From 2003-2007, the supernatural sitcom “That’s So Raven” had the nation’s kids hooked with its tales of psychic Raven Baxter, an otherwise normal teenager who got up to all kinds of mischief both in spite of and because of her mystical abilities. During its 4-year run, the show picked up the lion’s share of viewing figures across the Disney Channel, along with numerous accolades and honors (including two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children’s Programming in 2005 and 2007). After 10 years off the air, Disney reintroduced the comedic delights of “That’s So Raven” to a new generation of viewers with the 2017 spin-off, “Raven’s Home.” The series sees both Raven-Symoné and Anneliese van der Pol reprise their roles as Raven and her best friend Chelsea while being joined by a roll call of Hollywood’s youngest and brightest new things. With two successful seasons already under its belt, the show’s third season (airing June 2019) is sure to see as much success as the previous two. To find out more about the show and its starry cast, keep reading.
Raven-Symoné
The lead part of Raven Baxter is taken by Raven-Symoné, the multi-talented actress, singer, songwriter, model, television personality, dancer, rapper and producer. Symoné started her career as a child actress with minor roles in The Cosby Show and Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, before achieving international acclaim as Raven Baxter in the Disney Channel’s “That’ So Raven”. After the show finished in 2007, she went on to star in Dr. Dolittle (1998), Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001), For One Night (2006), and Revenge of the Bridesmaids (2010), as well as taking on recurring roles in Empire and Black-ish. In addition to her acting career, Symoné has seen pop success with such albums as Raven-Symoné (2008), Undeniable (1999) and This Is My Time (2004). “Raven’s Home” sees Symoné reprise the character of Raven Baxter, who is now all grown up and living as a single mother of twins with her best friend Chelsea and Chelsea’s son, Levi, in Chicago. The show initially sees Raven try to conceal her psychic abilities from her kids, but all is revealed in the episode, “The Falcon and the Raven — Part Two”. After spending the first season flirting between jobs as a doggy fashion designer and a car rental service driver, season 2 has Raven finding some stability as a driver for the transportation business, Scüt.
Issac Ryan Brow
Issac Ryan Brow stars as Raven’s son, Booker Baxter-Carter. Unlike his twin sister Nia, Booker is all too convinced of his mother’s psychic powers- largely because he has a fair helping of his own. Booker initially keeps his visions to himself, but eventually spills the beans in the episode, “The Falcon and the Raven — Part One”. Brow first came to our attention at the age of 6, when he wowed the audience of “America’s Got Talent” with his gifts. He’s subsequently gone on to enjoy a huge amount of success in KINGS, Blackish, How to Get Away with Murder, and more besides.
Navia Robinson
Taking the role of Nia Baxter-Carter, Raven’s daughter and Booker’s twin sister, is Navia Robinson. Nia represents the show’s skeptic, refusing to believe her brother, Booker, when he reveals his psychic powers. She learns to accept his gifts the hard way: when one of his predictions sees her get hit by a boxing bag, she finally admits his extraordinary powers are real. As IMDB reports, despite being only 14 years old, Robinson has been honing her craft for years at a number of acting schools and workshops in Atlanta, Georgia and Los Angeles, California. Prior to joining the cast of “Raven’s Home”, Robinson starred in several commercials for the likes of AT&T, Golden Corral Restaurants, and Synovus Bank, as well as the BET Network’s “Being Mary Jane”. In 2016, she won the honor of being hand- selected by Nicki Minaj to play the part of the young Nicki in her Freeform Network’s pilot, “NICKI.”
Anneliese van der Pol
Reprising the role of the kind-hearted free spirit Chelsea, Raven’s best friend from childhood is Anneliese van der Pol. These days, Chelsea lives in Chicago with her son Levi, Raven and the twins. During an early episode of season one, it’s revealed that prior to her current single status, Chelsea had been married to Garret Grayson, a conman who stole Chelsea’s money and who, after being arrested on suspicion of tax evasion, ended up having an affair with his arresting officer. Chelsea is known for her terrible cooking and her slightly left-field hobbies, which ran to building a rooftop garden in season 2. Away from the show, van der Pol is a talented singer, having recorded numerous songs for the Walt Disney Company and showcased her talents in various Broadway and off-Broadway productions.
Jason Maybaum
The part of Chelsea’s son is taken by the young actor, Jason Maybaum. The 11-year-old began his career in entertainment at the age of 7 and has since appeared in various commercials, TV shows, and films. Just a few of his accomplishments include roles in Starz’s Blunt Talk (2015); FOX’s The Perfect Stanleys (2015); Comedy Central’s Workaholics (2011); and NBC’s Superstore (2015). In “Raven’s Home”, Maybaum plays the mature, wise-beyond-his-years Levi Grayson, who spends most of his time making sure his mom and her friends don’t get up to too much trouble.
Sky Katz
Sky Katz stars as Tess O’ Malley, Nia’s confident and street- savvy best friend who lives in the same Chicago building as the rest of the gang. Katz first came to our attention as a competitor on season 11 of America’s Got Talent, where she wowed both the judges and the audience with her impressive vocal gymnastics and rapping skills. Since appearing on the talent show, the 14-year-old has made numerous performances on MTV’s TRL and Summer in the City, The Harry Connick Jr Show, New York Knicks Halftime Show at Madison Square Garden, and Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day. According to her official bio, outside of acting and performing, Katz enjoys shooting some hoops with her friends and family.
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