Age and birthdate
Anneliese van der Pol was born on September 23, 1984, making her 39 years old as of 2025. This birthdate is widely documented in publicly available biographies, reputable entertainment databases, and press materials. The calculation is straightforward: subtracting 1984 from the current year yields an age consistent with official timelines for her career milestones.
Early life and entry into performance
Childhood and training
Anneliese van der Pol was born in Naaldwijk, South Holland, Netherlands, and moved to the United States with her family at a young age. She grew up in California and began training in theater, dance, and voice as a child. Her early interest in performing arts set the stage for later work in musical theater and on-screen roles. Training under established coaches and participating in youth theater programs provided a foundation she would build on through her teen years.
Entry into professional roles
Van der Pol transitioned into professional acting and singing roles in the late 1990s and early 2000s, appearing in touring musical productions and regional theater. These formative experiences allowed her to refine skills in musical interpretation and stage presence, which later supported her more prominent television and recording work.
Career milestones and roles
- Debut in professional musical theater: Trans-Siberian Orchestra (late 1990s touring company)
- Broadway/large-scale musical involvement: Roles in productions such as The Who's Tommy and Beauty and the Beast
- Television breakthrough: Role as Chelsea Daniels on the Disney Channel series That's So Raven and its spin-off Cory in the House (mid-2000s)
- Recording and music releases: Debut studio album and associated singles in the early to mid-2000s
- Later television and stage appearances: Continued work in episodic television, regional theater, and off-Broadway productions into the 2010s and beyond
Notable projects and timeline
Her most visible television role came from That's So Raven, where she portrayed a friend of the Baxter family, contributing to the show's broad appeal. The spin-off Cory in the House extended her reach on Disney Channel. On music, she released a debut album that included pop and show tunes, aligning with her theater background. Subsequent stage work included performances in regional productions of musicals such as The Full Monty and other contemporary musicals, reflecting her ongoing commitment to live performance.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | September 23, 1984 | Official biographies, entertainment databases |
| Age calculation base year | 2025 | Current year reference |
| Age in 2025 | 39 years old | Derived from birth year |
| Key career start | Late 1990s touring productions | Industry credits and press |
| Notable TV role | Chelsea Daniels on That's So Raven (2003–2007) | Episode guides and network records |
Breakdown of career phases
Anneliese van der Pol's professional path can be grouped into three broad phases: early theater foundations, mid-career television prominence, and continued stage and recording work. Each phase reflects a shift in opportunity and audience reach while maintaining a throughline of musical performance.
Phase 1: Theater training and early appearances
From the late 1990s into the early 2000s, van der Pol built experience in touring musicals and regional productions. These roles emphasized live singing, dance, and character work, helping her develop versatility. Participating in established productions such as Trans-Sylvanian Orchestra provided exposure and professional rigor.
Phase 2: Television recognition
Her role as Chelsea Daniels on That's So Raven marked a significant increase in visibility. Appearing across multiple seasons and related Disney Channel properties expanded her audience and led to further opportunities in both scripted television and music recording. This period aligned with the show's peak popularity and cultural footprint.
Phase 3: Sustained performance work
In later years, van der Pol returned to theater and regional productions, including musicals such as The Full Monty. She has continued to release music and participate in industry events, demonstrating ongoing engagement with both recorded and live performance formats. Her trajectory illustrates adaptability across mediums over more than two decades.
Context on public interest and age queries
Questions about Anneliese van der Pol's age typically arise from renewed interest in Disney Channel alumni or discussion of career longevity. Understanding her career phases provides clarity on how professional roles evolve over time. Age itself is a static biographic data point, but it offers a reference for placing achievements within chronological context.
Clarifying common misconceptions
Some confusion exists regarding her roles on different Disney properties and the continuity of her work after the mid-2000s. Public records and entertainment databases confirm her birth date and timeline of notable appearances. By relying on verifiable credits rather than anecdotal recall, it is possible to present an accurate picture of her career span and ongoing activity.
Current status and recent activity
As of the mid-2020s, Anneliese van der Pol remains active in performance-oriented work, participating in stage productions, industry panels, and recording projects when opportunities arise. Exact current projects may vary year to year, but her sustained presence across theater and television underscores a durable commitment to performing arts. Available public records indicate continued participation in events that connect her with new and longtime audiences.