Raven-Symoné Pearman was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but at a young age moved to New York. While there Raven signed with the Ford Modeling Agency. They sent her out on a audition for a movie called Ghost Dad (1990), which also starred the legendary Bill Cosby. She was deemed too young for the role since was only 3 years old, but Cosby could see she had talent. They asked Raven to come back to read lines, and she did so well that she got a starring role as Olivia on the last three seasons of "The Cosby Show" (1984). After the show finished its run, she decided to try something new like singing. In 1993, she became the youngest person ever to sign with MCA Records. She also went back to acting with a starring role in "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper" (1992), alongside Mark Curry and a small role in the TV mini-series "Queen" (1993) (mini). After another small role in the feature film The Little Rascals (1994) and the role of Goldilocks in the TV series "Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child" (1995), "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper" ended.

Raven's singing career was doing well and she landed a role in Doctor Dolittle (1998) alongside Eddie Murphy and a made-for-TV movie called Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999) (TV). She also starred in Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001), but she was not available to do Zenon: The Zequel (2001) (TV). However, the Walt Disney Company, which made the Zenon movies, wanted her back to do a pilot for a new Disney TV show called "Absolutely Psychic," in which she would be a supporting character. She impressed them so much that they changed the show's premise to be about her and the show's name was changed to "That's So Raven" (2002). After the show was a hit she did the made-for-TV movie The Cheetah Girls (2003) (TV) and recorded a new album. A movie based on "That's So Raven" may be in the works.

Graduated from Atlanta's North Springs High School in June 2004.

While a contestant on "The Weakest Link" (2000) - she couldn't answer what the "P.O." in "P.O. Box" meant, and answered 100, when asked to give half of 1,000.

She plans to attend culinary school

Enjoys all different types of music, from '50 cent' to Avril Lavigne and Björk.

Once shared an apartment in Los Angeles with her friend, Lindsay Lohan.

Won the Favorite Female TV Star at the 2004 Kids' Choice Awards.

Daughter of Christopher B. Pearman and Lydia Gaulden.

The city of Winnfield gave her the key to the city and declared 20th of December 1989 as Raven-Symone Day.

At 18, she was rated 2003's 8th hottest teen female star.

Scrabble is her favorite game.

She went to Alpharetta's Webb Bridge Middle School.

Has been singing since the age of 4

Left the Cheetah Girls to resume her solo singing career.

As of 2005, the youngest person ever to be signed by MCA records.

The first song by Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott to be played on the radio was sung by Raven.

An excellent cook. In "That's So Raven" (2002), her character frequently cooks the wrong way for comedic results.

Loves to watch "South Park" (1997).

In high school, Geometry was her difficult subject.

Performed on Broadway at the age of five.

Was number 84 on vh1's "100 Greatest Kid Stars" (2005) (mini)

Was ranked #17 in E's 50 most cutest child stars all grown-up.(2005)

Was ranked #17 in E's most cutest child stars all grown-up.(2005)

Favorite fruits are mangoes and bananas. Favorite snacks are pickles, potato chips, creme brulée, and shrimp with cheese grits.