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Former “My Wife & Kids” actress looks back



Jazz Raycole was barely 12 years old when “My Wife & Kids” premiered in March of 2001. She was happy for her big break playing Damon Wayans’ oldest daughter, Claire. A breakout hit, “My Wife & Kids” would return in September for its second season. Jazz Raycole would not.



The problem started in July of 2001when the cast and crew resumed production. The season premiere was a two-part episode entitled “Mom’s Away”. In it, Jazz’s character Claire has a friend named Charmaine (played by Raven-Symone) spend the night. While there, Charmaine takes a pregnancy test which much to her and Claire’s dismay comes out positive.



Jazz’s mother Renita saw the script for the season premiere and told Damon Wayans that she did not want Jazz, who was only 12 at the time, to be involved in this kind of storyline (Charmaine being pregnant). Damon Wayans, his producers and writers, stood their ground, saying it was a storyline that spoke to today’s generation and that they were going ahead with the show. Renita Raycole pulled Jazz from the show immediately and Jennifer Freeman was quickly brought into replace Jazz in the role of Claire.



Jazz is now 15 (she’ll be 16 in February), getting straight A’s in high school (in Los Angeles) and studying dance at Debbie Allen’s academy. She wants to be a pediatrician and hopes to go to Stanford.



When asked about “My Wife & Kids”, she answers shyly, with a hint of disappointment in her voice. “I miss the show but my mom did what she thought was right. The pregnant thing was just not right but my mom wasn’t the boss so there was nothing we could do. It’s been on now for 4 years and I watch it sometimes but other times I’m just too busy to watch it because I’m either at dance rehearsal or studying.”



Jazz has met Jennifer Freeman on a few occasions and she admits it’s awkward. “I knew her before she got my part. We both tried out for things like Malcolm & Eddie, The Smart Guy and Jamie Foxx and I got cast in all of those shows. She says hi and stuff and that’s nice but we’re not like friends.”



She beams though when Raven-Symone’s name is brought up. “Raven is my girl. After I left the show she called me and told me to not give up on my dreams. When I did Law & Order this year Raven sent me flowers to congratulate me. That was so cool.”