Disney Society’s Exclusive Interview with Raven Symone

Last week, I had the chance to interview Raven Symone, who does the voice of Iridessa from “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure”. The movie comes out on DVD and Blu-ray tomorrow, October 27th and it is SO good!

Raven and I talked about a little of everything from her hit Disney Channel show “That’s So Raven” and “College Road Trip” to her character Iridessa and upcoming projects she is working on. It was so nice to speak with Raven and I know you will enjoy this interview!

Disney Society: What is one of your best memories from that That’s So Raven? Favorite episode, funny moment, etc.

Raven: My favorite episode is "Country Cousins". I was able to play a lot of different characters and play against myself. I really enjoyed that. The moments behind the scenes…there was something every day that would just make me laugh when we were together…just a lot of great moments. There are just too many to name.

Disney Society: What do you miss about filming the show?

Raven: I miss the people…and the people behind the scenes. It was a lot of fun seeing their faces everyday and just laughing, having fun and creating. That’s ultimately what I miss the most. Yeah, it was nice being on TV and working, but it’s the camaraderie that you develop over the 5 years that we filmed that I miss.

Disney Society: I have to ask you about College Road Trip. That’s a favorite movie around my house! What was it like working with Martin Lawrence?

Raven: Working with Martin was great. He’s hilarious. He’s a great father. He had his kids on set. We just had a good time.

Disney Society: Do you have any funny stories to tell about the pig that was in the movie?

Raven: The pig was the star in the movie. He required certain attention…more so than the actors. He was our little prima donna.

Disney Society: Alright, let’s switch tracks and talk about Tinker Bell. How did you first get involved in this project and land the role of Iridessa?

Raven: Well, they asked me when they were first starting to cast Tinker Bell if I would like to be a part of it and I said yes. I was 18 when that offer came about and I am almost 24 now and we just started on the fourth one. The second one is about to come out, so that is real exciting. I’ve always loved Tinker Bell.

Disney Society: What can you tell me about Iridessa?

Raven: Iridessa is a light fairy. She makes the sun come down and she can create rainbows and all kinds of things. Anything that nature needs that requires a light force, which is great. She is absolutely adorable. She’s the kind of person who is always thinking about something in her head, who doesn’t want to mess up.

Disney Society: What has been a favorite moment of yours when it comes to working on the Tinker Bell movies?

Raven: I finally got to have a conversation with Mae Whitman [voice of Tinker Bell]. She’s an adorable piece of work. I’ve enjoyed her work before and we got to sit down together. It’s funny when you’ve been doing voice over work, you don’t get to sit down with the people face to face.

Disney Society: What aspect do you like about working on an animated film?

Raven: That I get to work in my pajamas! But also, we get to see the talent that all of the artists have and while you are recording they film you, so they put your facial expressions inside the character. It’s kind of funny because she [Iridessa] does some of the same kinds of things I may do if I was a fairy.

Disney Society: So, I know there are two other Tinker Bell movies in the pipeline…is there one that is your favorite so far?

Raven: There is one we are working on right now where we actually get to go to earth. I get to encounter a car and several other things. It was so much fun because of all of the sounds I got to make, not just saying my lines.

Disney Society: Do you have any upcoming projects, concerts or albums you can tell us about?

Raven: Yeah, I am working on my fifth album as we speak. I am looking over other materials, going to meetings and staying busy.

Disney Society: How have you managed to stay so grounded growing up in this business and making the transition from child star, to teen and now adult?

Raven: I have great family and friends that I am surrounded by. I have a plan with my career and I know that I need to stick with that and feel a certain way about myself and my career. I try to always keep that in the back of my mind.

Disney Society: What advice can you give to young people who are aspiring actors and musicians?

Raven: Stay professional, know that this is a business not just fun. There’s a lot of work involved, but you have to try to enjoy yourself at the same time. Know that you are doing it for the love of the game, but that there is work involved in it.

Thanks Raven!

Image Credit: Walt Disney Studios and Click Communications