The 21st Annual NAACP Theatre Awards went down last night in Los Angeles where Raven-Symone received the Spirit Award for bringing energy, tenacity, innovation, commitment and talent to the local theater scene. (She starred in “Father’s Day” with Rosie Perez earlier this year). The “Salute To Black Theatre” event also brought out Diahann Carroll, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The veteran actress is a Tony Award Winner, Emmy and Grammy Nominee, Golden Globe Winner, and Best Actress Oscar Nominee. Host Niecy Nash and Wendy Raquel Robinson looked glamourous in white, while Jurnee Smollett and Jill Marie Jones wore brighter-hued frocks. Romeo, one of the few male attendees, of course, showed off his muscles on the red carpet. Raven-Symone: “My Perfect Man Would Be A Mannequin” Raven-Symone Shows Off Amazing New Body For Shoot [PHOTOS] Are Romeo & Jordin Sparks Dating? [PHOTO & VIDEO]
Raven-Symone covers the latest issue of Rolling Out magazine where, inside, she talks about her new show “The Great State Of Georgia,” what she finds sexy in a man and the difference between Raven “the brand” and Raven “the person.” Wearing sequin shorts, a hooded dress, a cropped leather jacket and striped tube top, Raven-Symone’s styling finally matches her age. She’s grown up now! See some behind-the-scenes pics here: Raven-Symone Shows Off Amazing New Body For Shoot [PHOTOS] “The Great State of Georgia” appears to be your first mature role as a television actress. What can viewers expect from the show? The show focuses on the problems you can go through when auditioning and being rejected and, sometimes, accepted. It’s a good journey that my character, Georgia, goes through with a friend and her aunt, which is played by Loretta Devine. I find it interesting that I’m doing a role that mirrored my younger life when I moved from Georgia to New York. This is more of a sophisticated comedy, but we don’t take away from the fun aspect of it. When did you realize that you were not just an actress, but that “Raven-Symoné” had become a brand? I knew that there was a business of Raven-Symoné when my father told me to “make sure that the public knows your real name and not just your character’s name.” The Disney Channel also helped to package what I wanted to do. But I know that there is more out there. Hopefully, the business aspect will be set up where I can back away and give opportunities to young men and women [to] showcase their talent when others may overlook them. What do you find attractive in a man, and what is your ideal first date? The things I find attractive are ambition, talent, teeth and a car. I don’t like to drive. It doesn’t have to be a Bentley. You can drive a Pinto, and I’ll pay for gas. But I won’t pay your insurance [laughs]. My ideal first date is no weave, no eyebrows, no makeup. I need to be in sweats, and I need him to be in sweats. We can drive around and see different houses. That’s my favorite date ever. I don’t want to go anywhere special. I just want to go for a ride. Is there a way to balance a relationship with your schedule? I was raised to be about my business. I love the people who are around, but if I get a [business] call, I have to get up and go. I’m on a path for myself. When I’m done, I’ll start that other side of life. I can’t have distractions. If you’re a distraction, you gotta go. What will be Raven-Symoné’s legacy? I want people to say, “She made me laugh and brightened my day. As a brand, she kept in mind the different flavors in the world.” And I want people to know that I was always honest and told the truth. Raven-Symone Shows Off Natural Curly ‘Fro At Vegas Soiree [PHOTOS] Raven-Symone: “My Perfect Man Would Be A Mannequin”
