Cool Interview

[jsizzle]

By Katie N. and Jessica S., Tribune newspapers. Katie N. and Jessica S. are reporters for Newsday's Kidsday
Published November 4, 2003

We spoke recently with 17-year-old actress Raven, who stars on the Disney Channel show "That's So Raven." Formerly known as Raven-Symone, she became famous at age 3, when she landed the role of Olivia Kendall on "The Cosby Show." She has appeared in several TV shows and movies, including "Star Search," "My Wife and Kids" and "Dr. Dolittle." She also does the voice of Monique on Disney's "Kim Possible," and has released two albums: "Here's to New Dreams" and "Undeniable."

Q. How did you become interested in acting at such an early age?

A. I started in the entertainment business at 16 months, modeling. My family got me started in that. But when I began watching television, I said, "I want to do that." I went on auditions and it just so happened that I made it.

Q. Why did you start a singing career?

A. After "The Cosby Show," I didn't have any acting jobs, so I said, I want to sing. I was really into Mary J. Blige at the time. I did an album that did pretty well, so I went on tour.

Q. Are you anything like your character on "That's So Raven"?

A. I'm not as vibrant as she is; her hyperness takes a lot out of me. I don't make my own clothes, but we both love to shop. Our love for friends and family are the same. I also have a best girlfriend and a best guy friend.

Q. Have you made any close friendships with any cast members on "That's So Raven"?

A. Annelise Van Der Pol, who plays Chelsea, is my second best friend. We met on the audition for her part. I already had my part, and I had to go on the auditions for my best friend too. You really know when you click with someone in this business, because people can be really fake. But when we first talked, it wasn't about the business, it was about where do you get your nails done, who are you dating. It was more like a real-life conversation, so I knew we would be friends.

Q. Do you get to spend time with your family and friends?

A. I do on the weekends and when I'm not working. But during the week, [I'm on the set of "That's So Raven"] from 8 in the morning to 6 at night, Monday through Wednesday, and on Thursday and Friday, I'm there in the morning and working until about 10 or 11 at night.

Q. What is your favorite episode on "That's So Raven"?

A. It's in the second season. I have a vision that Chelsea and Eddie (Orlando Brown) are about to kiss, and I can't have that happen. I spy on them, dressed up like a plumber. I look like Mario from Mario Brothers.

Q. While taping the voice of Monique for "Kim Possible," was it hard not knowing what your character was doing?

A. Yes. When I was doing the voice-over, I didn't know what she looked like. The first time I saw her was when the show aired on television. I thought she looked just like me! The [animators] watch you while you're talking to see your facial expressions and the way you move your hands while you talk, and they try to copy that.

Q. You've acted with two of today's funniest comedians: Bill Cosby in "The Cosby Show" and Eddie Murphy in "Dr. Dolittle." Who is funnier in person?

A. Well, I was just 3 when I worked with Bill Cosby, so I really don't remember that well. But I'd have to say Bill, because behind the scenes, Eddie Murphy is so serious! ... But when the camera is on, and he's doing his outtakes, he's hilarious.

Q. Do you ever watch reruns of "The Cosby Show"?

A. When it comes on in the daytime, because at night, I go to sleep at about 8. It's kind of cool seeing yourself that young. ... It's kind of like looking at someone else. I think my younger brother looks just like me.

[moeee]

great interview. rae goes to bed at 8 o'clock at night???