Raven Symoné, known for her roles in That’s So Raven and The Cheetah Girls, reflected on her time as a co-host on The View with a mix of humor and candidness. During a recent interview, the actress and television personality opened up about what she learned from her stint on the popular daytime talk show, jokingly saying that it taught her one very important lesson: “Shut the hell up.”
Raven joined The View in 2015, co-hosting alongside the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, and several other outspoken panelists. The show, famous for its lively debates and differing opinions on a range of social, political, and cultural issues, can be an intense environment, especially for a newcomer like Raven at the time. Despite her prior experience in the entertainment industry, The View posed unique challenges for her.
In the interview, Raven shared that being on The View was a crash course in learning when to voice her opinions and when to keep quiet. She quipped, “If you have an opinion, keep it to yourself,” alluding to the fact that not every thought needed to be expressed, particularly in such a high-pressure and often polarizing setting.
Raven went on to explain how the show required a delicate balance of speaking up and knowing when to step back, given the strong personalities and opposing viewpoints that were regularly featured. While she acknowledged the value of debate and discussion, she admitted that her experience on The View made her more aware of the importance of choosing her moments to speak carefully.
“I learned a lot about timing and how to navigate a conversation,” Raven said. “It’s not just about having something to say, but about understanding when it’s your turn, and whether or not your voice needs to be heard in that moment.”
Despite her jest, Raven also highlighted the personal growth she experienced during her time on the show. The View gave her a platform to share her thoughts on a wide variety of topics, and while it could be overwhelming at times, she believes it helped her develop a thicker skin and a greater sense of self-awareness.
Raven’s tenure on The View lasted just over a year before she made the decision to leave the show in 2016 to return to her roots in acting, taking on the lead role in the That’s So Raven spinoff, Raven’s Home. Looking back, she recognizes that her time as a co-host was a valuable experience, even if it wasn’t always easy.
“It was definitely a whirlwind, but I learned so much about myself, the industry, and how to handle difficult conversations,” she reflected. “It’s an environment where you’re constantly being challenged, and that’s not a bad thing.”
While her time on The View may have been short-lived, it left a lasting impression on Raven. The experience of debating on live television with a panel of strong-willed co-hosts forced her to refine her communication skills and reconsider how she approached controversial topics. At the same time, it gave her the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of perspectives, broadening her understanding of the world.
Since leaving The View, Raven has focused on her acting career and personal projects, but she hasn’t shied away from expressing her opinions when the moment calls for it. She remains a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness, and she continues to use her platform to speak out on issues that matter to her.
Reflecting on her time at The View, Raven shared that she doesn’t regret her decision to leave, but she’s grateful for the lessons she learned. “It was definitely a learning experience,” she said with a laugh. “But I’m happy to be back in a space where I can be myself and not feel like I have to censor every thought.”
Fans of Raven have admired her candor and humor, both during and after her time on the show. While she may have learned to “shut the hell up” in certain situations, Raven-Symoné remains a beloved figure who isn’t afraid to speak her mind when it truly matters.