Kyla Pratt has shared heartfelt reflections on her relationship with fellow actress Raven-Symoné, marking their journeys in the entertainment industry that began during their childhood. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Pratt described Raven-Symoné as “the face of Disney,” underscoring the pivotal role her friend played in shaping the network’s brand and representation, especially for Black performers.
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Pratt, who is now 39, is best known for her role as Penny Proud in the animated series The Proud Family, which first aired in 2001 and concluded in 2005 after two successful seasons and the release of a feature film. During her time on the show, Pratt was only 14 years old and has since spoken about the pressures and challenges she faced in that formative role.
She highlighted the significant impact that Raven-Symoné’s career had on her own journey. Raven-Symoné starred in Disney’s That’s So Raven from 2003 to 2007, a groundbreaking sitcom where she portrayed a teenager with psychic abilities. The show became a massive success, leading to two spin-offs, Cory in the House and Raven’s Home, with the latter running until 2023.
In her interview, Pratt expressed admiration for Raven’s multifaceted career beyond acting, commending her accomplishments as a director, producer, and writer. “Raven’s influence on Black representation in entertainment cannot be overstated,” Pratt noted, acknowledging how her colleague has paved the way for future generations of artists.
Reflecting on their shared history, Pratt reminisced about their time together on the set of the 1998 film Dr. Dolittle, where they played siblings. “I was lucky enough to be her sister in Dr. Dolittle, and for me, Raven was the face of Disney,” she recalled fondly, indicating just how deeply their professional paths intertwined from an early age.
Despite the acclaim and success that came with her role in The Proud Family, Pratt admitted to being her own harshest critic during those early years of voice acting. This self-doubt is a sentiment shared by many in the industry, especially those who start at a young age when the stakes can feel particularly high.
The legacy of both actresses extends beyond their individual work, resonating with many young fans who grew up watching them. Their contributions to early 2000s television have given rise to discussions about representation in children’s programming, with both actresses helping to break barriers for Black characters in stories that entertain and inspire.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, Pratt and Raven-Symoné remain key figures, each using their platform for advocacy and creativity. Their friendships, both on-screen and off, serve as a reminder of the bonds formed in the industry and the positive impact they have on audiences.
Kyla Pratt’s reflections bring to light the importance of representation and the pivotal roles that Disney stars have played in shaping media narratives. As they move forward in their careers, both Pratt and Raven-Symoné are poised to continue influencing the world of entertainment, further enriching the cultural fabric for generations to come.