Orlando Brown became a familiar face to many in the early 2000s, starring as Eddie Thomas, Raven's best friend, on the hit Disney Channel show That’s So Raven. With his comedic timing and charm, Brown seemed poised for a successful acting career. Beyond That’s So Raven, he also had notable roles in shows like Family Matters and The Proud Family.
However, in the years following the show's end in 2007, Brown's life took several unexpected turns, marked by legal troubles and public struggles with substance abuse.
Though many may remember him as a beloved Disney star, Orlando Brown’s life after That’s So Raven has been far from the fairy tale his fans might have imagined. The actor’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, making headlines for run-ins with the law, erratic behavior, and efforts to get his life back on track.
After That's So Raven, Orlando Brown faced legal troubles, struggled with addiction, and made headlines for erratic behavior, but he continues to pursue acting and music while working on personal recovery.
Exploring in detail Orlando Brown’s struggles after That’s So Raven
Following his departure from Disney in 2007, Orlando Brown initially attempted to focus on his music career. He released several songs and albums, trying to carve out a niche for himself in the music industry. However, his personal life began to overshadow his professional endeavors.
In 2007, Brown was arrested for marijuana possession in Texas after being pulled over for driving without headlights. Though he denied ownership of the drugs, this was only the beginning of his legal issues.
Brown’s next major arrest came in 2016 when he was charged with domestic battery, drug possession, and obstruction of justice after an altercation with his then-girlfriend. The incident, which took place in a parking lot, led to further charges of methamphetamine possession after officers found drugs in his possession.
His frequent brushes with the law led to missed court appearances, warrants for his arrest, and even a dramatic incident where bounty hunters apprehended him.
As Brown’s legal troubles mounted, so did his erratic behavior. In one highly publicized moment, he debuted a neck tattoo of his former That’s So Raven co-star Raven-Symoné. The tattoo raised eyebrows, as it seemed to signify how deeply connected he remained to his past, despite his turbulent present.
More Details on Orlando Brown’s Downward spiral
Orlando Brown’s struggles didn't stop with the law. He publicly battled addiction, which he later admitted had a severe impact on his life and career. His behavior became increasingly concerning as he made claims, including insisting that Michael Jackson was his father and that his full name was Orlando Brown Prince Michael Jackson Jr.
In a 2018 appearance on Dr. Phil, Brown’s mental state and sobriety were called into question, and he revealed troubling details about his life. During the interview, he made outrageous claims, including having children he couldn’t name, and insisted he had been sober for four years, despite visible signs of struggle.
Throughout this difficult time, Brown’s efforts to find stability were inconsistent. After a brief stay in rehab, he was photographed walking barefoot with a box of wine, highlighting the extent of his challenges with addiction. His erratic behavior continued, culminating in several more arrests.
One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2022 when he was arrested in Lima, Ohio, for domestic violence. His brother, with whom he was staying, alleged that Brown had threatened him with a hammer during an argument.
At the time, Brown was reportedly homeless and had been living with his brother to avoid staying in a shelter.
Despite these setbacks, Brown never fully disappeared from the entertainment scene. He continued to pursue acting and music, appearing in minor roles in films such as Straight Outta Compton and the crime drama Bloody Hands in 2022, where he played a detective.
He also recorded two music albums, maintaining his passion for the arts even while struggling with his personal life.
Where is Orlando Brown now?
In recent years, Orlando Brown has tried to turn his life around. In 2020, he married Danielle Brown, and the couple has since welcomed children. Though his legal troubles have overshadowed much of his career, Brown has made public efforts to improve his life.
He’s spoken openly about his journey with addiction, participating in church events and fundraisers to discuss his experiences and offer hope to others in similar situations.
In 2023, Brown returned to television in a somewhat surprising format. He joined the cast of Bad Boys: Texas, a reality show on the Zeus Network. While the show offers a more chaotic form of entertainment, it represents a continuation of Brown’s desire to stay in the spotlight.
It remains to be seen whether Brown will fully regain the stability he once had, but his determination to keep pushing forward is evident.
As of now, Orlando Brown is focused on family life, music, and reality TV. While his journey has been anything but smooth, there are signs that he’s working to overcome his past struggles. For fans who grew up watching him on That’s So Raven, his story is a reminder of the challenges that child stars often face when transitioning into adulthood and the possibility of redemption and recovery.