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RaéVen Larrymore Kelly continues to leverage her celebrity status for meaningful causes. She has enjoyed a diverse and impressive career in film and television, featuring in notable projects such as John Grisham's "A Time to Kill," portraying Tonya Hailey alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Sandra Bullock, and Matthew McConaughey, directed by Joel Schumacher. She played young Tina Turner in "What's Love Got To Do With It?" with Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett, directed by Brian Gibson; Rena Evers in "Ghosts of Mississippi" with Whoopi Goldberg, James Woods, and Alec Baldwin, directed by Rob Reiner; and young Anna in "How to Make an American Quilt," sharing a role with Maya Angelou’s character and acting alongside Wynona Ryder and Anne Bancroft, directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse. Other film credits include Em in "Blossoms and Veils," produced by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith with direction by Shonda Rhimes; Qweeshawn Washington in "Underclassman" with Nick Cannon; and Slick in "Tournament of Dreams," featuring Debbie Allen, Carl Lewis, and Tony Todd, directed by Don Abernathy.
Her television and made-for-TV movie highlights include a recurring role as Lisa on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," directed by Joss Whedon; Dora Charles in "Freedom Song" with Danny Glover and Vicellous Reon Shannon, directed by Phil Alden Robinson; series regular Wanda Grace on "Maximum Bob" with Beau Bridges, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld; Jeanette in "Ditchdigger's Daughters" alongside Carl Lumbly and Victoria Dillard; guest appearances on "Even Stevens," "Any Day Now," and "City of Angels" as Savannah, directed by Reginald Hudlin; young Ebenita in "Scrooge" with Cicely Tyson; Louetta in "Lily in Winter" with Marla Gibbs and Natalie Cole, directed by Delbert Mann; and Laura in "America’s Dream" with Wesley Snipes and Jasmine Guy, directed by Bill Duke.
In theater, RaéVen’s accomplishments include the California premiere of Regina Taylor’s "Crowns" as Yolanda, directed by Anthony Hainey; Sara Finney-Johnson’s "Mazel Tov & Black Eyed Peas" as Maya, directed by Adleane Hunter; and lead vocalist in Yolanda King’s "Achieving the Dream."
Born in Fairfax, Virginia, RaéVen, now 20, has established a remarkable career with standout roles such as series regular Adlaine Harper on the acclaimed "I'll Fly Away," starring Sam Waterston and Regina Taylor, produced and directed by David Chase and Ian Sander. Her guest role as Serena on "Touched By An Angel" with Randy Travis is considered a holiday classic. Additional guest appearances include roles on "E.R.," "Living Single," "Roseanne," "The Sentinel," "Roc," "Maloney," and as Niara on "Sweet Justice," the granddaughter of Cicely Tyson’s character, among others.
RaéVen has earned numerous accolades, including The Emerging Artist Award for her television and film work; Best Youth Actress in a TV Mini-Series/MOW/Special for "Lily in Winter"; and Best Youth Actress in a Leading Role for "I'll Fly Away." She received a NAACP National Equity Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 2003 for "Achieving the Dream"; Hollywood Reporter YoungStar Award nominations for Best Actress in a Mini-Series (2000) for "Freedom Song" and Best Actress in a Drama Film (1997) for "A Time to Kill"; NAACP Image Award nominations for Best Youth Performer for both "A Time to Kill" and "I'll Fly Away"; and Youth In Film Award nominations for Best Actress for "What's Love Got To Do With It?," "Sweet Justice," and "Lily in Winter."
RaéVen’s vocal talents complement her acting career. She first recorded music at age seven singing in "What's Love Got To Do With It?" and has since contributed to "The Preacher's Wife" soundtrack. She has worked with renowned musicians including HB Barnum, George Duke, and John Williams, and has performed at prestigious venues such as The Grand Ole Opry and The Stellar Awards.
In recognition of her outstanding accomplishments, RaéVen received The 2006 Omni Award for Career Achievement and served as Honorary Gala Chairperson. Beyond entertainment, she excels academically as a College National Dean's List student and active member of both a California State Honor Society and an International Honor Society. She is also dedicated to community service, supporting organizations such as the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
