Raven-Symoné Names Her Disney Channel Mount Rushmore
Photo Credit: Stepping Into The Shade Podcast
by Chris Tremblay Mar 14
2 MIN READ
Raven-Symoné, the actor and singer who rose to fame as the titular character in the Disney Channel series "That's So Raven" from 2003 to 2007, recently revealed her choices for the top four Disney Channel stars, akin to a Mount Rushmore. This disclosure occurred during her guest appearance on the podcast "Stepping Into The Shade Room," hosted by The Shade Room, where she reflected on iconic figures from the network's golden era.
Symoné's selections were Shia LaBeouf, known for Even Stevens; Raven-Symoné herself; Hilary Duff from Lizzie McGuire; and the late Lee Thompson Young, the star of The Famous Jett Jackson. Raven specifically chose Young to give him "his flowers," noting he led the network's first Black-led series. Notably absent were Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato, whose respective hits, Hannah Montana and Camp Rock, arrived later in the 2000s. When host Thembi Mawema suggested Cyrus, Raven declined, explaining, "Not Miley... she came after," and clarified that her list honors the "architects" who built the Disney Channel's foundation before the subsequent wave of superstars arrived.
The event ties into broader nostalgia for Disney Channel's early 2000s lineup, which launched careers for numerous performers, including several who later came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Symoné herself has been open about her queer identity, coming out as gay in 2014 and later identifying more broadly within the LGBTQ+ spectrum; her inclusion of herself underscores personal reflection on that era. While Demi Lovato—who has shared their journey as a non-binary and pansexual person—is a cornerstone of Disney alumni visibility, they were excluded from this specific list as Raven favored the "architects" of the network over the later pop-star phase. Raven's final pick, the late Lee Thompson Young, was recognized for pioneering the network's first Black-led series.
The podcast clip, shared as a YouTube Short by The Shade Room, quickly gained traction, fueling debates among millennials and Gen Z fans reminiscing about after-school viewing. Coverage from outlets like Entertainment Weekly and ComingSoon.net confirmed the details, noting the lighthearted yet divisive nature of such lists. Within LGBTQ+ online communities, reactions celebrated Symoné's self-inclusion as an affirming nod to queer representation in family entertainment, though some expressed curiosity about Cyrus's exclusion given her own evolving public persona.
This moment arrives amid ongoing Disney nostalgia cycles, with reboots like the "Raven's Home" sequel series keeping Symoné connected to the brand. It also reflects how former child stars, particularly transgender people and others in the LGBTQ+ community, continue to shape cultural conversations around their formative roles. No official response from Cyrus or Disney has been reported. The story, unfolding over the past few days, exemplifies harmless celebrity discourse with ripple effects in fan and media spaces.
The event ties into broader nostalgia for Disney Channel's early 2000s lineup, which launched careers for numerous performers, including several who later came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Symoné herself has been open about her queer identity, coming out as gay in 2014 and later identifying more broadly within the LGBTQ+ spectrum; her inclusion of herself underscores personal reflection on that era. While Demi Lovato—who has shared their journey as a non-binary and pansexual person—is a cornerstone of Disney alumni visibility, they were excluded from this specific list as Raven favored the "architects" of the network over the later pop-star phase. Raven's final pick, the late Lee Thompson Young, was recognized for pioneering the network's first Black-led series.
The podcast clip, shared as a YouTube Short by The Shade Room, quickly gained traction, fueling debates among millennials and Gen Z fans reminiscing about after-school viewing. Coverage from outlets like Entertainment Weekly and ComingSoon.net confirmed the details, noting the lighthearted yet divisive nature of such lists. Within LGBTQ+ online communities, reactions celebrated Symoné's self-inclusion as an affirming nod to queer representation in family entertainment, though some expressed curiosity about Cyrus's exclusion given her own evolving public persona.
This moment arrives amid ongoing Disney nostalgia cycles, with reboots like the "Raven's Home" sequel series keeping Symoné connected to the brand. It also reflects how former child stars, particularly transgender people and others in the LGBTQ+ community, continue to shape cultural conversations around their formative roles. No official response from Cyrus or Disney has been reported. The story, unfolding over the past few days, exemplifies harmless celebrity discourse with ripple effects in fan and media spaces.
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