Raven-Symoné Faced Body Shaming From a Young Age on ‘The Cosby Show’
Raven-Symoné, known for her roles on ‘The Cosby Show’ and Disney Channel’s ‘That’s So Raven,’ experienced routine body shaming during her career.
Growing up is challenging on its own, but for Raven-Symoné, who was acting in front of millions and gaining Hollywood’s attention, the pressure was intense. At seven years old, while starring on ‘The Cosby Show,’ Symoné was told to follow directives that most children her age would never encounter. The show featured controversial actor Bill Cosby, alongside Keshia Knight Pulliam and Lisa Bonet. The 1980s sitcom, based on Cosby’s stand-up comedy, centered on the Huxtable family and addressed serious topics like learning disabilities and teen pregnancy, despite its comedic nature.
Body positivity and self-acceptance were challenging for Symoné, especially during her time on ‘The Cosby Show’ and later on the Disney Channel.
Raven-Symoné’s Role on ‘The Cosby Show’
Symoné portrayed Olivia Kendall, the stepdaughter of Denise Huxtable, from seasons six to eight, appearing in 63 episodes. She began on the show at just three years old but faced inappropriate comments about her body by the age of seven.
Body Shaming at Seven Years Old
During an appearance on ‘The View,’ Symoné recalled being body shamed at just seven years old. While on ‘The Cosby Show,’ adults would reprimand her or tell her not to eat.
“I remember people would be like, ‘You can’t eat that. You’re getting fat!’” she shared. At seven, Symoné didn’t understand why she was being restricted from eating when she was hungry.
“It was definitely hard,” she said. “I remember not being able to have the bagel or anything at—we would call it crafty, where it’s just a table of food, ready for you to eat whatever you want. And I remember people would be like, ‘You can’t eat that. You’re getting fat!’ I’m like, ‘I’m 7! I’m hungry!’”
While she chose not to name those who shamed her, Symoné emphasized the inappropriateness of such comments to a child.
Dealing with Weight Comments on Disney Channel
After ‘The Cosby Show,’ Symoné starred in her own Disney Channel show, ‘That’s So Raven.’ Reflecting on her weight during this period, she said, “Even up until I got up to 180 lbs. on That’s So Raven, you put nasty stuff in front of me, or you put images of these women that I’ll never aspire to; of course, I’m going to get depressed.”
Symoné discussed how genetics and DNA play a significant role in appearance, beyond just food intake. “It’s more than just the food—it’s what’s in the food, and it’s your cortisol level, and it’s your serotonin level,” she explained. “That has a really strong effect on your body type.”
Despite being told she was “too big” for an hour-and-a-half concert while on tour during her Disney days, Symoné stressed the importance of talent over size in performance.
Embracing Body Positivity and Individuality
Now, with the negativity about her body seemingly behind her, Symoné advocates for body positivity and individuality. “The world is too big to have one sort of view to show beauty because then you are literally destroying society,” she said.
In an interview with People, Symoné expressed that she wished she had grown up in today’s more accepting world, as it might have reduced her struggles with body image and mental health.
“I love embracing your body,” she stated. “In this day and age, you have all kinds, and it’s funny, it’s serious, it’s every color, it’s every head shape, it’s every hair. And there’s androgyny, and there’s LGBT coming in, and it feels good. We didn’t have it enough last time, and I guess that’s what the past is for—to make sure the present is what it needs to be.”
