From Disney Channel To Broadway: 7 Shocking New Updates On Anneliese Van Der Pol (December 2025)

Anneliese van der Pol, the Dutch-American actress beloved by a generation for her iconic role as the quirky, big-hearted Chelsea Daniels on the Disney Channel series That's So Raven and its spin-off Raven's Home, has been making major headlines in her personal and professional life. As of December 2025, the star has transitioned from a beloved TV icon to a Broadway powerhouse and, most recently, a new mother, cementing her status as one of Hollywood's most versatile talents.

The past year has been transformative for van der Pol, whose career has spanned television, film, and the demanding world of musical theatre. Fans who grew up with her on screen are now watching her embrace new, exciting chapters, including a significant return to the stage and a surprising new family milestone that has delighted her followers worldwide.

Anneliese van der Pol: Full Biography and Profile

Anneliese Louise van der Pol is a Dutch-American actress, singer, and producer with a career spanning over two decades.

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• Full Name: Anneliese Louise van der Pol
• Date of Birth: September 23, 1984
• Age (as of December 2025): 41
• Place of Birth: Naaldwijk, Netherlands
• Nationality: Dutch-American
• Spouse: Johnno Wilson (m. December 2024)
• Children: One daughter (welcomed in 2025)
• Known For: Chelsea Daniels in That's So Raven and Raven's Home.
• Broadway Debut: Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (2007)
• Notable Theatre Roles: Eva Perón in Evita, Kathy in Vanities, A New Musical.

The Biggest Update: Marriage and Motherhood

The most significant and heartwarming news surrounding Anneliese van der Pol is her recent major life milestones: marriage and the birth of her first child. This news has captivated fans who followed her journey from a teen sitcom star to a mature, successful artist.

A Private Wedding and a Raven's Home Connection

Van der Pol married actor and comedian Johnno Wilson in a beautiful ceremony in Santa Barbara in December 2024. The couple’s love story has a special connection to her Disney past, as they first met on the set of the spin-off series, Raven's Home. Wilson is a successful actor and writer, and their partnership marks a happy new chapter for the actress.

The wedding, while relatively private, was celebrated by close friends and family, marking a joyous end to 2024 and the beginning of a new decade for the star. The connection to the Disney universe, where she spent so much of her career alongside her best friend and co-star Raven-Symoné, made the announcement even more special for long-time viewers.

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Welcoming Their First Baby Girl in 2025

In early 2025, Anneliese van der Pol and Johnno Wilson joyfully announced the arrival of their first child, a healthy baby girl. The actress, who had shared glimpses of her pregnancy journey with fans, has stepped into the role of motherhood with enthusiasm. This personal update has been the focus of much of her recent social media activity, showing a softer, more intimate side of the star away from the bright lights of Hollywood and Broadway.

This new role as a mother is a major shift, proving that the actress is successfully balancing her demanding career with a rich personal life. It's a testament to her ability to evolve and embrace life's biggest changes, much like her character Chelsea Daniels evolved from a high school student to a single mother on Raven's Home.

The Return to the Stage: Broadway and Concert Tours

While Anneliese van der Pol is famous for her television work, her true passion and a significant part of her career have always been in the theatre. Her return to the stage in recent years has been a major focus, showcasing her powerful singing voice and dramatic range.

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Channeling Lucille Ball in a New Musical

One of the most ambitious projects on van der Pol's slate is her starring role in the musical The Cuban and the Redhead, where she is set to portray the legendary Lucille Ball. This is a massive undertaking, as the show explores the tumultuous relationship between Ball and her husband, Desi Arnaz. Playing an icon like Lucille Ball requires immense talent and comedic timing, both of which van der Pol has demonstrated throughout her career.

The role is a perfect blend of her theatrical background and her television comedy experience, allowing her to dive deep into a complex character. Fans of her work in That's So Raven will be thrilled to see her take on such a challenging and high-profile dramatic role on the regional theatre circuit, with hopes for a Broadway transfer.

Touring with Disney Princess – The Concert

Anneliese van der Pol has also been actively involved in Disney Princess – The Concert, a major touring production that features Broadway and TV stars singing iconic Disney songs. Her participation in the 2024 leg of the tour allowed her to revisit her Disney roots and, more specifically, her history with the classic Disney musical Beauty and the Beast.

Van der Pol made history as the final actress to play the lead role of Belle in the original Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast in 2007. Her involvement in the concert series is a nostalgic treat for Disney enthusiasts and a perfect way to celebrate her legacy as both a Disney Channel star and a Broadway leading lady.

The Legacy of Chelsea Daniels and Raven's Home

Despite her current focus on theatre and her new family life, Anneliese van der Pol's career will forever be tied to the character of Chelsea Daniels. The revival series, Raven's Home, which concluded in 2022, brought her back into the spotlight and introduced her to a new generation of fans.

The End of an Era on Disney Channel

Raven's Home saw Chelsea Daniels return as a single mother who moves in with her best friend, Raven Baxter (Raven-Symoné). The show allowed the actresses to explore their characters' adult lives, adding layers of maturity and complexity while still maintaining the hilarious chemistry that made the original series a hit.

The conclusion of the series marked the end of a long, successful run on the Disney Channel, freeing up van der Pol to pursue other creative endeavors, including her recent major theatre commitments. The bond between her and Raven-Symoné remains one of the most enduring friendships in television history, beloved by millions of viewers.

Topical Authority: Anneliese van der Pol's Musical Career

It is important to note that Anneliese van der Pol is not just an actress; she is an accomplished vocalist. Her stage credits are a testament to her musical talent, having starred in numerous regional and Off-Broadway productions, including Vanities, A New Musical and the challenging lead role in Evita. This musical theatre background is what sets her apart from many of her Disney Channel peers and is the driving force behind her current high-profile roles as Lucille Ball and a Disney Princess Concert performer. Her versatility ensures that her career continues to thrive in diverse entertainment arenas.