Raven-Symoné released a video message to Instagram on December 11th with a sad announcement.
She announced her younger brother, Blaize Pearman, passed away in November 2023 after a two-year battle with colon cancer.
The public response was shock and sadness. Raven-Symoné never shared her brother’s serious health struggles on social media.
Blaize wasn’t a celebrity, but he was active on social media. He liked to display his sense of humor, but he also kept his cancer battle private.
Several years ago, Blaze posted a funny photo of himself behind a lawnmower.
He revealed that he was visiting his mom in Georgia. Blaize captioned the photo,“I come visit GA… and mom got me mowing the lawn in 94 heat.”
As Blaize’s health worsened, his followers began to notice something different about him online.
Some Fans Were Concerned About Blaize’s Weight Loss
Someone asked him on social media. “You are gettin’ skinny, dude! You vegan?” Even as his physical condition became more noticeable on social media, Blaize chose not to share the news that he had cancer. He did ask for some “good news” in an Instagram post dated January 29, 2021.
As recently as May 2023, Blaize posted a happy photo on social media with his mom and another family member. His caption was upbeat: “Hard to find two people realer than the fam!”
In her Instagram video, Raven-Symoné explained more about her brother’s colon cancer. She also thanked her followers for their “amazing” birthday wishes. Raven-Symone’s 38th birthday was on December 10th. Although this year, Raven felt bittersweet about her birthday.
“The emotions that have been weaving in and out of my body and mind and family have been a roller coaster,” she said.
She also said that Blaize would be “loved and missed” and that she feels that Blaize “is in a better place now.” Raven-Symoné revealed that Blaize would have celebrated his next birthday on December 16th. Blaize was six years younger than his sister. The siblings shared a very strong bond growing up.
Blaize and Raven-Symoné Have Always Been Close
Blaize appeared with Raven-Symoné at various red-carpet events. He was only a few months old in 1992 when he was photographed in his stroller at a Helping Hands event. A throwback photo from that day shows a younger Raven-Symoné kissing her baby brother sweetly on his cheek.
In 2001, a more grown-up Blaize walked the red carpet premiere of Dr. Doolittle 2 with Raven-Symoné, who starred in the movie. Blaize and his sister looked stylish in matching denim outfits and coordinated sunglasses.
Raven-Symoné’s friends and fellow celebrities spoke out about the strong bond between her and her little brother, including Sabrina Bryan, who co-starred Raven-Symone in Cheetah Girls.
Sabrina forwarded her condolences on social media. “I am so sorry to hear this news,” she wrote. Sabrina described Raven-Symoné as “such an awesome big sister who loved and adored her baby brother.”
And pictures and posts on Blaize’s social media show that he adored his sister just as much. Blaize even poked fun at Raven-Symoné as he celebrated her birthday in 2019. He shared a photo of his sister sleeping. “Happy Birthday @ raven symone… embarrassing photos are the best!!!” he captioned.
Blaize did appear on television with his sister at least once in his life. Raven-Symoné, Blaize, two of her co-stars, and her parents were on a Celebrity Family Feud tournament. They were competing to raise money for the American Red Cross. Their first match of the tournament was against Wayne Newton and his family. Raven-Symoné’s family won that match.
Then, they appeared in the next round of the tournament and competed against the late Joan Rivers and her family. Raven-Symoné’s team lost that round. But the Celebrity Family Feud host, Al Roker, gave Raven-Symoné’s team $10,000 to donate to their charity.
Celebrity Friends and Fans Offered Their Condolences
Another celebrity friend of Raven-Symoné’s is Holly Robinson Peete. Holly starred with Raven-Symoné on Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper. She wrote online that she was so sorry to hear the news about Blaize: “I loved spending time and getting to know your brother since he was a toddler.”
Holly also sent love to Raven-Symoné’s family and everyone who loved Blaize. On December 10, 2022, Raven-Symoné celebrated Blaize’s birthday in an Instagram post. She called her brother “one of the kindest protectors” she knows.
“My love energy and hugs go to you this day,” she wrote, wishing Blaize “more years to come” as well. Raven-Symoné’s supporters gave her some wise words during this challenging time. “There aren’t many words I can offer you… but as someone who lost their father to cancer… just know that Blaize really is in a better place,” wrote one fan. “Take it a day at a time… cry when you need to… and keep pushing through…”
Raven-Symoné spoke to all her supporters: “My family on Instagram, my family at home, and my family and friends… you guys have been such an amazing support system.” She ended her video message by saying, “I love you all.”
