How Much Did Raven-Symoné and Kenan Thompson’s Childhood Fame Cost?

Raven-Symoné and Kenan Thompson discuss the value of childhood fame.

The pair join other child stars including Christina Ricci, Drew Berrymore and Alyson Stoner, who rose to fame dancing alongside Missy Elliott within the 2000s, in a brand new Hulu documentary “Child Star”” co-directed by Demi Lovato.

Symoné, who began her profession at age 3 on “The Cosby Show,” recalls the pressure she felt about her sexuality.

“There was a point in my life when I was asked if I wanted to stop being straight. But it was like the second season of That’s So Raven. It was like the third album,” the 38-year-old recalls.

“I thought to myself, ‘Why are you asking me this question now? Just to make me feel bad if I say yes, when you know I don’t really want to be here right now?'”

Symoné eventually got here out in 2013 and married Miranda Maday in 2020. In the documentary, she also noted how being a baby actor can affect family dynamics.

“But sometimes the dreams of the parents can infiltrate the dreams of the child,” she said. “And you get so caught up in that. Parents forget that children, little children, are performing for their parents. They are performing for the love and affection of their parents.”

Thompson shares this view, adding that children and their families ought to be fully prepared for the consequences of fame.

“It’s not normal for someone in your family to be famous,” Thompson said.

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Thompson, who rose to fame for his appearances in Nickelodeon shows and movies like “Kenan & Kel,” “All That” and “Good Burger,” fell victim to a shady financial advisor who stole all of his earnings. He realized what had happened when he tried to shut on his first home.

“It’s crazy to go from rags to riches and back again,” Thompson said.

Lovato’s documentary is the newest to delve into the real-life experiences of among the industry’s biggest child stars since HBO Max’s “Quiet on the Set: The Darkside of Kids TV” exposed the abuse and exploitation suffered by many Nickelodeon stars. The docuseries was groundbreaking, revealing how producer Dan Schneider created a toxic work environment for performers, writers and others. The film also details instances of significant physical, sexual and emotional abuse experienced by actors, staff and crew members.

Following the discharge of “Silence on the Set,” there have been widespread calls for greater protection of kids within the entertainment industry, which was also reflected in Lovato’s film.

“If I were to talk to my future kids, I would say, ‘Practice, practice, practice,'” Lovato said. And! News on the “Child Star” screening, adding, “Then when you’re old enough, you can follow your dreams and realize them. But it’s important to remember to have a childhood whenever you can.”