Keke Palmer, born Lauren Keyana Palmer on August 26, 1993, in Harvey, Illinois, is an American actress, singer, songwriter, dancer, and fashion designer who has made her mark in various entertainment industries. As of 2024, her net worth stands at an impressive $7.5 million. Keke’s journey from a young girl performing in church choirs to becoming a household name is a testament to her talent and determination. With a multifaceted career spanning television, music, film, and voice acting, Palmer continues to build her empire.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Raised in a Christian household by her parents, Sharon and Larry Palmer, Keke was encouraged to pursue the arts from a young age. Her father, who had a background in drama, and her mother, a high school teacher who worked with autistic children, supported her passion for performance. As a child, Keke honed her skills in her church choir and began gaining exposure through local performances. By the age of nine, she had already auditioned for a role in The Lion King stage production, which laid the foundation for her career in showbiz.
Keke’s big break came in 2004 when she appeared in Barbershop 2: Back in Business, marking her first significant film role. She was cast as the niece of Queen Latifah’s character, which brought her some early recognition. The following year, Palmer signed a record deal with Atlanta Records, and while she starred in several TV guest spots, including Knights of the South Bronx and ER, it was her breakout role in 2006 that truly solidified her place in Hollywood.
A Breakthrough Role and Continued Success
In 2006, Keke Palmer starred in Akeelah and the Bee, playing the titular role of Akeelah Anderson, a young girl from South Los Angeles who competes in the National Spelling Bee. Palmer’s performance in the film earned her critical acclaim, as well as several awards, including a Black Reel Award and an NAACP Image Award. That same year, she appeared in Madea’s Family Reunion and Jump In!, further establishing herself as a versatile actress.
The following years saw Palmer continue to rise in popularity. In 2007, she released her debut album So Uncool, which charted at #86 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Although her music career did not reach the same level of success as her acting, it was an important milestone in her multidimensional career.
In 2008, Palmer starred in True Jackson, VP, a Nickelodeon sitcom where she played the title character, a 15-year-old who becomes the Vice President of a fashion company. The show ran for three seasons and was widely praised for Palmer’s performance. She also starred in The Longshots, and voiced Aisha in Winx Club, which earned her another NAACP Image Award nomination for voiceover work.
Television, Music, and Notable Roles
Keke’s career continued to flourish with her involvement in major projects across both TV and film. In 2012, she starred in the film Joyful Noise and voiced Peaches in Ice Age: Continental Drift. Palmer also released a self-titled mixtape that year, showcasing her musical talents once more. She quickly became one of the most recognized faces in family-friendly and young adult entertainment, making her way into adult roles as well.
In 2013, Keke portrayed Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas in the VH1 biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story, and in 2014, she appeared in the horror film Animal. Her versatility continued to shine as she took on recurring roles, such as in Showtime’s Masters of Sex, and as the host of her own daytime talk show, Just Keke. This made her the youngest talk show host in television history, a milestone that added to her growing list of accomplishments.
From 2015 to 2016, Palmer starred as Zayday Williams in the horror-comedy series Scream Queens, and in 2016, she released the album Waited to Exhale. Palmer’s passion for both acting and music saw her constantly expanding her portfolio with new and diverse roles.
Expanding Horizons and Recognition
Keke Palmer’s career entered new dimensions in 2019 when she co-hosted ABC’s daytime talk show Strahan and Sara, later transitioning to become a permanent co-host. However, the show was canceled in 2020, but this did not deter Palmer’s rise in the industry. She received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for her hosting work, which only further cemented her status as a versatile entertainer.
In 2020, she hosted the MTV Video Music Awards and performed her song Snack, which added to her music career. She then starred in the 2022 Pixar film Lightyear as the voice of Izzy Hawthorne and in Jordan Peele’s critically acclaimed horror film Nope, portraying Emerald “Em” Haywood. In 2023, Keke released her second studio album, Big Boss, continuing her exploration of music.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Keke Palmer’s personal life has been just as eventful as her career. She has been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression, advocating for mental health awareness. In 2019, she began dating Dutch musician Styn, and in February 2023, the couple welcomed their first child, a son, together.
Keke’s success in entertainment has allowed her to invest in real estate. In 2020, she purchased a Brooklyn penthouse for $2.35 million, later listing it for $3 million in 2024. She also bought a home in Studio City in 2021 for $1.38 million, reflecting her growing wealth and stable footing in the industry.
Keke Palmer’s Net Worth and Future
With a net worth of $7.5 million, Keke Palmer has made her mark as an actress, singer, and media personality. Her diversified career, spanning TV, film, music, voice acting, and hosting, has contributed significantly to her fortune. Palmer continues to build her legacy as a versatile and respected figure in the entertainment industry, proving that her talents extend far beyond any single medium. As she embraces new challenges, her influence continues to grow, and it is clear that Keke Palmer’s future in entertainment is boundless.
