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 2025
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).
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Keke Palmer Biography Details
Born
Lauren Keyana Palmer
August 26, 1993 (age 31)
Harvey, Illinois, U.S.
Occupations
Actress
singer
television personality
Years active
2002–present
Partner
Darius Jackson (2021–2023)
Children
1
Awards
Full list
Musical career
Origin
Robbins, Illinois, U.S.
Genres
R&B
pop
hip hop
Instrument
Vocals
Labels
Atlantic
Interscope
Island
Nick
eOne
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.
