Keke Palmer Bio
Lauren Keyana “Keke” Palmer is an American actress, singer, and television personality born on August 26, 1993, in Harvey, Illinois. Known for her versatile career, Palmer has received numerous accolades including two Primetime Emmy Awards and multiple nominations for her work in television and film. She gained prominence starring in Akeelah and the Bee, later transitioning to major roles in projects such as Scream Queens and Hustlers. Apart from acting, Palmer is a successful musician and has hosted various television shows, making her one of the influential figures in the entertainment industry today.
Early Life and Background
Lauren Keyana Palmer was born on August 26, 1993, in Harvey, Illinois, and was raised in nearby Robbins, Illinois. She grew up in a Roman Catholic household. Her parents, Sharon and Lawrence Palmer, who met in drama school, had both worked as professional actors before settling into full-time jobs. Her father, who is a Catholic deacon, works for a polyurethane company, and her mother is a high school teacher who works with autistic children. The nickname “Keke” is not a shortening of “Keyana”; according to Palmer, her name came about because her older sister, Loreal, had an imaginary friend named Keke before she was born. Palmer first sang in a church and performed at a stage show at a Chicago tourist destination. In 2002, she auditioned for a stage production of The Lion King at age nine.
Path to Hollywood
In 2004, Palmer gained her first film role in Barbershop 2: Back in Business. In 2005, she signed a record deal with Atlantic Records. That same year, she was featured in the television film Knights of the South Bronx, as well as starring in the television series Second Time Around and ER. In 2006, Palmer had her acting breakthrough starring in the film Akeelah and the Bee, playing the titular Akeelah, a bright 11-year-old who comes from a poor neighborhood and competes in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. For the role, she won a Black Reel Award and an NAACP Image Award. She also had a supporting role in the 2006 film Madea’s Family Reunion. The following year, Palmer appeared in the thriller Cleaner. She portrayed a lead role in the television film Jump In! and starred in two television programs, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and Just Jordan. Palmer released her debut album So Uncool on September 18, 2007.
Keke Palmer Career
Early Career (2002–2009)
In 2008, Palmer began her starring role as the title character in Nickelodeon sitcom True Jackson, VP. Palmer also wrote and performed the theme song for the series. She earned $20,000 per episode of True Jackson, VP, which made her the fourth-highest-paid child star on television. True Jackson, VP ended in 2011. In 2013, Palmer portrayed Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas in the TLC biopic, CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story, which aired in October on VH1. In 2014, she starred in the horror film Animal, which was released on June 17. Palmer then recurred during the second season of Showtime’s drama series Masters of Sex, portraying Coral, a nanny. That same year, Palmer hosted a daytime talk show on BET titled Just Keke, becoming one of the youngest talk show hosts in television history.
Breakthrough (2015–2019)
Between September 2015 and December 2016, she starred as Zayday Williams in the horror comedy series Scream Queens, created by Ryan Murphy. In January 2016, Palmer starred as Marty Maraschino in the television special Grease: Live. In September 2019, Palmer starred as a “lovestruck stripper” in the crime drama film Hustlers, directed by Lorene Scafaria. In November 2019, she began guest co-hosting ABC’s daytime talk show Strahan and Sara, which was later re-titled Strahan, Sara and Keke. In 2020, Palmer began starring in a web television comedy series titled Turnt Up with the Taylors, in which she portrays all of the characters. She released an extended play titled Virgo Tendencies, Pt. 1 on August 28. In 2021, Palmer won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for her performance in Turnt Up with the Taylors.
Notable Works and Milestones
Keke Palmer’s signature work includes her role in Akeelah and the Bee, which established her as a talented young actress. She has received critical acclaim for her performances in films such as Hustlers and Nope, and her work in television has earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards.
Keke Palmer Award Nominations
Keke Palmer has received numerous nominations throughout her career, including nominations for a Daytime Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award, showcasing her talent and versatility as an actress.
Keke Palmer Awards Won
Keke Palmer won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for her role in Turnt Up with the Taylors in 2021.
Keke Palmer Family
Keke Palmer is the daughter of Sharon and Lawrence Palmer. She has one son, born in February 2023, with her former partner Darius Jackson.
Personal Life
Keke Palmer began dating fitness instructor Darius Jackson in June 2021. While hosting Saturday Night Live on December 3, 2022, Palmer announced she was expecting her first child with Jackson. The couple separated in October 2023, following a series of alleged incidents surrounding domestic violence throughout their relationship. Palmer was granted a temporary restraining order against Jackson and has since been granted temporary sole custody of their son.
