Keke Palmer, born Lauren Keyana Palmer on August 26, 1993, in Harvey, Illinois, is a multifaceted American actress, singer, and television personality. Raised in Robbins, Illinois, she began her career as a child, making her film debut with roles in Barbershop 2: Back in Business and The Wool Cap, both in 2004. She gained prominence with her lead role as Akeelah Anderson in the 2006 film Akeelah and the Bee.
Palmer’s career spans various genres and platforms. She starred in Nickelodeon’s True Jackson, VP from 2008 to 2011 and has appeared in films such as Madea’s Family Reunion (2006), Jump In! (2007), and Hustlers (2019). In 2022, she received critical acclaim for her performance in Jordan Peele’s Nope, earning the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Beyond acting, Palmer has established herself in music and television hosting. She released her debut album, So Uncool, in 2007, and her most recent EP, Big Boss, in 2023. She has hosted talk shows like Just Keke (2014) and Strahan, Sara and Keke (2019–2020), and currently hosts NBC’s reboot of the game show Password.
In November 2024, Palmer published her second book, Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative, which combines autobiography with self-help guidance. She continues to be a dynamic presence in the entertainment industry, balancing acting, music, hosting, and writing.