Kyla Pratt, known for her role on Disney’s “The Proud Family,” recently opened up about her “unspoken bond” with Raven-Symoné. During an interview, Pratt reflected on her iconic character, Penny Proud, and recalled starring alongside Symoné and Eddie Murphy in the late-’90s film “Dr. Dolittle.” Elsewhere in the interview, Pratt also shared how proud she is of Symoné, praising the impact the now-40-year-old has had on the network.
While speaking with PEOPLE, Pratt wasted no time praising Symoné for her impact on the Disney Channel, mentioning her steady presence on the network for the last two decades.
“When I think of Disney, I think of Raven-Symoné,” Pratt said. “I was fortunate enough to be her sister in Dr. Dolittle, and, for me, Raven was the face of Disney.”
While Pratt voiced Penny Proud in “The Proud Family” and “The Proud Family Movie,” Symoné appeared in “That’s So Raven,” “The Cheetah Girls,” and the 2017 spin-off, “Raven’s Home.” In addition, Symoné appeared in several other Disney Channel series and movies, including “Hannah Montana” and “KC Undercover.”
Kyla Pratt Reveals Why It Was Important To See Raven-Symoné Leading Her Own Show
While Pratt had a lead role in her own Disney Channel series, the “One on One” actress pointed to the impact Symoné had on an entire community of viewers.
“For me, seeing a young black woman navigate that space and become a director and producer and writer,” Pratt said. “I would say we have an unspoken bond, so whenever I see her or see her doing anything, I support it and I’m just happy that she’s living how she’s living.”
Kyla Pratt Says ‘Black Representation’ Is Everything
Pratt and Symoné weren’t the only young, Black actresses leading sitcoms for major networks. Keke Palmer starred in Nickelodeon’s “True Jackson, VP,” and Zendaya appeared in “Shake It Up” and “KC Undercover.”
Pratt then explained why it’s important to see women like her on the small and big screen. “I think Black representation is everything. I’m a strong advocate for mental health, and I believe once you’re able to see yourself, you’re able to feel not alone,” she said.
She continued, “And a lot of times, our stories weren’t meant to be told. Back in the day, it was like, ‘Hey, blonde hair, blue eyes, that’s what’s beautiful.’ And if that’s all you saw, of course you’re going to compare yourself to that.”
Pratt said representation in film and television is more meaningful than many people realize, especially for children growing up. “It’s enough to make you feel like, OK, I’m not alone in this world,” she said.
Pratt Talks About The Nostalgia Of Voicing Penny Proud
During a previous interview with PEOPLE, Pratt reflected on voicing Penny Proud and the Disney+ revival series, “Louder and Prouder.” She expressed her gratitude for the show’s return and reflected on what it has meant to have the beloved character in her life for the past 20 years.
“The vibe when I am stepping into the booth to be Penny Proud is always amazing. It’s complete nostalgia,” she said. “I was talking to my kids earlier this week about getting older and how you can still stay a kid inside, and I’ve had the pleasure of being able to do that.”
Pratt said that being able to still portray Penny Proud allows her to “connect” to her younger self. “So for me, every time I step into the booth it just feels amazing, and then you realize these things don’t last forever, you take it in a little bit more,” she said.
Symoné Is Headed Back To Disney With A Fourth Movie In This Iconic Franchise
And speaking of revivals, Symoné is making a Disney comeback in 2027 when she appears alongside Adrienne Bailon in the fourth “Cheetah Girls” movie dubbed “Next Gen.”
According to The Blast, the movie will follow Symoné and Bailon’s characters traveling to Africa to help save a wildlife sanctuary with a younger group of aspiring singers.
“The Cheetah Girls has always been about friendship, music, and empowering young people to use their voice,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Kids & Family. “That spirit connected deeply with a generation of fans, and it still resonates today. Bringing this dynamic new group of young stars to the franchise allows us to continue that legacy for a new era of kids and families.”
