Tess to Raven. Tess O'Malley is a main character on Raven's Home for the first 4 seasons. She is Nia's best friend who lives across the hall from their apartment. She is portrayed by Sky Katz. Tess is described as a tough, cool, streetwise rapping urban tomboy. She often says things impulsively, not realizing what she's said until after she's said it. She's sometimes dim-witted. There are times where she's also sassy, bossy, but little you know she actually has a soft side for her friends and family. She is very caring to her friends especially Nia and is always willing to do anything to protect them. Tess has a little bit of a wild side which also makes her an easy suspect whenever a crime is committed.