American actress and comedienne T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh was born on October 13, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois. Originally named Crystal Walker, she was active with theater, dance and stage comedy during high school and in Florida’s A&M University. Aside from playing a supporting role as mother figure Tanya Baxter in the Disney sitcom That’s So Raven, T’Keyah Keymáh has also done voice work for animated series such as Teen Titans and Batman Beyond and had regular roles on Cosby, In Living Color, The Show, and On Our Own . She’s also published a book entitled Natural Woman / Natural Hair, and is an outspoken activist on social dilemmas such as Hurricane Katrina and the Darfur crisis.

Tanya Baxter is played by T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh in the Disney sitcom That’s So Raven. As the mother of the series’ titular character, she provides a cool-headed and sensible foil to the rest of her family’s antics, often giving advice for her children’s problems and support to her husband Victor. She’s also earned a degree in teaching, and taught English to high school students. Raven’s powers actually come from Tanya’s side of the family, as explained in the episode “Separation Anxiety.” Near the end of the series, Tanya leaves for England on a scholarship, in order to pursue a law degree.

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