Anneliese van der Pol

Anneliese van der Pol is a Dutch-American actress, singer, and performer who gained international recognition for her comedic role as Chelsea Daniels in the popular Disney Channel original sitcom That's So Raven. Born in Naaldwijk, Netherlands, and raised in Southern California, she has established a dynamic career across television, film, stage, and musical theatre.

Early Life and Background

Born on September 23, 1984, in Naaldwijk, South Holland, van der Pol moved with her family to the United States at three years old. She holds dual Dutch and American citizenship. Developing an early passion for performance, she attended the Orange County High School of the Arts in Santa Ana, California. During her teenage years, she earned widespread acclaim in regional theater, including a star-making role as Eva Perón in a local production of Evita at age fifteen, making her one of the youngest actresses to portray the character.

Television and Film Career

Van der Pol achieved mainstream breakout success when she was cast as Chelsea Daniels, the quirky best friend of Raven Baxter, on Disney Channel's hit series That's So Raven from 2003 to 2007. Her performance showcased her strong comedic timing and vocal talents. She later reprised the beloved character in the spin-off series Raven's Home from 2017 through 2022. Beyond television, van der Pol appeared in feature films such as Vampires Suck and contributed vocal recordings to numerous soundtracks and compilation albums produced by Disney.

Stage and Musical Achievements

In addition to her television roles, van der Pol has cultivated an extensive career on stage. In 2007, she made her Broadway debut as Belle in Beauty and the Beast, becoming the final actress to play the iconic role during its original Broadway run. She has starred in numerous theatrical productions nationwide, including Off-Broadway engagements such as Heathers The Musical and concert engagements like the Broadway Princess Party tour.

Personal Life

Van der Pol maintains an active creative presence through podcasting and public appearances. In her personal life, she met actor Johnno Wilson while working together on Raven's Home. The couple became engaged in December 2023 and married in late 2024.