I recently had the pleasure of spending 5 minutes with the very talented Raven Symone to discuss her acting career, take on Hollywood, and advice for anyone with acting dreams.
JG: Thank you, for your time Raven. You “literally” hit the ground running. I read that as an infant you did some local print advertisement and by age two you where doing commercials for the likes of Ritz crackers, Jell-O, Fisher Price, etc. etc. I’m going to find those commercials lol, but that’s a lifetime of working in the entertainment industry. Have you gotten used to the “Magic of Hollywood” or is it still just as fun as ever?
RS: Hello! Actually, thank you for interviewing me and I’m sorry for taking such a long time. MAGIC of HOLLYWOOD!! There’s no such thing as Magic of Hollywood. Hollywood for me is a nightmare. I haven’t actually gotten into the worst things because I’m always at home. On the other hand….. Yeah, I think I’m used to it but it’s not comfortable. I’m living the Hollywood nightmare for my fans!
JG: Of course, at age 4 The Cosby Show comes along for you. I think I’ve personally seen every Cosby episode. I remember then and even now watching your performance thinking “this girl has got it”. Did you ever struggle with your lines during those tapings because it sure doesn’t seem like it?
RS: Oh yeah of course! My parents were with me every single moment and they were making sure that I had my lines. But I was tripping sometimes and when I’d struggle, everybody was like “here we go again”. But they were very nice with me “as I remember” especially Mr. Cosby, he was like a father to me. You know….. When I’d make it to the studio, I forgot about my real family and I’d live like the cast were my family. It was really fun but I can’t actually remember everything because it was like … ages ago! Many, many ages ago 
JG: After The Cosby Show, you consistently were working on projects like Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, Dr. Dolittle and then Dr. Dolittle 2, among other things. Then, That’s So Raven comes along and ends up becoming Disney Channel’s highest-rated and longest-running series and created what I think every young actress/actor hopes for and that’s soundtracks, dolls, video games and so on. How did that change things for you?
RS: Mmm, it didn’t change a lot of things for me – it made me more popular. Like, I would have never imagined that there are so many people who knew about me, or even watched my shows, movies….. etc! So it was a great thing and it made me a world wide artist. I started to feel that this is real work and there are no games or playing around from now on! But, it was really fun and I feel so blessed you know!
JG: I’m going to fast forward because you literally have a lifetime of works. Of your acting, music, modeling, voice over for animated films work, etc. What personal milestones stand out the most for you throughout your career?
RS: I think acting in general because, it’s my life! I tend to act more than sing, model or everything else. But it’s all good you know, I’m a comedian. That’s why I tend to act more than anything else and………. I love cooking too. Lol
JG: For you personally, what is the least favorite aspect of the entertainment industry?
RS: NOTHING! lol Are you kidding me?! I’m so blessed actually. To see a lot of people having fun because of me. Every smile, every laugh makes me feel so blessed.
JG: As young as you are, you have as much experience as anyone in the industry. What advice can you offer to a young actress/actor hoping to start an acting career?
RS: Just be yourself and don’t fake it. I mean the personality, the girl you saw in the Cosby Show and That’s So Raven was the real me. Be smart and be creative. You may have some issues in the beginning, but you have to keep pushing and don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t. Finally, the most important thing – believe in god! Love god from the deepness of your heart and don’t forget about your parents. Ask them to pray for you because your parent’s prayers work and just be true to your heart.
JG: What can we expect from you in the near future because we KNOW your working lol?
RS: Yeah, I’m working on a new album that reflects the real me, as all my albums did….. And MAYBE, just MAYBE, you’ll see me in some amazing TV shows with very huge Hollywood stars! You just have to wait…..
JG: Thanks again Raven for these 5 minutes. Anything else you’d like to leave your fans with?
RS: Thank you for having me. It’s a real blessing for me to have great fans that support me and my family and to have such good friends who always got my back. Shout out to all the women who are striving to make there dreams comes true!!! I love you all! Stay strong, god bless you all.
-Raven
Raven Symone everyone! I’d like to add this……. The pressures of Hollywood have claimed many talented individuals throughout the years. With all that Hollywood has to offer and take, Raven continues to be an ideal role model for millions and I salute her for that. At almost every turn in Hollywood - there are individuals along with paparazzi trying to tarnish someones image with some sort of scandal or rumor. Well Raven, you certainly have my support and the support of your millions of fans and I thank you for your time. You can follow and support Raven on twitter @MissRavenSymone.
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