Raiko Danielle Bowman was born to a large southern family in Mississippi, but she grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. After high school, she briefly attended college to study journalism. By her sophomore year, she took a break from her studies to pursue a career in the performing arts.
While traveling and training in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Florida, she began her acting career in Improvisational Theatre, independent films and commercials. A highlight came when Raiko played the lead in the notable indie short film, "VEER!" which was nominated for an award in the Gen Art Film Festival in New York City.
She soon booked comedic and dramatic roles in film and television such as the HBO Original Series, "Eastbound and Down" with Danny McBride and in the feature film series, "The Hunger Games" as the villainous "Peeta's Mom" to Peeta Mellark, played by Josh Hutcherson.
In addition to acting, Raiko decided to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University in New York City.
