TheYBF.com chopped it up with “The Kamiyah Mobley Story” star Rayven Symone Ferrell (not the Raven Symone you’re thinking) and the YBF chick is all about progressing in her acting career. And nothing is going to stop her. What she told us about colorism in the industry, dating in 2020, and more.
Rayven Symone Ferrell is a fresh face on the acting scene you DEF want to get familiar with.
No, she’s not “Cosby Show” alum Raven Symone. We’re sure that’s who came to mind when you first read the name. There’s actually a story behind her famous name. Rayven's mother named her after the Disney Channel actress because she knew her daughter was destined for greatness in the acting world. Did Rayven feel pressure having a celebrity name? Nope. She knew her capabilities and didn’t allow a name to add more pressure on her.
The 24-year-old moved from Ohio to Atlanta in 2013 - when she was 18 - to attend Kennesaw State University. At the time, producing was more her passion and acting was more like a hobby. It didn't take long for that to change in her new environment. The acting bug crept back on her after behind exposed to how TV and film was created in ATL. That made her start pursuing acting as a career verses just a hobby.
Rayven began booking gigs in 2015, where she nabbed a short appearance in “Greenleaf,” and then got her first big break when she starred as late rapper Tupac’s younger sister, Sekyiwa Shakur in the feature film, All Eyez On Me. She then scored roles in TV and film, including Lee Daniel’s “STAR,” BET’s “The Bobby Story,” The Hate U Give, and “Chicago P.D.”
Eventually, she moved to L.A. after being bicoastal, and now, she’s ready to take over Hollywood.
She’s starring as Kamiyah Mobley in LIFETIME’s ripped from the headlines feature, Stolen by My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story, where she plays Kamiyah Mobley. The film is executive produced by “Good Morning America” anchor Robin Roberts.
Rayven’s career is taking off and she’s for sure not letting anything stop her. Nope. Not even colorism, which is very present in this industry.
“I think in today’s society black is beautiful,” Rayven told TheYBF.com in an interview.
While colorism is prevalent in the industry, it hasn’t slowed her down one bit.
“It’s not like one of those things where it has prevented me to pursue my dreams,”Rayven said. “I do think that in today’s society everyone is kind of noticing how great we are and are really giving us a chance to create and make our own projects. You have to look at Issa Rae & Tyler Perry - people who create opportunities for us. We have a lot more voices. I just hope and pray that I become one of those people, so the next brown girl can look at me as that for her as well.”
Rayven may be young, but chick has her head on straight. She’s all about working hard and pushing through even when things get hard. She even dropped some gems for other young, black actresses aspiring to get in the game.
“It gets better. It gets better,” she told TheYBF.com
People will look at her now and think she has it all together as she continues to grow as an artist, but, it hasn’t been easy. And she acknowledges that.
“It’s so easy to not to feel as confident. It’s so easy to give up. It’s so easy to feel like you’re not in the right spot, at the right age at the right time. It’s so easy to fall into the negative of it and not look forward to the outcome. So, to anyone pursuing… really anything - not just acting – just know that if you put in 100%, you’ll get something out of it. It does get better," she concluded.
A WORD.
Having tunnel vision to make it big (she aspires to work with her faves Regina King & Viola Davis), Rayven doesn’t have time for anyone’s ashy son!
“Right now, I’m really, really focused on my career, so I kind of limit my love life until I feel comfortable where I don’t have to go as hard. I don’t need any distractions right now,” she explained.
And we couldn’t agree more.
“One thing I’ve realized about relationships, it’s a job,” she shared. Once things take an unexpected turn, it can affect you career and focus and she just doesn’t have time for the foolishness right now.
Speak.On.That.Ish.
Recently, "The Kamiyah Mobley" cast - including lead star Rayven Symone, Niecy Nash (who plays the mother who abducted her character in the film), Ta'Rhonda Jones (who plays her character's biological mother) and executive producer Robin Roberts - reunited for the NYC premiere held at the The Paley Center recently. Peep the carpet flicks below:
Niecy always slays a red carpet. Sheesh!
OK, Robin with the see-thru! Get it!
Ta'Rhonda pulled up an edgy look that we're feeling.
Robin Roberts Presents: Stolen By My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story will premiere January 18th at 8/7c on LIFETIME. Set your DVRs!
Photos: Getty/Startraks
source: theybf
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