Lauren Keyana “Keke” Palmer born August 26, 1993 is an American actress, singer, and television personality known for her diverse roles in both comedy and drama across film and television. She has starred in both blockbuster hits and independent films, earning widespread recognition for her talent. Palmer has garnered numerous awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, and has also received nominations for a Daytime Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2019, she was named one of Time magazine’s most influential people in the world. Palmer made her film debut as a child in Barbershop 2: Back in Business and The Wool Cap (both 2004), before gaining recognition for her breakthrough role in Akeelah and the Bee (2006).
Keke Palmer Biography 2024
She continued to build her career with roles in Madea’s Family Reunion (2006), Jump In! (2007), The Longshots (2008), and Shrink (2009), alongside the release of her debut album So Uncool (2007). She rose to fame on Nickelodeon, playing the lead role in True Jackson, VP (2008–2011), voicing Aisha in the Winx Club revival (2011–2014), and starring in the TV film Rags (2012). After transitioning to mainstream roles, Palmer starred in the VH1 biographical film CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story (2013) and made her Broadway debut in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella (2014–2015). She later appeared in TV series such as Scream Queens (2015–2016), Berlin Station (2017–2019), and Scream (2019), as well as the Facebook Watch series Turnt Up with the Taylors (2021). Her notable film credits include Animal (2014), Pimp (2018), Hustlers (2019), and Nope (2022), which earned her critical acclaim. In addition to acting, Palmer has released three extended plays—Lauren (2016), Virgo Tendencies, Pt. 1 (2019), and Virgo Tendencies, Pt. 2 (2020). She has hosted the talk show Just Keke (2014), co-hosted Strahan, Sara and Keke (2019–2020), and currently hosts the revival of the game show Password (2022–present).
Keke Palmer Biography Details
Born | Lauren Keyana Palmer August 26, 1993 (age 31) Harvey, Illinois, U.S. |
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Occupations | - Actress
- singer
- television personality
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Years active | 2002–present |
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Partner | Darius Jackson (2021–2023) |
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Children | 1 |
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Awards | Full list |
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Musical career |
Origin | Robbins, Illinois, U.S. |
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Genres | |
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Instrument | |
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Labels | - Atlantic
- Interscope
- Island
- Nick
- eOne
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Keke Palmer Early Life
Lauren Keyana “Keke” Palmer, born on August 26, 1993, in Harvey, Illinois, is a multifaceted American actress, singer, and television personality. Known for her dynamic range in both comedy and drama, Palmer has built a remarkable career in film, television, and music. From her early years as a child actor to her rise as a leading figure in the entertainment industry, she has demonstrated incredible versatility across multiple genres. Her career includes notable roles in blockbuster films, independent cinema, and television series, where she earned widespread recognition for her acting talents. In 2019, Time magazine recognized Palmer as one of the most influential people in the world, underscoring her impact in the entertainment industry.
Raised in Robbins, Illinois, Palmer grew up in a supportive family environment. Her parents, Sharon and Larry Palmer, both have a background in the arts, with her father working as a Catholic deacon and her mother as a teacher. Palmer also has three siblings, Loreal, Lawrencia, and Lawrence Palmer, with whom she shares a close bond. Throughout her career, Palmer has embraced her identity as a strong, independent woman, often using her platform to discuss issues such as mental health, social justice, and her experiences as a woman in the entertainment industry. Her openness about her personal struggles, including her battles with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and anxiety, has earned her respect as a role model for many.
Keke Palmer’s rise to fame began in the early 2000s, and over the years, she has continued to evolve as an entertainer. From starring in the 2006 drama Akeelah and the Bee to her more recent roles in Nope (2022) and hosting the revival of Password (2022–present), Palmer has cemented her place as a prominent figure in Hollywood. Outside of her acting career, she has also pursued music, with a string of EPs and a debut album, So Uncool (2007). Her personal life, including her relationship with Darius Jackson and the birth of their son in 2023, has also garnered media attention. Despite facing challenges in her personal life, Palmer continues to remain a resilient and influential figure in the entertainment world.
Keke Palmer Bio
Key Information | Details |
Full Name | Lauren Keyana Palmer |
Birth Date | August 26, 1993 |
Place of Birth | Harvey, Illinois, USA |
Raised In | Robbins, Illinois |
Parents | Sharon (Teacher), Lawrence “Larry” Palmer (Deacon) |
Family Background | Both parents were professional actors before taking on full-time jobs. |
Keke Palmer Career Beginnings
Career Milestone | Details |
First Film Appearance | Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004) |
Breakthrough Role | Akeelah and the Bee (2006) |
Early TV Roles | Madea’s Family Reunion, Jump In! (2006) |
Debut Album | So Uncool (2007) |
Keke Palmer Rise to Fame in Television
Television Project | Details |
Nickelodeon Show | True Jackson, VP (2008-2011) |
TV Movie | Rags (2012) |
Other Nickelodeon Work | Voice of Aisha in Winx Club (2011-2014) |
Keke Palmer Career in Film
Film Role | Details |
Film Debut | Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004) |
Lead Role | Akeelah and the Bee (2006) |
Notable Films | Hustlers (2019), Nope (2022) |
Keke Palmer Broadway Success
Broadway Role | Details |
Musical | Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella (2014-2015) |
Historic Achievement | First African American to play Ella on Broadway |
Keke Palmer Music Career
EPs and Albums | Details |
Debut Album | So Uncool (2007) |
EP Releases | Lauren (2016), Virgo Tendencies Pt. 1 (2019), Virgo Tendencies Pt. 2 (2020) |
Keke Palmer Hosting Career
Talk Show | Details |
Host of | Just Keke (2014) |
Co-Host of | Strahan, Sara and Keke (2019-2020) |
Current Host | Password (2022-present) |
Keke Palmer Major Film Roles
Film Title | Role |
Akeelah and the Bee (2006) | Akeelah Anderson |
Hustlers (2019) | Mercedes |
Nope (2022) | Emerald “Em” Haywood |
TV Appearances and Shows
TV Show | Role/Details |
True Jackson, VP (2008-2011) | Title role, Theme song performer |
Scream Queens (2015-2016) | Zayday Williams |
Berlin Station (2017-2019) | Recurring role |
Achievements and Awards
Award Type | Details |
Primetime Emmy Awards | 2 Wins |
NAACP Image Award | Multiple Nominations |
Daytime Emmy Nominations | 1 Nomination |
Keke Palmer Activism and Personal Causes
Cause | Details |
Mental Health Advocacy | Raised awareness for anxiety and depression |
Social Justice | Active in Black Lives Matter, George Floyd protests |
Anti-Bullying | Works with Saving Our Daughters, Cool to Be Smart |
Keke Palmer Personal Life
Family Member | Details |
Partner | Darius Jackson (2021-2023) |
Children | Son, born February 2023 |
Keke Palmer Filmography
Film | Role |
Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004) | Gina’s Niece |
Akeelah and the Bee (2006) | Akeelah Anderson |
Hustlers (2019) | Mercedes |
Keke Palmer Influence and Impact
Category | Details |
Awards & Recognition | Time’s Most Influential People (2019) |
Mentorship | Works with Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America |
Keke Palmer Social Media Presence
Platform | Details |
Instagram | @keke |
Twitter | @kekepalmer |
Keke Palmer Net Worth
Keke Palmer is an American actress, singer, songwriter, dancer, and fashion designer who has a net worth of $7.5 million.
Keke Palmer Summary
Keke Palmer’s career showcases her incredible range in acting, singing, and hosting. From her early breakthrough in Akeelah and the Bee to her success in True Jackson, VP, Palmer’s influence extends across multiple entertainment sectors. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is an advocate for social causes and mental health awareness. With a growing legacy in film, television, and music, Keke Palmer continues to inspire fans and peers alike.