Raven soaring high to success

[jsizzle]

By Charlotte Moore
Cox News Service

ATLANTA -- She goes by one name: Raven.
And she keeps going in one direction: up.
The actress, singer and dancer seemed to be everywhere in 2003.
On TV, her show "That's So Raven" began. And it's still the
Disney Channel's biggest hit.
Her made-for-TV movie, "The Cheetah Girls," came out a few months
ago -- and fans keep tuning in. The movie tells the story of cool
girls in a band. There is even a movie soundtrack, with Raven showing
off as a singer.
How did she first get famous? By playing 3-year-old Olivia
on "The Cosby Show." Later she had a role on "Hangin' With Mr.
Cooper."
Then she was known as Raven Symone. So why change? She says she
dropped "Symone" because it makes her name simpler. "It's just easier
for people to say," 'Hey, Raven, what's up?' "
Last month, the little girl on "The Cosby Show" turned 18. And
she's ready for even more challenges.
This year, she's set to star in "All-American Girl," a Disney
movie coming to theaters. In it, she will play a girl who becomes
famous for saving the president.
During a break while rehearsing in Los Angeles, she answered some
questions by phone.

Q: You were born in Atlanta (Duluth), where you and your family
still have a residence. Where did you go to school and how often doyou come back home?
A: Well, I haven't been back in quite a while. I've been so busy
out here in Los Angeles. And, when I get a vacation, it's, like,
straight to the bed. But I attended Webb Bridge Middle School in
Alpharetta and North Springs High School in Roswell.

Q: What's your family like?
A: My parents are Christopher and Lydia. My father manages me and
my mother is . . . well . . . my mom. I have a little brother named
Blaize. He's a basketball star. He's, like, 5-foot-9, with big old
feet.[laughs] I can't even tell him what to do anymore.

Q: What's a typical day like for you?
A: I'd wake up to go to school at 8 a.m. I was home-schooled, but I
had a tutor who helped. Then I'd get out of school at 10 a.m. and start
rehearsal. I'd have lunch, then rehearse some more. Then I'd go back to school when I can. On Thursdays and Fridays, we start taping the show at 10:30 a.m.

Q: Is it hard to memorize all your lines? Is it like studying for
a test at school?
A: Oh, no, it's nothing like that. I actually want to remember my
lines. In school, I was always good at tests. I'd learn it and use
the information. That's how I am with these scripts.

Q: Do you have any advice for kids who are interested in acting?
A: Stay professional in what you do. You'll get a lot of respect
that way. Believe in yourself. Know what you can do. Be yourself.

Raven at a glance
-- Age: 18
-- Birthday: Dec. 10
-- Birthplace: Duluth, Georgia
-- Favorite color: Baby blue (purple is the favorite color of
Raven Baxter, the character Raven plays on "That's So Raven.")
-- Favorite foods: Gyoza (Japanese style dumplings), ziti (baked
pasta) and creme brulee
-- Favorite singer: Janet Jackson
-- Favorite TV show: "Southpark" (lol)
-- Favorite movies: "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," "Mary Poppins" and "The Matrix" movies.
-- Hobbies: Cooking, shopping and painting (using oils and
acrylics)

[MarshallMathers]

Originally posted by jsizzle
He's, like, 5-foot-9

What? He's shorter than me and I'm bout 5'7.5" Btw, where did you get that pic in your avatar J?

[Superstar]

I'm younger than him and I'm aobut the same size as him, if not a little bit taller....I've been told I'm really tall for my age!

[MarshallMathers]

[moeee]

Raven's brother is 5'9'' with big ol feet!!!!

[jsizzle]

He's just 15 and still has three years to get taller, I'm now 6'1 and it took me 2 years to get there

What picture? lol from ummm...i dun remember...i think film magic!
Didn't you mean he's TALLER than you lol.

5'9 to her is pretty tall, considering she's less than 5'5

[moeee]

I think shes 5'2.

[MarshallMathers]

Originally posted by jsizzle
Didn't you mean he's TALLER than you lol.

no my mom saw us and says I'm taller and plus I was looking down at him when he passed by me. maybe I measured wrong, lol.

[Superstar]

lol

[mpapawise]

CORRECTION blaize is 12 lol my age.

[moeee]