adulthood. So now I have to go another route.
Raven:There's always someone who may take my spot, and I'm OK with that. I'd love to find the next person to take on this.
Maranda:I know you've got a new movie coming out, and you'll continue to make music. But what would you do if it all came to an end?
Raven:I would love to be a chef. My mom said 'What are you going to do when it comes to an end?' I told her I can always do nails or create my own product line and market it myself.
Maranda:What's it like touring with Jump 5?
Raven:I love Jump 5. The first time I worked with them, on a Christmas show ... we clicked. They are really down-to-earth. Our careers are similar.
Maranda:What can we expect from your big show here?
Raven:Kids can expect so much fun! Jump 5 is all about nonstop dancing, really good voices and songs. For my part, it's about different kinds of dancing, lots of songs and crowd participation. Kids can get questions ready. We pick five or six who come on stage, and I'll answer their questions.