That’s So Raven actor Raven-Symoné has revealed that her brother Blaize Pearman has passed away aged 31 following a devastating cancer diagnosis.
The former Disney star, 38, broke the tragic news to fans in an Instagram video posted today (December 11), explaining that 'he is in a better place now'.
Blaize had been diagnosed with colon cancer two years ago, with Symoné sharing: "Last month, I lost my brother. The emotions that have been coming, waving in and out of my body and mind."
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The sad news came as fans poured in their well wishes for the actor's birthday yesterday (December 10), which she described as a 'bittersweet' day.
Beginning to choke up, she added: "Thank you the all the love yesterday. It was felt beyond. Hard to fully celebrate knowing that I’m here and he is not."
Blaize stayed relatively out of the spotlight compared to his famous sister, but he did feature alongside her as part of her team for Steve Harvey's Celebrity Family Feud in 2008.
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His last post on social media came back in June, where he posted a selfie in a car to Instagram.
Condolences have come flooding in for the star, with one person writing: "I am so sorry to hear this news Raven!
"You were always such an awesome big sister who loved and adored her baby brother! Sending healing prayers to you and your family during this difficult time."
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Meanwhile, Cheetah Girls star Kiely Williams said: "I am so sorry. There are no words that can ease this kind of pain, but I hope you can find moments of peace and comfort in the weeks and months ahead. You and your family are in my prayers."
A third added: "Thinking of you and your family — covering you in love and light."
Back in 2021, Symoné spoke of how her younger brother had inspired an episode of Raven's Home during which Booker Carter (Issac Ryan Brown) is racially profiled.
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In an interview with Shadow and Act, Symoné revealed a similar incident had happened to Blaize: "I relate to that. I remember my mom drilling my brother when he first got his license on the things that he had to be careful of. He’s tall, he’s Black.
"He wears a hoodie and jeans and maybe a jersey or a skully. And it’s like, ‘Take your hat off. Put your hands on the wheel. Yes, sir. Yes, ma’am. Respectful. And don’t question anything'.
"Because the color of your skin does not allow that at this time. Sadly, that’s the truth. It’s too many words. And so we did that for Booker as well.”
Topics: Celebrity
Chloe Rowland