The “you know it’s your girl” meme graced the internet when actress-singer Keke Palmer enthusiastically greeted Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion at the 2021 Met Gala. Her numerous interactions and praiseby celebrities have left a lasting impression on many people.
Born Lauren Keyana Palmer on Aug. 26, 1993, in Harvey, Illinois, Palmer has garnered a cult following with decades of work. Palmer started her early career debuting in “Barbershop 2: Back in Business” (2004) which starred iconic Black entertainers such as Ice Cube, Queen Latifah and Cedric the Entertainer.
She then secured her lead role as Akeelah in “Akeelah and the Bee” (2006), which starred her as a young girl participating in the national spelling bee. Palmer earned a nominationat the 2007 Critics Choice Awards for Best Young Actress due to the role. In 2008, Palmer received a major break by starring as the lead character in Nickelodeon’s “True Jackson, VP” (2008-2011) series.
Throughout her career, Palmer has embraced a wide array of roles. She appeared in the horror series "Scream Queens" (2015–2016) and the crime drama "Hustlers" (2019). In 2022, she starred as Emerald Haywood in Jordan Peele's science-fiction horror film "Nope” and earned praise for her performance. Additionally, Palmer lent her voice to the character Izzy Hawthorne in Pixar's "Lightyear" (2022).
Recently, the Jan. 17 premiere of “One of Them Days,” which has a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, has brought funny content online due to the film’s press tour. In the film produced by Issa Rae, Palmer stars alongside SZA.
Beyond acting, Palmer has also had a successful music career. In 2020, she released a two-part EP — “Virgo Tendencies, Pt. I” and “Virgo Tendencies, Pt. II.” Palmer has been featured on True Damage’s “GIANTS,” a single from the fictional music group within “League of Legends.” The track was a collaboration between numerous global stars including Becky G and SOYEON from the K-pop girl group, (G)I-DLE.
Palmer also performed in Usher’s BET Awards tribute in 2024 alongside Latto, Chole Bailey, Coco Jones, Victoria Monét and Teyana Taylor. She was also featured in the music video of Usher’s 2024 single “Boyfriend.”
Palmer has also received praise for her hosting and interviewing skills. Her interviews on the 2021 Met Gala red carpet with countless other celebrities skyrocketed her internet presence. Palmer also showcased her hosting abilities on shows like "Strahan, Sara and Keke" and the 2020 MTV Music Video Awards. In 2022, she hosted the NBC game show “Password.”
Her recent memoir, “Master of Me,” was released in November 2024 and became a New York Times bestseller. Palmer reflects on her journey of self-love and empowerment, and ponders the question “Where do I find my power?" Palmer delves into conversations surrounding her childhood trauma and early career while asking her readers to ponder the same questions themselves.
Even before the memoir, Palmer had been very vocal about child stardom and the effects it had on her mental health, identity and family dynamics. In an Instagram post in 2023, Palmer expressed an epiphany she had while in therapy.
“Due to traveling and scheduling both of my parents had to stop working to support my career and be present for my three siblings, leaving me with the financial responsibility around age 12,” Palmer said. “Which I took great pride in because I knew what it would do for generations to come and a huge blessing that I could even help out. However, it caused me a lot of pain because I essentially had to abandon my childhood feelings and desires, becoming like a parentalized child, which is something some of you can probably relate to in your own way.”
In an interview with Club Shay Shay, Palmer was vulnerable in discussing her complicated relationship with her parents, as she was the breadwinner of the family. She said she realized from an early age there is more to providing than just finances.
Palmer is also very vocal about her battles with polycystic ovary syndrome, acknowledging the difficulties and telling others with PCOS to stay positive and hopeful with the news of her pregnancy with her son in 2022.
Keke Palmer's enduring presence in the entertainment industry is a testament to her talent, resilience and unwavering commitment to authenticity.
