>> raven-symoné: I think there's definitely a child-star curse. I don't think I avoided it.
Definitely a child-star curse. I don't think I avoided it. I think there are many type of
curses that happens with a
child star.
Curses that happens with a child star. The ones that the public sees
are, you know, drug addiction,
the ones that the public sees are, you know, drug addiction, "my life is crap," you know,
"my parents stole my money" --
that whole thing.
Then there's another one.
That whole thing. Then there's another one. That's a small group of
then there's another one. That's a small group of child stars who had parents that
that's a small group of child stars who had parents that did not steal from them, that,
you know, really have their head
on straight.
You know, really have their head on straight. Doesn't mean that we don't have
issues.
Depression, mental instability,
dissociation disorder -- a very
depression, mental instability, dissociation disorder -- a very skewed way of understanding
that we are now -- well, that
I'm now an adult.
That we are now -- well, that I'm now an adult. I have a little bit of arrested
development when it comes to
that.
Development when it comes to that. At times, I feel 70 years old,
but then, at times, I feel
at times, I feel 70 years old, but then, at times, I feel 4 years old.
But then, at times, I feel 4 years old. I can be in a room full of
adults -- even though I'm an
adult, I still call adults
"adults."
I can be in a room full of
adults and be like, "y'all have
no idea what's going on,"
because, at a very young age,
I was in a room full of adults
and had to act that way.
And then there's...
And had to act that way. And then there's... [ sighs ]
and then there's... [ sighs ] it's -- it's deep, right?
So, there's, um -- there's also
that situation where you're
so, there's, um -- there's also that situation where you're super young; you are on a show;
you know how much you're making,
you know what it comes with; you
know all the journeys; you
follow rules better than any
other child in your age bracket,
whether in normal school or not,
because it's a television show
and this is a business.
Because it's a television show and this is a business. But at the same time, you have
to go home, clean your room,
but at the same time, you have to go home, clean your room, get in trouble, make sure
you get a's.
Get in trouble, make sure you get a's. And you're like, "but hold up.
You get a's. And you're like, "but hold up. I make the money. I'm confused."
and you're like, "but hold up. I make the money. I'm confused." but then you still have to,
like, go into child-head.
But then you still have to, like, go into child-head. So I think there is a different
kind of curse, again, that is
so I think there is a different kind of curse, again, that is not as overt, but it does
have friction in life, later.
-- Captions by vitac -- www.Vitac.Com
♪
[ static ]
[ rapping ] ♪ take a pick, wide kick ♪ ♪ a dr. Seuss mix ♪
♪ ting-a-ling-a boom ♪
♪ a pop for ya pick ♪
♪ shazam ♪
♪ chick jam, the little rap ♪
♪ zut till ya tut tut, the
middle rock flash ♪
♪ gobble, zoom ♪
♪ got ma, got ma lyric ♪
every day of your life is a page
in your book.
Every day of your life is a page in your book. The person I am, my book is
available for all to read
the person I am, my book is available for all to read at all times.
Available for all to read at all times. So if I don't want an
embarrassing chapter, get your
so if I don't want an embarrassing chapter, get your [bleep] together and don't have
an embarrassing chapter.
So, while that can lead to me
not going out and having a full
so, while that can lead to me not going out and having a full 21-year-old blow-out party or,
you know, get caught in the
streets with my skirt up and
doin' some crazy [bleep], I'm at
home, making sure my chapters
are good, and grinding.
Home, making sure my chapters are good, and grinding. So there's a way out.
Are good, and grinding. So there's a way out. Don't get it twisted.
I have my fun times.
I just have them in my own house
with an nda before people come
in, 'cause, honey, if you talk
to a couple people in l.A., they
know about my house parties.
To a couple people in l.A., they know about my house parties. So it's not a game.
Know about my house parties. So it's not a game. I know how to get through it.
But I'm also not the one that
searches out for the paparazzi,
but I'm also not the one that searches out for the paparazzi, 'cause I know what can happen.
Searches out for the paparazzi, 'cause I know what can happen. And you see it every day.
And I'll probably get my ass
and you see it every day. And I'll probably get my ass whupped by my mama if anything
and I'll probably get my ass whupped by my mama if anything comes out like that, and I'm 35,
so I don't really have time
for that.
So I don't really have time for that. I got [bleep] to do.
For that. I got [bleep] to do. The story goes that when I was
being pushed in a stroller,
the story goes that when I was being pushed in a stroller, people used to think I was
a doll, and so my parents got me
into modeling.
A doll, and so my parents got me into modeling. You know, my father really loved
"the cosby show," my mother
you know, my father really loved "the cosby show," my mother really loved "the cosby show,"
so they watched it a lot.
Really loved "the cosby show," so they watched it a lot. And the story goes -- I have
no clue -- I don't remember --
and the story goes -- I have no clue -- I don't remember -- but that I got up one day and I
said, "I can do what rudy
can do."
and sohey sold everything they
had, got in this car, which I
kinda remember, because I sat in
the back seat and it had these
wings on the -- on the, uh,
back window.
Wings on the -- on the, uh, back window. Super 1980s car.
Back window. Super 1980s car. I don't know what it was, but it
super 1980s car. I don't know what it was, but it was not my favorite to sit in
the back, 'cause it wasn't
a seat.
The back, 'cause it wasn't a seat. Anyway, drove to new york,
signed with elite modeling
anyway, drove to new york, signed with elite modeling agency, went on a lot of
different auditions, lived in
queens -- not very high-end.
Different auditions, lived in queens -- not very high-end. We didn't have a lot of money,
so beanee weenees was my
we didn't have a lot of money, so beanee weenees was my favorite meal in a little pot --
hot dogs and baked beans.
Favorite meal in a little pot -- hot dogs and baked beans. And, um, you know, really
pushed.
My dad really wanted to make
sure that the world knew my
my dad really wanted to make sure that the world knew my name, not just my character
name.
Name, not just my character name. So, every opportunity that came
across our desk, as long as it
so, every opportunity that came across our desk, as long as it really furthered the brand of
raven-symoné, he took.
Really furthered the brand of raven-symoné, he took. And I was right there, learning
my lines, making sure I
and I was right there, learning my lines, making sure I performed.
My lines, making sure I performed. As my parents said, it's time to
razzle-dazzle.
So, that -- if anybody says that
to me, I go, "hey, what's up?
How are you? Nice to see you."
like, I turn it on in a weird
way, which I'm learning
how not to anymore.
But, yeah.
My memory of childhood really
starts with the blue flooring
on "the cosby show," walking
into the studio, and the smell
of the sawdust at the studio
itself.
Minimal, minimal memories of school. A few memories of the place
where I lived in new york.
But mostly just blacked out.
Where I lived in new york. But mostly just blacked out. I have to be honest.
My memory of my childhood in the
industry is very minimal.
I have association disorder.
Industry is very minimal. I have association disorder. [ chuckles ]
I tend to forget stuff quickly,
except for scripts and how much
that check is.
Except for scripts and how much that check is. I think I forget a lot of my
childhood because it was
intertwined with so many
personal journeys and, uh,
things that I just kind of want
to forget in general, plus jobs.
Things that I just kind of want to forget in general, plus jobs. Being young on a set, and having
to learn upwards of 20 pages of
being young on a set, and having to learn upwards of 20 pages of script each week, and then
purging to learn another 20
pages each week, kind of preps
the brain for just keeping what
it needs to.
The brain for just keeping what it needs to. So it's not very pleasurable
now, 'cause I get asked, "hey,
so it's not very pleasurable now, 'cause I get asked, "hey, do you remember me?"
I'm like, "mm-hmm."
so, when I was younger, on
"the cosby show," they would
bring us a script on Monday.
My parents would read me the
script at night, and my lines,
my parents would read me the script at night, and my lines, every night before I went to
sleep.
Every night before I went to sleep. And my prayer was, "now I lay me
down to sleep.
I pray the lord my soul to keep.
Down to sleep. I pray the lord my soul to keep. And if I die before I wake,
I pray the lord my soul to take.
God bless mommy, god bless
daddy, god bless grandmama,
god bless mommy, god bless daddy, god bless grandmama, god bless grandma lulu.
Daddy, god bless grandmama, god bless grandma lulu. Help me say my lines, help me
concentrate on my lines, help me
help me say my lines, help me concentrate on my lines, help me have a beautiful smile.
Concentrate on my lines, help me have a beautiful smile. Good night."
that would be the last thing
good night." that would be the last thing I said to sleep, and then I'd
wake up, and I knew my lines,
and that's just how I did it.
Wake up, and I knew my lines, and that's just how I did it. So, prayer, [chuckles] I guess.
And that's just how I did it. So, prayer, [chuckles] I guess. I think, at a much younger age,
so, prayer, [chuckles] I guess. I think, at a much younger age, it was just, "this is
what we do.
It was just, "this is what we do. This is who you're going to be.
What we do. This is who you're going to be. You follow it, you listen, you
this is who you're going to be. You follow it, you listen, you pay attention, and you practice.
And the world is really
difficult, and we want to make
and the world is really difficult, and we want to make sure that when you get older,
you're taken care of and you
have a career that's, you know,
sustainable, in a way."
and so I went along for the
ride.
And so I went along for the ride. I was told how much I was
making.
I was told that I have taxes.
Making. I was told that I have taxes. I was told that, "this is the
money you make, so you either
stay in this industry or you
make 1/16 of this,
[chuckling] with a normal job.
Make 1/16 of this, [chuckling] with a normal job. So what are you gonna do?"
so it's like, "um, I'll do
so what are you gonna do?" so it's like, "um, I'll do 20 minutes of work."
you know what I mean?
Yeah, do I have problems
sometimes, and I don't want to
yeah, do I have problems sometimes, and I don't want to do the job, and I don't feel
like this is who I'm supposed to
be on an overall, 'cause this is
all I've ever done for the past
35 years?
All I've ever done for the past 35 years? Yeah, but I also know...
That's just where I'm stuck.
If anybody wanted to get in the
that's just where I'm stuck. If anybody wanted to get in the industry, I would say...
Hollywood can be thicker than
blood sometimes.
And so...Be careful.
Blood sometimes. And so...Be careful. Everybody has great intentions
and so...Be careful. Everybody has great intentions when they come into the
everybody has great intentions when they come into the industry.
When they come into the industry. Everybody is like, "I'm gonna,
you know, cater to my child,
everybody is like, "I'm gonna, you know, cater to my child, I'm gonna make sure they're
good, I'm gonna do this and
do that."
but there's a lot of stuff
involved.
But there's a lot of stuff involved. There's a lot of egos involved.
Involved. There's a lot of egos involved. There's a lot of greed involved
there's a lot of egos involved. There's a lot of greed involved that might not bubble to the
there's a lot of greed involved that might not bubble to the surface in a way that we
typically see.
Surface in a way that we typically see. But it does change the dynamic
of parent and child.
No doubt about it.
Of parent and child. No doubt about it. And I would never put my child
no doubt about it. And I would never put my child in the industry until they were
and I would never put my child in the industry until they were over the age of 15.
In the industry until they were over the age of 15. I, um -- I wouldn't do it.
Over the age of 15. I, um -- I wouldn't do it. And even then, I'd be like,
"I think you should wait till
and even then, I'd be like, "I think you should wait till you're 18, have a life, um,
because since the age of 3,
I don't know life is, other than
this."
and you think things are always
greener on the other side.
And you think things are always greener on the other side. So, when I turned 24, 25, I was
like, "I'm retired.
I'm gettin' out. I'm over it!"
and I left, and I sat on the
couch, did what I needed to do,
and I was like, "um..."
it's like I stopped walking,
'cause this is all I know.
It's like I stopped walking, 'cause this is all I know. So I went back, 'cause it's just
easier.
So it's like, you know, I-I just
wouldn't put my child in it
so it's like, you know, I-I just wouldn't put my child in it as young as I was in it,
that's all.
>> raven-symoné: Yeah, I -- I chose college because -- I mean, the main reason is 'cause my
mama was like, "yeah, you got a
show, yeah, you met this one,
but you didn't go to college.
Show, yeah, you met this one, but you didn't go to college. And everybody in the family did,
except you."
and everybody in the family did, except you." and I was like, "but I -- but
I did --"
she went, "mnh-mnh."
so I'm like, "okay, mom."
and I needed to go to college,
too, because, otherwise, I would
just sit on my [bleep] on the
couch.
I needed something to do, to grow my entertainment mind, my artistic mind, and I always
drew.
My artistic mind, and I always drew. I drew on all of my scripts
when I was younger.
My mom, when I was going through
a lot of stress during
my mom, when I was going through a lot of stress during "hanging' with mr. Cooper,"
I used to break out in
fever blisters and hives.
My mom would take me to do
pottery, and she took me to
my mom would take me to do pottery, and she took me to art classes.
Pottery, and she took me to art classes. And I really thrived.
Art classes. And I really thrived. That's the first time, doing art
and I really thrived. That's the first time, doing art on paper, in sculpture, that I
that's the first time, doing art on paper, in sculpture, that I felt like, "oh, I'm worth more
than just a character on a
television show."
I have more to me than just
being this little actress that
everybody's known since they
were 3, and I'm their
little sister.
Were 3, and I'm their little sister. So, that's what art does for me.
Little sister. So, that's what art does for me. I've taken acting, like,
so, that's what art does for me. I've taken acting, like, one-on-one classes for auditions
later in life, which really made
me understand that I am not a
dramatic actress.
Me understand that I am not a dramatic actress. Don't do it.
Dramatic actress. Don't do it. I don't like emotions.
I tend to hide.
>> raven-symoné: My parents had to make, overtly efforts, to make sure that I understood that
I was the child and that they
were the parent, because, at any
time, with the responsibilities
that one gets when on a
television show, you can get
an ego.
Television show, you can get an ego. There is an understanding
that...
It's not the same as just a
normal kid that went to school,
it's not the same as just a normal kid that went to school, and your parents did that.
Normal kid that went to school, and your parents did that. But there is a little bit of a
dynamic, and what that is, I
but there is a little bit of a dynamic, and what that is, I haven't put my finger on yet,
but it's -- it's an underlining
thing.
But it's -- it's an underlining thing. I'm -- no doubt about it.
Thing. I'm -- no doubt about it. [ clicks tongue ]
I can only tell you how the
journey to "the cosby show"
happened through folklore that
my parents told me how to answer
that question when I was
younger.
That question when I was younger. Um, I do know that they grinded.
Younger. Um, I do know that they grinded. My mom said she worked during
um, I do know that they grinded. My mom said she worked during the night, and my dad took me to
my mom said she worked during the night, and my dad took me to audition during the day,
or vice versa.
Audition during the day, or vice versa. Every night, understanding that,
"this is a job.
You can't mess up.
This is not for fun,
you can't mess up. This is not for fun, but it is fun.
Make sure you respect people.
But it is fun. Make sure you respect people. Don't do this, don't do that."
make sure you respect people. Don't do this, don't do that." it was a lot of rules in place.
You know, it's doing an album
at 5, and staying in the studio
you know, it's doing an album at 5, and staying in the studio until 2:00, 1:00 in the morning,
and you're 5 years old, knowing
that this is the next step in
your career, so suck it up and
let's do it.
Your career, so suck it up and let's do it. Um, it's, you know, "whoosh."
[ laughs ]
um, it's, you know, "whoosh." [ laughs ] you just do what you got to do.
Honestly, I don't remember.
You just do what you got to do. Honestly, I don't remember. I don't remember working with --
honestly, I don't remember. I don't remember working with -- I don't remember a scene.
I don't remember...
Anything while it's a rehearsal
or a camera.
I remember the smell of the
soul food coming out of his
dressing room.
Soul food coming out of his dressing room. I remember the -- okay, so, when
we opened the show, in front of
a live studio audience, you had
to walk up these stairs, and we
came down that classic
staircase.
Came down that classic staircase. I remember standing up there
and playing with the wood before
I went down.
And playing with the wood before I went down. I do not remember as soon as the
camera starts.
Something clicks off, and I do
what I'm trained to do.
Yeah, when I turned 18, I knew
something was going on.
So I started going to therapy.
Something was going on. So I started going to therapy. And it's dissociation.
I just black out, I turn into
and it's dissociation. I just black out, I turn into who I'm supposed to be when the
camera's on, um, and then I come
back to, and "normal life"
resumes.
Back to, and "normal life" resumes. Again, it's -- it's bottled up
with -- just bottled.
Bottled up. That's all.
With -- just bottled. Bottled up. That's all. [ chuckles ]
bottled up. That's all. [ chuckles ] I will say this -- that,
you know, I don't necessarily
remember what happened on
"the cosby show."
however, every human --
right? -- As you get older,
you -- you subconsciously
remember what happened when you
were a kid, and you replay these
things out.
Were a kid, and you replay these things out. So, working on "raven's home,"
working with kids, I'm just
so, working on "raven's home," working with kids, I'm just doing this stuff, and I'm just
like, "oh, I wonder if this is
what happened to me."
it's so important to have a cast
that is jelled appropriately.
It's so important to have a cast that is jelled appropriately. And with that, they place you
where you're supposed to be.
They work with you.
Where you're supposed to be. They work with you. Especially knowing that you're
they work with you. Especially knowing that you're younger, I'm sure...
I mean, I still have a great
relationship with
malcolm-jamal warner, and
I don't even know why.
Malcolm-jamal warner, and I don't even know why. I just know that I adore him.
I can't really tell you the
genesis of it.
But I'm sure he helped me when
I needed it, and everyone,
but I'm sure he helped me when I needed it, and everyone, vice versa.
So it's the camaraderie on set
that happens when you have a
so it's the camaraderie on set that happens when you have a family like that.
That happens when you have a family like that. It's the understanding that my
dad would not have it any other
it's the understanding that my dad would not have it any other way, and like, "uh, get in your
spot," and it's the discipline
of it all.
Spot," and it's the discipline of it all. I, without a doubt, believe
that everyone was there for the
betterment of the show, and the
betterment of the show is to
make sure your youngest castmate
knows what's going on.
Make sure your youngest castmate knows what's going on. But there was also the
understanding that bill cosby
but there was also the understanding that bill cosby doesn't always stick to scripts.
Understanding that bill cosby doesn't always stick to scripts. So you have to listen in the
scene and pay attention.
And you know, you just got to --
you got to pay attention.
Only thing I'm scared of, in the
industry, is when I have to
only thing I'm scared of, in the industry, is when I have to accept award or actually be
myself in front of something,
because it's not scripted and I
can't fall on the sword of,
"well, they wrote it.
Can't fall on the sword of, "well, they wrote it. It's not my fault."
>> raven-symoné: I think the stress happened for "hangin' with mr. Cooper"
because I did
"hangin' with mr. Cooper"
when I was 7 years old to
11 years old.
When I was 7 years old to 11 years old. At that time, the conversation
of weight started to come up,
at that time, the conversation of weight started to come up, and, "don't eat this, don't eat
that," and you know, "you have
to be on point," and it was a
little bit more lackadaisical,
and the stress of being around
people that I'm more cognizant
of, because I'm not 3 years old.
People that I'm more cognizant of, because I'm not 3 years old. And whatever stress 7-year-olds
go through, like, in trying to
and whatever stress 7-year-olds go through, like, in trying to be in a new school and be liked
and whatever, let's magnify that
by probably 30 on the fact of,
you can't mess up in front of a
live studio audience, because
each show costs about a million
dollars to make.
Each show costs about a million dollars to make. So you just want to make sure
that you don't mess up.
I'm sure those thought processes
started to permeate within my
body, making my stress level
go up a lot more.
Body, making my stress level go up a lot more. Yeah, at a younger age, when my
weight started to -- when the
yeah, at a younger age, when my weight started to -- when the conversation of weight started
to come into my head, I...
Conversation of weight started to come into my head, I... Heard it, didn't understand it,
did what I was told, but then,
heard it, didn't understand it, did what I was told, but then, behind the scenes, ate...
Did what I was told, but then, behind the scenes, ate... Because, looking back, that was
the only thing that I could
because, looking back, that was the only thing that I could really control.
The only thing that I could really control. It was the only thing that I had
for myself.
My clothes were picked, the
words I was saying out of my
my clothes were picked, the words I was saying out of my mouth were someone else's or
practiced multiple times --
interviews plus in front of the
camera.
Interviews plus in front of the camera. Things were just really
controlled because you're in
things were just really controlled because you're in hollywood.
Controlled because you're in hollywood. That's what happens.
Hollywood. That's what happens. So, food was pretty much the
that's what happens. So, food was pretty much the only thing that I could, so my
so, food was pretty much the only thing that I could, so my favorite was, like, two bagels
with cream cheese and tomato in
the microwave.
With cream cheese and tomato in the microwave. And I just remember like, "she
can't eat that anymore!"
and I just remember like, "she can't eat that anymore!" and I'm like, "this is, like,
the only thing.
And I'm like, "this is, like, the only thing. I get a's.
The only thing. I get a's. Like, let me have something."
so it kind of got out of control
like, let me have something." so it kind of got out of control because, as I got older, I could
hide it, and just happened.
Because, as I got older, I could hide it, and just happened. But I look back and I'm like,
"I wasn't even fat.
I'm confused."
[ laughs ]
whatever.
Yeah, I lost 70 pounds.
Whatever. Yeah, I lost 70 pounds. Um, I looked like a bobblehead
yeah, I lost 70 pounds. Um, I looked like a bobblehead back then, when I look back.
I lost weight initially because
my stress level went down.
The show ended.
My stress level went down. The show ended. And I didn't have to worry about
the show ended. And I didn't have to worry about anything, and things of that
and I didn't have to worry about anything, and things of that nature, and it just kept going
and going.
Nature, and it just kept going and going. And then I actively did, you
know, things to make it go away.
But every single picture on the
carpet, every single moment, I
but every single picture on the carpet, every single moment, I was literally cussing everybody
out, because I remember that a
lot more people wanted to talk
to me then.
Lot more people wanted to talk to me then. I got a lot more magazine
offers, I got a lot more offers
for [bleep], and I just was
like, "that's so rude.
For [bleep], and I just was like, "that's so rude. That's so rude."
and I would just, like -- my
that's so rude." and I would just, like -- my outfits were like $15 on the
carpet.
Outfits were like $15 on the carpet. I wore, like, the messiest wig
I could, and I'm like, "y'all
are still talking to me?
This is ridiculous.
Are still talking to me? This is ridiculous. Hollywood is a hot mess.
Because I lost that weight and
hollywood is a hot mess. Because I lost that weight and you can feel sexually attracted
because I lost that weight and you can feel sexually attracted to me in a weird way, you want
to come talk to me now."
I turned down a lot of stuff.
To come talk to me now." I turned down a lot of stuff. I did a show when I was
small-er.
And I remember, someone in the
meeting, when I first went in,
and I remember, someone in the meeting, when I first went in, she was like, "oh, my god, I
thought you were gonna be fat."
and I said, "you know how long
it took me to do this?
And I said, "you know how long it took me to do this? Thanks. Thank you so much."
but I got a show, so here we go.
I wore a fat suit, the first
couple episodes, because I was
too skinny for the first time
in my life.
Too skinny for the first time in my life. So, there's just, like, a lot of
stuff surrounded by weight,
so, there's just, like, a lot of stuff surrounded by weight, for me, that's not very
pleasurable.
For me, that's not very pleasurable. And I probably -- even though
I'm losing weight now, it's for
and I probably -- even though I'm losing weight now, it's for a different reason.
And I'm doing it on my own
terms, not because somebody
and I'm doing it on my own terms, not because somebody wants to have a show with me or
wants to add me to their
magazine, all of a sudden.
Wants to add me to their magazine, all of a sudden. 'cause they weren't doing that
before.
Yeah, I do have a
little bit/huge chip
yeah, I do have a little bit/huge chip on my shoulder, because,
between the ages of 15 and 24,
I was ridiculed and bullied
for my weight and size.
I find a way to feel comfortable
in my skin, and now everybody's
okay with it, but nobody's
coming back and looking back
like, "oh, she was there."
you know, other people will get
the recognition.
You know, other people will get the recognition. And I'm egotistical.
The recognition. And I'm egotistical. Listen, I just want the
and I'm egotistical. Listen, I just want the recognition.
I was big and thick before all
these big-and-thick ones were
out here on tv shows and
[bleep].
Out here on tv shows and [bleep]. I'm just sayin', I was there,
but I'm not gonna get the credit
for it.
But I'm not gonna get the credit for it. And that's okay.
For it. And that's okay. I'm working on it in therapy.
I feel like it's fantastic that
the world is coming around,
realizing that you can be
in the skin you're in.
Realizing that you can be in the skin you're in. As long as you're healthy,
I think it's amazing.
But it sucked, being in the
industry during the 2000s, when,
but it sucked, being in the industry during the 2000s, when, you know, you had all these
skinny minnies out here making
journeys, and you know, you
don't get that, and you're on
blogs, and people are calling
you all kinds of things, and you
had you mama calling you up
like, "you need to lose weight,
because they're talking
about you."
I'm like, "I'm -- I'm gonna eat
this in-n-out, and I'm gonna sit
here and be super happy.
This in-n-out, and I'm gonna sit here and be super happy. Y'all gonna have to figure it
out for yourselves.
I'm not gonna do it.
Out for yourselves. I'm not gonna do it. Kiss my [bleep]."
>> raven-symoné: I am definitely a big auntie when it comes to the kids that I work with.
A big auntie when it comes to the kids that I work with. I do worry about them.
The kids that I work with. I do worry about them. I do have my thoughts that
they'll never know about what's
happening in their lifestyle --
you know what I mean? -- Because
that's not my position to say
anything.
That's not my position to say anything. But I do.
Anything. But I do. I look at the signs.
There are some that listen and
some that don't, and that's the
there are some that listen and some that don't, and that's the way the world works.
Some that don't, and that's the way the world works. But, ultimately, I give everyone
the same advice, I give everyone
but, ultimately, I give everyone the same advice, I give everyone the same, you know, cards.
The same advice, I give everyone the same, you know, cards. And that is, one thing they'll
tell you as a kid is,
and that is, one thing they'll tell you as a kid is, "you're a kid.
Tell you as a kid is, "you're a kid. Work as hard as you can now, and
you can sleep later, when
work as hard as you can now, and you can sleep later, when you're old."
it is misconception, and it is
not fair.
It is misconception, and it is not fair. Just because we're young doesn't
mean you can work us to the
just because we're young doesn't mean you can work us to the bone.
Mean you can work us to the bone. They say, "oh, you're young.
Bone. They say, "oh, you're young. You have the energy."
they say, "oh, you're young. You have the energy." "no, I don't. I'm a human.
Leave me be."
they will work you because
leave me be." they will work you because you're trying to build a brand,
so you got to go, go, go,
go, go.
So you got to go, go, go, go, go. No, take a vacation.
Go, go. No, take a vacation. Stop and enjoy life, 'cause
no, take a vacation. Stop and enjoy life, 'cause when you're that young and
stop and enjoy life, 'cause when you're that young and you're good, they'll work you
until you are absolutely crazy.
You're good, they'll work you until you are absolutely crazy. And it's no one's fault but the
beautiful carrot that gets
and it's no one's fault but the beautiful carrot that gets put in your face on an everyday
basis.
Put in your face on an everyday basis. And then, if you're not smart
enough, and you don't have the
and then, if you're not smart enough, and you don't have the foundation, you continue to
follow a carrot even when your
time is done.
Follow a carrot even when your time is done. Then, you have that journey of
people like, "why are you still
then, you have that journey of people like, "why are you still working?
People like, "why are you still working? Go sit down."
you know what I mean?
Like, you have to be okay with
disappearing for a while,
like, you have to be okay with disappearing for a while, because this -- hopefully,
you'll have a very long life.
Because this -- hopefully, you'll have a very long life. So sit down, go get married,
enjoy your life, and then come
so sit down, go get married, enjoy your life, and then come back.
Enjoy your life, and then come back. You know what I mean?
Back. You know what I mean? And I think, a lot of the times,
you know what I mean? And I think, a lot of the times, the rat race, especially now
and I think, a lot of the times, the rat race, especially now with the social -- "I got to be
on it, I got to be on it,
I got to be on it" -- you're
gonna burn yourself out.
I tell them this.
Gonna burn yourself out. I tell them this. I let them know.
I'm like, "you need to make sure
you know what's going on with
your money; you need to make
sure that you know what's going
on with your paperwork; you need
to make sure you understand that
at a certain age, there's gonna
be that weird parent-child
dynamic situation where you got
to, like, "hmm."
you have to -- you have to take
control of your life.
You have to -- you have to take control of your life. And when you have family and
work together, you got to
and when you have family and work together, you got to figure that out, and sometimes
it can be difficult, and
sometimes it's easy.
It can be difficult, and sometimes it's easy. There's a couple stages.
Sometimes it's easy. There's a couple stages. I made sure that my progression
there's a couple stages. I made sure that my progression into adulthood is a slow
progression, so everyone's
comfortable.
Progression, so everyone's comfortable. Uh, I'm very meticulous
in that sense.
I'll be with people like, "you
need to hurry up."
I'm like, "no, no, no, no, no."
so, it started at age 15.
The next one was at 18.
So, it started at age 15. The next one was at 18. The next one was at 25.
I'm actually in the middle of
the next one was at 25. I'm actually in the middle of one right now.
And it's just a slow progression
of...Becoming an adult
and it's just a slow progression of...Becoming an adult after 18 to 20-something years
of being a kid.
After 18 to 20-something years of being a kid. And you know, normal kids do
that by going to college and
and you know, normal kids do that by going to college and having their first year in
college, and then you're adult.
Having their first year in college, and then you're adult. Like, this is different.
College, and then you're adult. Like, this is different. This is a different world.
You can't do that here.
You got to, like, teach people
you can't do that here. You got to, like, teach people how to treat you, because
you got to, like, teach people how to treat you, because they've been used -- and that's
not family, that's everybody
around you.
Not family, that's everybody around you. You got to teach people how to
treat you, because they've been
you got to teach people how to treat you, because they've been treating you as a child and
property for so long.
Treating you as a child and property for so long. So it's like this weird -- it's
a weird journey.
But you do it slow.
A weird journey. But you do it slow. You don't do it fast.
You don't try to take it,
you don't do it fast. You don't try to take it, 'cause, at the same time, the
you don't try to take it, 'cause, at the same time, the person has to learn.
Like, I have to learn
what taxes are.
I have to learn how to deal with
my money, 'cause I've been
giving it to my business manager
taking care of it.
Giving it to my business manager taking care of it. And I'm like, "oh, how do you
do taxes?
Okay, teach me.
Do taxes? Okay, teach me. Oh, I understand now.
Let me do it."
oh, I understand now. Let me do it." that's the conversation I had
let me do it." that's the conversation I had at 29.
That's the conversation I had at 29. I should have been knowing how
to do that, but I'm over here
making the money, so it's, like,
a tradeoff.
Making the money, so it's, like, a tradeoff. My mom -- she taught me how to
save money.
Um, I get a check.
Save money. Um, I get a check. Half of it goes away.
I never see it again, 'cause
half of it goes away. I never see it again, 'cause it's invested.
And half of it comes to me.
It's invested. And half of it comes to me. I can buy whatever I want.
But you always have to save your
money, because you might not get
but you always have to save your money, because you might not get a job, and you got to sustain
yourself.
A job, and you got to sustain yourself. I also like money.
Yourself. I also like money. I like making it.
So, real estate, um,
investments -- I'm always there.
I am the first person to be
like, "hmm, what company is
about to happen?
Like, "hmm, what company is about to happen? Let me buy some of that,"
because my ultimate goal is
let me buy some of that," because my ultimate goal is to never work again.
Because my ultimate goal is to never work again. So, bye.
To never work again. So, bye. I need to make sure I got money
so, bye. I need to make sure I got money working for me and things
happening.
Since I started in the industry,
there was pressure about having
a reputation.
So, when I started working for disney, I think they loved me because they didn't have to
worry about me.
Because they didn't have to worry about me. I already knew what the deal
was.
I knew their demographic, and I
knew what you couldn't sell and
what you could sell.
Knew what you couldn't sell and what you could sell. So, you know, we're kind of
simpatico in that way.
I'm not gonna ruin my brand, and
that means you're not gonna get
your brand ruined.
That means you're not gonna get your brand ruined. Yeah, there is a stigma.
Your brand ruined. Yeah, there is a stigma. You're a kid forever.
That's how it is.
I have no regrets about it.
I do what I need to, as an
adult.
And there are some adults who
want to act a certain way, and
and there are some adults who want to act a certain way, and there are some adults that
don't.
There are some adults that don't. You know?
Don't. You know? And I'm just one of those ones
you know? And I'm just one of those ones where, outwardly, to the public,
and I'm just one of those ones where, outwardly, to the public, that I know thousands and
millions of people are gonna be
watching, you know, I want to
make sure that when I try to
teach my kids, later, how to be
respectful, they're not like,
"well, mom, you did this."
"no, I didn't.
You can't find it, you can't
prove it.
There's not one picture.
Prove it. There's not one picture. Prove it. You can't do it."
there's not one picture. Prove it. You can't do it." so it's kind of in that world.
[ laughs ] you know?
>> raven-symoné: There was a pilot called "absolutely psychic."
it was about a psychic girl and
her best friends.
It was about a psychic girl and her best friends. And [chuckles] at the time,
there was also...
Some controversy during
"my wife and kids," because the
some controversy during "my wife and kids," because the daughter was about to let go.
And so I auditioned for both
roles.
I auditioned for
"my wife and kids," and I also
auditioned for the best friend
of a pilot called
"absolutely psychic."
and for one of the first times
in my life, I got to choose, uh,
behind the scenes, which one
I wanted to go for.
Behind the scenes, which one I wanted to go for. I did one episode of
"my wife and kids," and
while I was on that set,
I got the call.
While I was on that set, I got the call. They were like, "well, this
pilot is getting picked up
they were like, "well, this pilot is getting picked up with you."
I was like, "well, what do you
mean, with me?"
they were like, "we want to
change it over to that -- to
raven being psychic, and
you having friends."
and I go, "am I on
'my wife and kids,' or am I
gonna have my own show on
disney channel?"
and at the time, it wasn't --
I forgot what "my wife and kids"
was on, but it wasn't a network
show.
Was on, but it wasn't a network show. So I was like, "I'll have
my own show.
That's kinda cool."
and that's what happened.
I think, why I went back to
playing raven baxter -- because
I like her.
Playing raven baxter -- because I like her. I like just not caring
in front of the screen.
It's not a rigid situation.
In front of the screen. It's not a rigid situation. You know?
It's not trying to be someone's
you know? It's not trying to be someone's daughter in this scene.
I am free to act crazy
as I want to.
And my mom was like, "what's
wrong with you?"
and my mom was like, "what's wrong with you?" I said, "I used to watch
'madtv's' stuart, that
character.
Modeled raven after him.
Character. Modeled raven after him. Um, you know, 'ace ventura.'
modeled raven after him. Um, you know, 'ace ventura.' loved it, did stuff from
um, you know, 'ace ventura.' loved it, did stuff from 'ace ventura.'"
I was able to put all of these
amazing comedic moments that I
watched and loved --
lucille ball, carol burnett --
and just go for it.
Lucille ball, carol burnett -- and just go for it. And that's raven baxter.
And just go for it. And that's raven baxter. So I'll go back to her until I'm
and that's raven baxter. So I'll go back to her until I'm tired."
so I'll go back to her until I'm tired." didn't realize the legs or
potential that 'that's so raven'
could have.
Potential that 'that's so raven' could have. But I did understand
what it takes to have your own
but I did understand what it takes to have your own show and for it to be
successful.
Show and for it to be successful. So, if you look at the most
successful shows with comedians
so, if you look at the most successful shows with comedians at the front of it, you know,
you have "the cosby show," you
have "martin," you have
"fresh prince of bel-air," you
have "everybody loves raymond."
you have these characters that
are surrounded by a cast so that
they can thrive, but,
ultimately, they're being
themselves.
Ultimately, they're being themselves. They're let free, they're able
to work, they're able to move,
they're let free, they're able to work, they're able to move, they're able to, you know, grow.
To work, they're able to move, they're able to, you know, grow. And disney channel,
michael poryes, susan sherman,
and disney channel, michael poryes, susan sherman, and all of the writers at the
time, including the ones that
happened in the future, really
surrounded myself with amazing
people -- rondell sheridan,
t'keyah crystal keymáh,
orlando brown,
anneliese van der pol,
kyle massey -- with really
amazing talent, and let us go
ape-[bleep] crazy, and we did.
Amazing talent, and let us go ape-[bleep] crazy, and we did. You can see the authenticity of
the joy we had on that set
you can see the authenticity of the joy we had on that set permeate the screen.
The joy we had on that set permeate the screen. You know, you can watch other
shows that don't last that long,
you know, you can watch other shows that don't last that long, and you're like, "something's
going on there."
it might not gel as well,
you know?
It might not gel as well, you know? So, those hit shows have that
formula that is called
so, those hit shows have that formula that is called "lightning in a bottle."
and you try to re-create it, and
it's difficult.
And you try to re-create it, and it's difficult. But I think that's why it gained
so much happiness.
We encapsulated a time period
when, you know, you had people
we encapsulated a time period when, you know, you had people in our age bracket that just
wanted to have fun, didn't care.
In our age bracket that just wanted to have fun, didn't care. Wasn't trying to be uptight or
super sexy.
And the writers enjoyed writing
for us, because I was never that
and the writers enjoyed writing for us, because I was never that type of actress that, um, cared
if a hair was out of place or
cared about my image outside of
the show.
Cared about my image outside of the show. I was like, "what do you need me
to do -- pie in the face while
doing a split?
To do -- pie in the face while doing a split? Let's go."
you know, some actresses you
let's go." you know, some actresses you would meet in my age bracket,
they're like, "but my
boyfriend's watching."
I'm like, "I don't have a
boyfriend.
Let's go.
Boyfriend. Let's go. You don't even know what I like,
let's go. You don't even know what I like, so let's have it."
you don't even know what I like, so let's have it." so I think it was just the
freedom that we had that really
propelled it to where it was and
where it went.
Propelled it to where it was and where it went. There were a couple of reasons
why I did "the view."
there were a couple of reasons why I did "the view." um, one, everybody that I grew
up with in the industry, around
my age bracket -- lindsay and
all these people -- made their
transion to adulthood by
oversexualizing themselves.
Transion to adulthood by oversexualizing themselves. I decided to go into "the view"
to show my adulthood by my
brain.
To show my adulthood by my brain. One.
Brain. One. Two, whoopi asked me.
"okay!" [ laughs ]
two, whoopi asked me. "okay!" [ laughs ] you don't say no to an egot.
And I just love her so much,
I just wanted to be underneath
and I just love her so much, I just wanted to be underneath her.
And, um, very difficult
decision.
One of the hardest jobs I've
ever had.
The second-hardest was broadway.
Ever had. The second-hardest was broadway. And would I do it again?
Perhaps not.
But it was a learning experience
perhaps not. But it was a learning experience beyond.
I learned a lot about myself.
Beyond. I learned a lot about myself. Very confident in who I am.
Showed me even more about
very confident in who I am. Showed me even more about free speech -- hmm? -- For
showed me even more about free speech -- hmm? -- For myself and for other people to
talk about me.
Myself and for other people to talk about me. And, uh, I met my wife then, so
that was great.
There's some good and bad.
That was great. There's some good and bad. You know what it is.
That show was one of the most
you know what it is. That show was one of the most stressful shows I have ever been
that show was one of the most stressful shows I have ever been a part of.
Stressful shows I have ever been a part of. The fact that I wasn't really a
big political person, to begin
the fact that I wasn't really a big political person, to begin with, and they sold me on this
idea as, "this is gonna be the
new pop-culture show, and you're
gonna talk about this and that.
New pop-culture show, and you're gonna talk about this and that. Yeah, we'll put some politics
here and there, but nothing you
yeah, we'll put some politics here and there, but nothing you can't learn."
"okay, cool."
I get there, and it's like...
"I'm sorry?
Trust me, y'all don't want to
hear what I have to say, because
trust me, y'all don't want to hear what I have to say, because I'm a millennial, I don't
believe in any of this
old-school stuff that's actually
running the country.
Old-school stuff that's actually running the country. I'm gonna get in trouble."
and you know, ultimately...
We see where I am now.
And you know, ultimately... We see where I am now. [ laughs ]
we see where I am now. [ laughs ] and I'm okay with that.
>> raven-symoné: The first "cheetah girls," from what I can remember, we really enjoyed
creating the camaraderie,
sisterhood of it all.
Creating the camaraderie, sisterhood of it all. Kiki'd, talked about it.
Sisterhood of it all. Kiki'd, talked about it. A lot of personal journeys.
And then [laughs]
a lot of personal journeys. And then [laughs] there was a period of time
and then [laughs] there was a period of time where, I'm guessing, the
industry and fame
and...Careers...
Industry and fame and...Careers... Got into everyone's head.
And...Careers... Got into everyone's head. I'm not gonna single anybody
got into everyone's head. I'm not gonna single anybody out.
Got into everyone's head.
Out. Got into everyone's head. So the dynamic changed.
We grew up. Things happened.
I wasn't a part of the
we grew up. Things happened. I wasn't a part of the girl group.
I didn't do what they did.
Girl group. I didn't do what they did. And it was just interesting
after that.
It was very difficult to turn
down "cheetah girls 3," because
it was very difficult to turn down "cheetah girls 3," because they did keep coming back to me.
Down "cheetah girls 3," because they did keep coming back to me. Titles, money, india,
this, that.
And I know for a fact
that that was the first time
and I know for a fact that that was the first time I ever turned down a job
because of my mental health.
I just didn't want to do it.
>> raven-symoné: Right before I left l.A. To move to new york, I had a big ol' house party.
Ask about it. [ laughs ]
it was bomb.
And, uh, we met at an event,
a couple days before.
No, one day before.
A couple days before. No, one day before. We met at an event one day
no, one day before. We met at an event one day before.
I was like, "come over to the
house.
Come say goodbye to me," right?
House. Come say goodbye to me," right? And she came, she chilled.
It was fantastic.
And then I went to new york, and
it was fantastic. And then I went to new york, and I invited her there.
Like, literally, super lesbian.
Just met and just kept going,
like, literally, super lesbian. Just met and just kept going, just kept going.
And that happened because
there's a connection.
We talked a little bit about
some of the weird little things
we talked a little bit about some of the weird little things that happen when you're a
child star.
That happen when you're a child star. And one of those things is
really being able to read
and one of those things is really being able to read people, uh, because, in my
opinion, we not only have to
meet someone that we've never
met before and have a full
relationship with them, and
pretend that they're your
"mother" or your
"great-grandfather" in a
heartbeat, but you also have to
interact with that person
outside as if you've met
forever.
Outside as if you've met forever. So, reading people and
understanding who they are, I
so, reading people and understanding who they are, I can do in a glance or a
heartbeat.
Can do in a glance or a heartbeat. I'm very, very particular.
Heartbeat. I'm very, very particular. And with her, I could look at
her, she looked at me, and we
and with her, I could look at her, she looked at me, and we both saw the happiness, the
pain, the world, the whole
thing.
Pain, the world, the whole thing. And so we just didn't want to
separate from each other.
And she moved to new york.
Separate from each other. And she moved to new york. Then, I broke up with her.
But I love her still.
And then we're back.
[ laughs ]
and then we're back. [ laughs ] let me tell you why miranda
got a ring.
Let me tell you why miranda got a ring. Miranda knows how to make me
speak truth, even when I don't
miranda knows how to make me speak truth, even when I don't want to.
Speak truth, even when I don't want to. She's like my therapist, my
lover, my bestie.
She doesn't let me get away with
stuff, but at the same time,
she doesn't let me get away with stuff, but at the same time, she's super sweet.
Stuff, but at the same time, she's super sweet. I mean, listen, you know,
when I was growing up and you
fall and you start crying,
"girl, suck it up.
Fall and you start crying, "girl, suck it up. We got to go."
you know what I mean?
I mean, everybody has some
family like that.
Miranda is like, "are you okay?"
and I'm like, "yeah, I'm fine.
Thanks, babe."
like, it's, like, that kind of
thanks, babe." like, it's, like, that kind of love, so...
Like, it's, like, that kind of love, so... When we were dating...
Love, so... When we were dating... [chuckles] she just would ask me
when we were dating... [chuckles] she just would ask me questions.
I'm like, "why are you asking
these questions?
I'm confused.
These questions? I'm confused. No one's ever asked me these
questions before."
no one's ever asked me these questions before." which also, like, made stuff
bubble up in me that I wasn't
able to deal with, and no one's
ever done that before.
Able to deal with, and no one's ever done that before. Most people like to tiptoe
around me because of my
most people like to tiptoe around me because of my quick nature with my tongue.
Around me because of my quick nature with my tongue. And so she's different.
Quick nature with my tongue. And so she's different. It was very uncomfortable,
and so she's different. It was very uncomfortable, and I didn't like it.
I did not like it at all.
And I didn't like it. I did not like it at all. And so I left.
And I went through a couple
and so I left. And I went through a couple other relationships, and I
and I went through a couple other relationships, and I remember calling her and being
like, "you were right.
Remember calling her and being like, "you were right. This is who I am.
Like, "you were right. This is who I am. I have to figure it out.
I can't stand you, and I love
you so much.
So help me figure it out for the
rest of my life, so I can be a
so help me figure it out for the rest of my life, so I can be a better person."
um, the moment that came when
I was like, "you know what?
Um, the moment that came when I was like, "you know what? I'm this way.
I'm not as girly-girl as people
see me in these shows and this
brand that was created for
raven-symoné.
Brand that was created for raven-symoné. I'm super in my skin.
Raven-symoné. I'm super in my skin. This is who I am," came, and
I [bleep] you not, during
this is who I am," came, and I [bleep] you not, during lockdown, in a public way.
So, for instance, the way you
see me now is how I normally am
so, for instance, the way you see me now is how I normally am at home.
See me now is how I normally am at home. But before lockdown, when I went
out to be "raven-symoné," I put
but before lockdown, when I went out to be "raven-symoné," I put on the bells and whistles to
match that brand.
On the bells and whistles to match that brand. You know, in the industry, when
you're always trying to make
you know, in the industry, when you're always trying to make sure that the brand is forefront
and that you're projecting the
right image, I tended to put my
sexuality and growth and my
gender and sexuality on the
back burner, because that's
not what I was taught should be
in the forefront.
Not what I was taught should be in the forefront. So, what I did, I just did
on a whim.
It's not like I thought about
it, I had to mull over it.
I just did what I needed to do
in my time off, and then was
raven-symoné when necessary.
In my time off, and then was raven-symoné when necessary. So, during lockdown, all of it
came flooding in, honey.
All of it came flooding in.
Came flooding in, honey. All of it came flooding in. I'm like, "aw, I don't want to
all of it came flooding in. I'm like, "aw, I don't want to deal with this."
you have people out here
body-conscious in a beautiful
way.
Body-conscious in a beautiful way. I'm like, "I don't have to do
that anymore.
I don't have to be that same
person that they told me to be,
back in the day," which it's
very hard to break that
programming since you were
3 years old.
Programming since you were 3 years old. So it's even confusing to me
sometimes, but I have someone
so it's even confusing to me sometimes, but I have someone that's like, "no, you should
wear your hair.
That's like, "no, you should wear your hair. No, go ahead and wear a t-shirt.
Wear your hair. No, go ahead and wear a t-shirt. You're fine.
Go ahead and put your estilo on.
You got it."
go ahead and put your estilo on. You got it." and I'm like, "oh, thank you,
you got it." and I'm like, "oh, thank you, babe."
I won't put that weave in and
extra makeup on to make sure
somebody was "attracted to me"
in whatever way hollywood wanted
a female to look.
In whatever way hollywood wanted a female to look. Like, "okay, I'm good with
that."
like, "okay, I'm good with that." and, yes, coming out at a time
when it could be looked at as,
"well, you're just following
this and following that," but
the difference is that y'all
never saw me when I went home,
so y'all don't know what I
looked like when I went home.
So y'all don't know what I looked like when I went home. Yes, we will have children.
Looked like when I went home. Yes, we will have children. Yes, we will.
We're figuring out how we're
yes, we will. We're figuring out how we're gonna do that.
The best part of being a lesbian
is, you can plan it [laughs],
the best part of being a lesbian is, you can plan it [laughs], 'cause you have to.
Is, you can plan it [laughs], 'cause you have to. So we're just gonna plan it
to the "t."
so we're just gonna plan it to the "t." my wife is a doula, so she's
all about life.
My wife is a doula, so she's all about life. And that's exciting to know.
All about life. And that's exciting to know. So we're gonna make sure that
and that's exciting to know. So we're gonna make sure that we do it the right way.
It's difficult to differentiate
who your self is, in your brain,
it's difficult to differentiate who your self is, in your brain, and who someone else wants you
go to be, in your brain.
And who someone else wants you go to be, in your brain. And I think that's another
reason why we have a hard time
and I think that's another reason why we have a hard time listening, because we're
combating, "well, I could be
that, I could be that, I could
be that, and I want that."
but what is your body doing?
Be that, and I want that." but what is your body doing? Like, I know for a fact, when I
do television shows, I stress
like, I know for a fact, when I do television shows, I stress out, so I gain weight.
Do television shows, I stress out, so I gain weight. Something is to that.
Out, so I gain weight. Something is to that. I don't know if that's ptsd.
I don't know if it's, like,
I'm taking on too many things.
But I just tend to brp-brp-brp,
'cause I'm eating and I need to
but I just tend to brp-brp-brp, 'cause I'm eating and I need to self-soothe in some way.
When I started directing, I felt
confident and stronger and
when I started directing, I felt confident and stronger and not self-soothing as much.
Confident and stronger and not self-soothing as much. And so, yeah, I know when I
start to get teary-eyed and
and so, yeah, I know when I start to get teary-eyed and verklempt, I say, "oh, no,
something's wrong."
the ideal is to be...
Something's wrong." the ideal is to be... One of the most in-demand
sitcom directors.
There's probably this many
black female sitcom directors
there's probably this many black female sitcom directors with the track record that I'm
intending to have.
With the track record that I'm intending to have. But, ultimately, I want to be
able to take what I've learned
but, ultimately, I want to be able to take what I've learned for the past 35 years, and...
Able to take what I've learned for the past 35 years, and... Rework how it's done, in a way.
For the past 35 years, and... Rework how it's done, in a way. When I was on "the cosby show"
rework how it's done, in a way. When I was on "the cosby show" and "hangin' with mr. Cooper,"
when I was on "the cosby show" and "hangin' with mr. Cooper," there was a respect,
understanding, protocol, and
time management that has gotten
away from sitcoms in general,
and I don't like it.
Away from sitcoms in general, and I don't like it. And I want to bring it back
to the old school while putting
and I want to bring it back to the old school while putting a spin on it.
To the old school while putting a spin on it. And I think that coming from
someone who has been a child
and I think that coming from someone who has been a child star, so I know times and I know
this, but also someone that's
now been behind the scenes and
working with the company, I
think I have a very interesting
way of looking at stuff.
Think I have a very interesting way of looking at stuff. Um, ron howard, jodie foster
world -- I'm trying to
um, ron howard, jodie foster world -- I'm trying to [clicks tongue] get there.
World -- I'm trying to [clicks tongue] get there. And then I have...
That thing where...
I can't fully not be in front of
that thing where... I can't fully not be in front of the camera, 'cause that's
all I know.
The camera, 'cause that's all I know. So, youtube.
All I know. So, youtube. But it's on my own terms.
It's just stuff that's coming
but it's on my own terms. It's just stuff that's coming out of my own mouth.
It's not shined-up and spit and
edited 17 million times
it's not shined-up and spit and edited 17 million times in a week's worth of rehearsal.
Edited 17 million times in a week's worth of rehearsal. It feels better to me.
In a week's worth of rehearsal. It feels better to me. It feels real.
It feels like the next step
it feels real. It feels like the next step in who raven-symoné is, as the
it feels like the next step in who raven-symoné is, as the person you enjoy watching,
because I'm tired of playing
somebody else.
Because I'm tired of playing somebody else. So that's why that's happening.
Somebody else. So that's why that's happening. There's more to life than
so that's why that's happening. There's more to life than hollywood, yo.
There's more to life than
hollywood, and we get caught up
there's more to life than hollywood, and we get caught up and we continue to try to follow
the carrot.
And sometimes that carrot is
just a very, very, very shiny
hologram.
It's not even real.
It's changing, though.
Hollywood is changing -- some
stuff that's a wild wild west
out there.
You know what I mean?
Like, there are so many other
ways to become famous.
So the journey has changed.
But, ultimately, it's still
a manufactured piece of work
for entertainment.
What you see on television
is not real.
Sorry.