Raven Symoné Announces Passing Of Her Father, Christopher Pearman

Raven Symoné has shared the heartbreaking news of her father Christopher Pearman’s death. The actress and former Disney star, known for her iconic role on That’s So Raven, posted the announcement on Instagram on October 1st, alongside a touching photo of herself as a child with her dad.

In the post, Raven, 38, wrote a heartfelt message reflecting on her life’s journey. “My life has been long and abundant. And the path I’m on started with a dream. Hope he is watching with a smile on his face… 🕊️ #christopherbpearman,” she wrote.

Her post quickly garnered an outpouring of support from friends and fans. Fellow actress Holly Robinson Peete expressed her sorrow, commenting, “Raven🙏🏽 💔💔💔💔sending love and healing hugs.”

Comedian Kenan Thompson also sent his condolences, writing, “Condolences to you and your family!!! Sending love!!!”

While Raven didn’t provide many details about her father’s passing, she confirmed the sad news when a follower asked if Christopher had died. Her simple response: “Yes ma’am.”

Christopher played a significant role in his daughter’s early career. He was Raven’s manager when she was just a child and helped guide her through the early stages of her journey into showbiz. In a June 2010 interview with NPR, he opened up about how he eventually stepped aside so Raven could take control of her career. “She got to a point, you know, she said, ‘Daddy, I can run my own company. I can run my own thing’ a few years ago,’” he recalled, adding, “And I’m like, ‘You know, you have the tools.’”

Christopher also explained that he wasn’t upset when Raven made the decision to manage herself. “No, absolutely not,” he said. “I’ve been managing that girl’s career since she was six months old. It’s just like you having a child and saying, you know, I’m ready to go to college and do my own thing and move out the house.”

This loss is the second major blow for Raven in less than a year. In December 2023, just a day after celebrating her birthday, she revealed that her younger brother, Blaize Pearman, had passed away in November after battling colon cancer for two years. In an emotional video posted to Instagram, she said, “He was battling colon cancer for about two years, and he is in a better place now. He’s loved and missed, and the emotions that have been weaving in and out of my body and mind and family, have been a roller coaster.”

Raven ended her tribute to Blaize partly with a loving message: “I love you, Blaize. His birthday is December 16 and forever will be.”