THE PROUD FAMILY

THE PROUD FAMILY

(Disney Channel, September 15, 2001-August 19, 2005)

Jambalaya Studios, Y.R. Studio

            The Proud Family was created by Bruce W. Smith and followed the titular family on their daily (and sometimes bizarre) adventures. Penny Proud (Kyla Pratt) was the main protagonist and eldest daughter of the family which consisted of her immature snack inventing father Oscar (Tommy Davidson), level-headed veterinarian mother Trudy (Paula Jai Parker), toddler twin siblings BeBe and CeCe (both Tara Strong), and snarky grandmother Suga Mama (Jo Marie Payton). The series boasted an impressive list of guest-stars including Al Roker as a wish-granting version of himself; Samuel L. Jackson as homeless construction worker Joseph and Vivica A. Fox as his wife, Margaret; Ashanti as a department store manager; and Lou Rawls as himself. Solange Knowles, along with her big sister’s group Destiny’s Child, recorded the series’ theme.

Meet the family: Trudy, Oscar, Puff, Suga Mama, CeCe, Penny and BeBe.

            The Proud Family was originally intended for Nickelodeon until it was picked up by Disney Channel. It was the first Disney Channel Original Series and the first on the channel to not be produced exclusively by Disney’s television animation department. It ran for 3 seasons, ending with a TV film as the same day as its series finale. During its run, it crossed-over with fellow Disney program Lilo & Stitch and was spun-off into a web series called The Proud Family Shorties that starred BeBe, CeCe and their dog, Puff (also Strong). In 2002, the series entered syndication and was rerun as part of ABC’s Disney’s One Saturday Morning programming block from May until September. Further reruns aired on BET, Toon Disney, The Family Channel, Centric and TVJ.