Raven Symoné Named 'The View' Co-Host

Former Disney Channel star Raven-Symoné has been named as a co-host for ABC’s daytime talk show The View, ABC announced Monday.

Symoné will replace Rosie O’Donnell on The View effective immediately, joining co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Nicolle Wallace and Rosie Perez.

 Symoné, who starred in Disney Channel’s hit series That’s So Raven in the early mid-2000s, will return to the network this summer in a guest starring role for the network’s series K.C. Undercover, starring Zendaya. Symoné has also recently appeared on episodes of Black-ish and Empire.

 “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,” said Executive Producer Bill Wolff in a statement. “She brings a fresh perspective on the hot topics of the day, and she’s a lively, welcome addition to our conversations and interviews.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.