‘The View’ Names Raven-Symone as New Co-Host

Raven-Symone is the new co-host of The View, the ABC talk show announced at the top of Wednesday’s show.

The former child star had been a regular guest host on the ABC show (appearing 37 times in that role), and moderator/co-host Whoopi Goldberg said on an earlier show that they were trying to make the That’s So Raven star a permanent co-host.

The fourth co-host chair on The View has been filled by rotating guest co-hosts since Rosie O’Donnell left in February. Wednesday’s announcement has Raven-Symone joining Goldberg, Rosie Perez and Nicolle Wallace as panelists on the ABC talk show.

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Goldberg enthusiastically announced that Raven would be “permanently part of The View” shortly after the other co-hosts, including guest co-host Iliza Schlesinger, took the stage. Raven-Symone walked out after Goldberg announced the news as confetti rained down in the studio. The other co-hosts ran over to hug her as the audience applauded and Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration” played.

“I am so happy. I remember coming on The View when I was 15 years old for The Cheetah Girls,” Raven-Symone said after she took her seat on Wednesday’s show, adding that she’s come back multiple times since then. “I’m very happy to be sitting with these smart, talented mentors. … Let’s have some fun!”

She also gave her fellow co-hosts some food gifts, including Schlesinger, who said, “I don’t work here and I get a gift.”

“The Disney Company has made another one of my dreams come true! Being a part of The View family will be a wonderful growing experience for me,” Raven-Symone added in a statement released by ABC with the news of her joining the show. “The cast and crew are warm and welcoming and has made the transition into daytime talk easier. I have a lot to learn within this new arena, but being the apprentice of these spectacular women will only make me a better person and talk show host. I want to thank ABC, ABC News and The Disney Company for believing in me and my potential!”

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Executive producer Bill Wolff added: “Raven is smart, funny and genuine. We’ve loved getting to know her, and we’re all thrilled she’ll be part of The View every day. She brings a fresh perspective on the hot topics of the day, and she’s a lively, welcome addition to our conversations and interviews.”

Creator and executive producer Barbara Walters said: “Raven-Symone is a welcome addition to The View. She is happy, amusing and well informed, and has already brought a unique perspective to the program that has resonated with our audience.”

In addition to starring in the Disney Channel’s That’s So Raven, the actress’ TV credits include The Cosby Show, Hangin‘ With Mr. Cooper, Empire and Black-ish. Her film credits include Dr. Dolittle and its sequel, The Princess Diaries 2 and College Road Trip.

Watch Wednesday’s View announcement below.