After more than two decades in the spotlight, the 28-year-old is ready for the next chapter, which includes her most high-profile role yet: the lead in the top -secret sci-fi horror movie Nope. Here, Keke Palmer talks to Glamour about working with Jordan Peele, the joys of being a multihyphenate and the challenges of stardom.
The feeling that comes with watching Keke Palmer succeed is the understanding that there were quiet battles endured and fought. It’s a feeling of unfiltered camaraderie because no one champions a Black woman like another Black woman. I’ve been a sideline champion of Keke’s for as long as she’s been working. We’re only nine months apart in age, but I’ve grown up watching her soul-soothing and sistah-affirming magic for almost two decades. Born and raised in Illinois, US, Keke made her professional acting debut in the 2004 comedy Barbershop 2: Back in Business.
The 28-year-old has since appeared in more than 60 movies and TV shows, including young entrepreneur True in Nickelodeon’s NAACP Image Award–winning teen sitcom True Jackson, VP (2008); as strong-willed Olivia in the 2012 musical comedy drama film Joyful Noise alongside Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton; and as scheming stripper Mercedes in the 2019 blockbuster Hustlers. Keke is also the youngest talk show host ever with2014’s Just Keke on BET and was a co-host of the short-lived third hour of Good Morning America. She currently voices Maya, a teen activist in Disney’s reboot of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, in addition to sitting on the judging panel of HBO Max’s gag-worthy ballroom competition show Legendary.
Then there’s her R&B-soul hits, including ‘Bottoms Up’ and ‘I Don’t Belong to You’ and a run in ‘Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ in 2014, making her the first Black woman to play the fairytale character on Broadway. But of all the parts that make up Keke’s diverse résumé, it can be argued that playing Akeelah, a shy spelling phenom, in 2006’s Akeelah and the Bee is the one most young fans like myself remember for its exploration into how we see ourselves amongst others who don’t see their true talent.
Her legacy is only getting stronger with the buzz around one of Keke’s upcoming – and most high profile – projects, the lead in Jordan Peele’s top-secret new sci-fi horror movie, Nope, alongside Daniel Kaluuya, a role that’s already generating low-key awards buzz for the actor. It’s the definition of Black excellence coupled with an understanding that relevancy often means ubiquity. Acting. Red-carpet hosting. Morning TV. Short-form comedy. Fashion inspiration. Instagram icon, with more than 11 million followers and counting.
Everywhere you look, there’s Keke with a sparkle that continues to illuminate and forces everyone who’s watching to step up their game. At this moment we’re watching Keke Palmer in all her glory, and she’s in full control.
Grab your digital copy of Glamour’s 2022 Spring Issue, here or pick up a physical copy now available in-stores nationwide.
