Lauren Keyana "
Keke"
Palmer (born August 26, 1993) is an American actress and singer who rose to fame for her performance in the
2006 film- Highest-grossing films :Please note that following the tradition of the English-language film industry, these are the top-grossing films that were first released in the United States in 2006...
Akeelah and the BeeAkeelah and the Bee is a 2006 American drama film written and directed by Doug Atchison. It tells the story of Akeelah Anderson, portrayed by Keke Palmer, an 11-year-old girl who participates in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, her mother, portrayed by Angela Bassett, schoolmates, and also her...
. She also starred as the title character in the
NickelodeonNickelodeon is a US cable TV channel.Nickelodeon may also refer to:-In television:*Spinoffs of the Nickelodeon channel:** Nickelodeon Magazine, a children's magazine.** Nickelodeon Universe, an amusement park....
sitcom
True Jackson, VPTrue Jackson, VP is an American television sitcom that aired on Nickelodeon from November 8, 2008 to August 20, 2011. The series starred Keke Palmer, Ashley Argota, Matt Shively, Danielle Bisutti, Greg Proops, Robbie Amell and Ron Butler. The theme song was written by Toby Gad and Keke Palmer and...
. Palmer earned $20,000 per episode of
True Jackson VP, which made her the fourth highest paid child star on television.
Life and career
Palmer was born in
Harvey, IllinoisHarvey is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States, near Chicago. The population was 30,000 at the 2000 census.Harvey is bordered by Dixmoor, Riverdale and Blue Island to the north, Posen and Markham to the west, South Holland, Phoenix, and Dolton to the east, and East Hazel Crest to the...
. Her father, Larry, works for a
polyurethaneA polyurethane is any polymer composed of a chain of organic units joined by carbamate links. Polyurethane polymers are formed through step-growth polymerization, by reacting a monomer with another monomer in the presence of a catalyst.Polyurethanes are...
company, and her mother, Sharon, is a high school teacher who works with children with mental disabilities.
In 2002, Palmer auditioned for a stage production of
The Lion KingThe Lion King is a musical based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice along with the musical score created by Hans Zimmer with choral arrangements by Lebo M. Directed by Julie Taymor, the musical features actors in animal costumes as well...
at the age of nine. Although she did not win the role, her family moved to
Los AngelesLos Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
in 2004 so Palmer could pursue a screen career.
Palmer then pursued a career in singing. In 2003, she participated in
American Juniors, the
American IdolAmerican Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
spin-off series, but her audition scenes were edited out and the show was canceled that year. In 2005, Palmer signed a record deal with
Atlantic RecordsAtlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
. Her debut single, "All My Girlz", is featured in the
Akeelah and the BeeAkeelah and the Bee is a 2006 American drama film written and directed by Doug Atchison. It tells the story of Akeelah Anderson, portrayed by Keke Palmer, an 11-year-old girl who participates in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, her mother, portrayed by Angela Bassett, schoolmates, and also her...
soundtrack. On November 18, 2006, she performed at the Home Depot Center in
Carson, CaliforniaCarson is a city in Los Angeles County, California. As of the 2010 census, Carson had a total population of 91,714. Located south of downtown Los Angeles and approximately 14 miles away from the Los Angeles International Airport, it is known as a suburb of the city....
for
VH1VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
's
Save the Music Battle of the High School Marching Bands competition, marking her first ever stadium performance in front of thousands of people. In addition, as part of her contract with Disney, Palmer sang the songs "
It's My Turn Now"It's My Turn Now" is the second movie single from Keke Palmer. The song is from the Disney Channel Original Movie, Jump In!, starring Keke Palmer and High School Musical star Corbin Bleu.-Chart performance:...
" and "Jumpin'" featured in the Disney Channel Original Movie
Jump In!, in which she stars as Mary, the love interest to
Corbin BleuCorbin Bleu Reivers , known professionally as Corbin Bleu, is an American actor, model, dancer, producer, and singer-songwriter. He performed in the High School Musical film series, the Discovery Kids drama series Flight 29 Down, and the Disney Channel Original Movie Jump In!...
's character. In 2006, Palmer was featured in the music video for the
LudacrisChristopher Brian Bridges , better known by his stage name Ludacris, is an American rapper and actor. Along with his manager, Chaka Zulu, Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings...
and
Mary J. BligeMary Jane Blige is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and occasional actress. She is a recipient of nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, and has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. She is the only artist with Grammy Award wins in Pop, Rap, Gospel, and R&B. Blige has...
song "
Runaway Love"Runaway Love" is the third single released from Ludacris' fifth album, Release Therapy . The song, which features Mary J. Blige on the vocals, was produced by Polow da Don and reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. The song was the first single from Release Therapy in the UK and was...
, in which she starred as a pregnant 11-year-old girl. That same year, she recorded a song entitled "Tonight" which was featured as the first song in the end credits of
Night at the MuseumNight at the Museum is a 2006 fantasy adventure-comedy film based on the 1993 children's book The Night at the Museum by Milan Trenc. It follows a divorced father trying to settle down, impress his son, and find his destiny...
.
Her debut album
So Uncool"Keep It Movin is the first official single from of Keke Palmer's debut album, So Uncool. It was sent to US Mainstream radio on August 7, 2007. It failed to chart.-Music video:...
was released on September 18, 2007, on
Atlantic RecordsAtlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
, with the single "Keep It Movin'" preceding the album release. The album failed commercially and Palmer parted ways with Atlantic the next year. In 2008, Palmer began her starring role as the title character in
NickelodeonNickelodeon is a US cable TV channel.Nickelodeon may also refer to:-In television:*Spinoffs of the Nickelodeon channel:** Nickelodeon Magazine, a children's magazine.** Nickelodeon Universe, an amusement park....
sitcom
True Jackson, VPTrue Jackson, VP is an American television sitcom that aired on Nickelodeon from November 8, 2008 to August 20, 2011. The series starred Keke Palmer, Ashley Argota, Matt Shively, Danielle Bisutti, Greg Proops, Robbie Amell and Ron Butler. The theme song was written by Toby Gad and Keke Palmer and...
. Palmer also wrote and performed the theme song for the series. The series ended in 2011, after two seasons with sixty episodes produced.
In 2010, Palmer was signed by the Chairman of Interscope Records Jimmy Iovine and began working on an album. Between her
MySpaceMyspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
and SayNow accounts she has released several snippets of songs that were recorded for possible inclusion on her sophmore album. In a 2011 interview, Palmer stated the album is complete and is in the process of finalization. The self titled album will be a mixture of R&B/Hip-Hop with pop undertones. Producers and writers for the album include,
OakWarren Okay "Oak" Felder is an Atlanta-based Turkish-American record producer. He is known as Oak and is part of a production team known as The Knightwritaz, with singers Mario, Sterling Simms, and Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry.-Production credits:...
, Lil Eddie,
Lucas SeconLucas Secon, also known by the stage name Lucas, is a world-renowned Danish-American Grammy , MTV Award and Emmy Award-nominated record producer, songwriter,Golden Poets Award winner, DJ, rapper, singer and artist/conceptualist. He lives in London, United Kingdom.Secon has contributed to seven...
, and others. Palmer stated that the album itself will be released in early 2012.
In 2011 Palmer released a statement on her official website saying that she will be going on a US tour to promote her new music. She asked fans to vote for the states they wanted her to visit first. OnSeptember the winning states were announced. They were Texas, Florida, Minnesota, Georgia, Mississippi, Washington D.C., New York, and North Carolina. The tour is expected to start in 2012.
She will be starring in a film alongside
Dolly PartonDolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, author, multi-instrumentalist, actress and philanthropist, best known for her work in country music. Dolly Parton has appeared in movies like 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk...
and
Queen LatifahDana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy...
called
Joyful NoiseJoyful Noise is an upcoming musical film, starring Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer, Courtney B. Vance, Francis Jue and introducing Jeremy Jordan. It was written and directed by Todd Graff, with gospel-infused music by Mervyn Warren. The film is set to be released in theaters on January 13,...
to be released in January 2012. She will produce and star in
RagsRags is an upcoming Nickelodeon Original Movie. It is a musical that stars Keke Palmer, Drake Bell, Max Schneider, Zak Santiago, and Avan Jogia...
, a Nickelodeon musical film, as well as voice characters in
Ice Age: Continental DriftIce Age: Continental Drift, also known as Ice Age 4, is an upcoming American 3-D computer-animated film directed by Steve Martino and Mike Thurmeier, starring the voices of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, with Chris Wedge and Jeremy Renner.It...
and
Winx ClubWinx Club is a 2004 Italian animated television series, created by Iginio Straffi and produced by Rainbow S.r.l.. The series is aimed toward children between the ages of five and twelve, but is also popular among teens...
. Palmer has also recently been cast in the upcoming comedy
Virgin Mary, opposite
Abigail BreslinAbigail Kathleen Breslin is an American teen actress. She is one of the youngest actresses ever to be nominated for an Academy Award....
and
Carter Jenkins-Career:Jenkins began performing in community theatre, and then on local and national commercials. He has starred in television shows such as Surface, Viva Laughlin, CSI: Miami, House, CSI: NY, Without a Trace, The Bernie Mac Show, and Unfabulous along with feature films Aliens in the Attic, Bad...
.
Fashion career
In July 2009, Palmer launched a
Wal-MartWal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
fashion line inspired by her Nickelodeon show,
True Jackson, VPTrue Jackson, VP is an American television sitcom that aired on Nickelodeon from November 8, 2008 to August 20, 2011. The series starred Keke Palmer, Ashley Argota, Matt Shively, Danielle Bisutti, Greg Proops, Robbie Amell and Ron Butler. The theme song was written by Toby Gad and Keke Palmer and...
. The fashion line consists of jumpers, modern dresses, knit tops, T-shirts, leggings, and more for under $14.
Filmography
| Film |
| Year |
Film |
Role |
Notes |
| 2004 |
Barbershop 2: Back in Business Barbershop 2: Black in Business is a 2004 American comedy film directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan, produced by State Street Pictures and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on February 6, 2004...
|
Gina's Niece |
Credited as Lauren Keyana Palmer |
| 2006 |
Akeelah and the Bee Akeelah and the Bee is a 2006 American drama film written and directed by Doug Atchison. It tells the story of Akeelah Anderson, portrayed by Keke Palmer, an 11-year-old girl who participates in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, her mother, portrayed by Angela Bassett, schoolmates, and also her...
|
Akeelah Anderson |
Lead role |
| Madea's Family Reunion Madea's Family Reunion is a 2006 comedy-drama film adaptation of the stage production of the same name written by Tyler Perry and sequel to Diary of a Mad Black Woman. It was written and directed by Perry, who also played several characters, including Mabel "Madea" Simmons...
|
Nikki Grady |
Supporting role |
| 2007 |
Cleaner Cleaner is a 2007 thriller film directed by Renny Harlin, and starring Samuel L. Jackson, Ed Harris, and Eva Mendes.-Plot:Single father and former cop Tom Cutler has an unusual occupation: he owns and operates a crime scene cleanup company, and performs much of the duties himself...
|
Rose Cutler |
Supporting role |
| 2008 |
The Longshots The Longshots is a 2008 biopic family comedy-drama film sports movie based on the real life events of Jasmine Plummer, the first female to participate in the Pop Warner football tournament....
|
Jasmine Plummer |
Main role |
| 2009 |
Shrink Shrink is a 2009 American independent film about a psychologist who treats members of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, California. It stars an ensemble cast headed by Kevin Spacey as Dr. Henry Carter. Filming took place in Los Angeles under the direction of Jonas Pate using a script...
|
Jemma |
Supporting role |
| 2012 |
Joyful Noise Joyful Noise is an upcoming musical film, starring Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer, Courtney B. Vance, Francis Jue and introducing Jeremy Jordan. It was written and directed by Todd Graff, with gospel-infused music by Mervyn Warren. The film is set to be released in theaters on January 13,...
|
Olivia Hill |
Supporting role |
| 2012 |
Ice Age: Continental Drift Ice Age: Continental Drift, also known as Ice Age 4, is an upcoming American 3-D computer-animated film directed by Steve Martino and Mike Thurmeier, starring the voices of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, with Chris Wedge and Jeremy Renner.It...
|
Peaches |
Supporting role |
| 2012 |
Virgin Mary |
TBA |
Supporting role |
| Television films |
| Year |
Title |
Role |
Notes |
| 2004 |
The Wool Cap The Wool Cap is a 2004 American cable television movie, an updated and Americanized version of the 1962 feature film Gigot starring Jackie Gleason, who wrote the original story....
|
Lou |
Main role |
| 2005 |
Knights of the South Bronx Knights of the South Bronx is a 2005 TV film about a teacher who helps students at a tough inner-city school to succeed by teaching them to play chess.-Plot summary:...
|
Kenya Russell |
Supporting role |
| 2007 |
Jump In! |
Mary Thomas |
Main role |
| 2012 |
Rags Rags is an upcoming Nickelodeon Original Movie. It is a musical that stars Keke Palmer, Drake Bell, Max Schneider, Zak Santiago, and Avan Jogia...
|
Kadee Worth |
Lead role |
| Straight-to-DVD |
| Year |
Title |
Role |
Notes |
| 2008 |
Unstable Fables: Tortoise vs. Hare |
Crystal Tortoise |
Voice |
| Television |
| Year |
Title |
Role |
Notes |
| 2004 |
Cold Case |
Arlene Marion |
"The Letter" (Episode 13, Season 1) |
| Strong Medicine Strong Medicine is a medical drama with a focus on feminist politics, health issues and class conflict. The television series aired on the Lifetime network from 2000 to 2006. It is distributed by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The series was created and produced in part by comedienne and...
|
Sarina |
"Race for a Cure" (Episode 7, Season 5) |
| 2005 |
Second Time Around |
Sharlene |
"Big Bank, Little Bank" (Episode 11, Season 1) |
ERER is an American medical drama television series created by novelist Michael Crichton that aired on NBC from September 19, 1994 to April 2, 2009. It was produced by Constant c Productions and Amblin Entertainment, in association with Warner Bros. Television...
|
Janell Parkerson |
"The Show Must Go On" (Episode 22, Season 11) |
Law & Order: Special Victims UnitLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit is an American police procedural television drama series set in New York City, where it is also primarily produced...
|
Tasha Wright |
"Storm" (Episode 10, Season 7) |
| Keke & Jamal |
Keke Stewart |
Unsold TV Pilot (Disney ChannelDisney Channel is an American basic cable and satellite television network, owned by the Disney-ABC Television Group division of The Walt Disney Company. It is under the direction of Disney-ABC Television Group President Anne Sweeney. The channel's headquarters is located on West Alameda Ave. in...
/Walt Disney TelevisionWalt Disney Television was the former name of the television production division of The Walt Disney Company.-History:It was formed in 1983, as the Walt Disney Pictures Television Division, the name was later shortened to Walt Disney Television in the mid-1980s...
) |
| 2007 |
Tyler Perry's House of PayneTyler Perry's House of Payne is an American comedy-drama television series created and produced by playwright, director, and producer Tyler Perry. The show revolves around a multi-generational family living under one roof in Atlanta, Georgia led by patriarch Curtis Payne and his wife Ella...
|
Nikki |
"Bully and the Beast" (Episode 1, Season 2) |
Just JordanJust Jordan is an American television sitcom that aired on Nickelodeon as a part of the network's TEENick lineup. The series debuted on January 7, 2007 and was cancelled on April 5, 2008 with 29 episodes produced.-Premise:...
|
C.C. Livingston |
"Fame Game" (Episode 17, Season 2) |
| 2008–2011 |
True Jackson, VPTrue Jackson, VP is an American television sitcom that aired on Nickelodeon from November 8, 2008 to August 20, 2011. The series starred Keke Palmer, Ashley Argota, Matt Shively, Danielle Bisutti, Greg Proops, Robbie Amell and Ron Butler. The theme song was written by Toby Gad and Keke Palmer and...
|
True Jackson |
Lead role |
| 2009 |
Cribs MTV Cribs and CMT Cribs, depending on which channel it airs, is a franchise reality television program that originated on the MTV Networks' MTV. It later aired on its CMT channel that features tours of the houses and mansions of celebrities. The first show aired September 2000...
|
Herself |
|
| 2009–present |
Brainsurge BrainSurge is an American children's game show aired on Nickelodeon hosted by Jeff Sutphen. The show taped its first season in February 2009, and debuted on September 28, 2009...
|
Herself |
|
| 2010 |
The Cleveland Show The Cleveland Show is an American animated television series that premiered on September 27, 2009, as a part of the "Animation Domination" lineup on Fox in the United States...
|
Brandi |
"Harder, Better, Faster, Browner" (Episode 22, Season 2) |
| 2011 |
DegrassiDegrassi: The Next Generation is a Canadian teen drama television series set in the Degrassi universe, which was created by Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood in 1979. Degrassi is the fourth fictional series in the Degrassi franchise, and follows The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High, and...
|
Herself |
(Season 11 - Episodes 1 & 2; "Spring Fever") Metioned as Keyana Palmer. |
| 2011 |
Winx ClubWinx Club is a 2004 Italian animated television series, created by Iginio Straffi and produced by Rainbow S.r.l.. The series is aimed toward children between the ages of five and twelve, but is also popular among teens...
|
Layla/Aisha |
Regular role |
Discography
EPs
- 2007: Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer was a self-titled EP released by Keke Palmer to iTunes only.- Track listing :#"Keep It Movin'"#"Footworkin'"#"Skin Deep"...
Albums
- 2007: So Uncool
"Keep It Movin is the first official single from of Keke Palmer's debut album, So Uncool. It was sent to US Mainstream radio on August 7, 2007. It failed to chart.-Music video:...
- 2012: Keke Palmer
Mixtapes
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Motive | Result |
| 2005 |
Young Artist Award The Young Artist Award is an accolade bestowed by the Young Artist Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1978 to recognize and award excellence of youth performers, and to provide scholarships for young artists who may be physically and/or financially challenged.The Young Artist...
|
"Best Performance in TV Movie, Miniseries or Special - Leading Young Actress" |
The Wool Cap The Wool Cap is a 2004 American cable television movie, an updated and Americanized version of the 1962 feature film Gigot starring Jackie Gleason, who wrote the original story....
|
|
| Screen Actors Guild Awards A Screen Actors Guild Award is an accolade given by the Screen Actors Guild to recognize outstanding performances by its members. The statuette given, a nude male figure holding both a mask of comedy and a mask of tragedy, is called "The Actor"...
|
"Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries" |
|
| Image Awards |
"Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special" |
|
| 2006 |
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards |
"Most Promising Performer" |
Akeelah and the Bee Akeelah and the Bee is a 2006 American drama film written and directed by Doug Atchison. It tells the story of Akeelah Anderson, portrayed by Keke Palmer, an 11-year-old girl who participates in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, her mother, portrayed by Angela Bassett, schoolmates, and also her...
|
|
| Black Movie Awards |
"Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role" |
|
| 2007 |
Young Artist Award The Young Artist Award is an accolade bestowed by the Young Artist Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1978 to recognize and award excellence of youth performers, and to provide scholarships for young artists who may be physically and/or financially challenged.The Young Artist...
|
"Best Performance in a Feature Film - Leading Young Actress" |
|
| Image Awards |
"Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture" |
|
| Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards The Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards, commonly called the Critics' Choice Awards, are bestowed annually by the Broadcast Film Critics Association to honor the finest in cinematic achievement. Nominees are selected by written ballots in a week-long voting period, and are announced in...
|
"Best Young Actress" |
|
| Black Reel Awards The Black Reel Awards began in 2000 and were designed to annually recognize and celebrate the achievements of black people in feature, independent and television films...
|
"Best Actress" |
|
| "Best Breakthrough Performance" |
|
| 2008 |
| Young Artist Awards |
"Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actress" |
Cleaner Cleaner is the name of a German project specializing in electronic music. Formerly known as Cleen, Myer released several albums on the American industrial music record label, Metropolis Records, as well as the labels Zoth Ommog and Accession Records....
|
|
| Black Reel Awards The Black Reel Awards began in 2000 and were designed to annually recognize and celebrate the achievements of black people in feature, independent and television films...
|
"Best Actress" |
The Longshots The Longshots is a 2008 biopic family comedy-drama film sports movie based on the real life events of Jasmine Plummer, the first female to participate in the Pop Warner football tournament....
|
|
| 2009 |
NAACP Awards |
"NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Series or Special" |
True Jackson, VPTrue Jackson, VP is an American television sitcom that aired on Nickelodeon from November 8, 2008 to August 20, 2011. The series starred Keke Palmer, Ashley Argota, Matt Shively, Danielle Bisutti, Greg Proops, Robbie Amell and Ron Butler. The theme song was written by Toby Gad and Keke Palmer and...
|
|
| 2010 |
NAACP Awards |
"NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Series or Special" |
|
| Kids Choice Awards |
"Favorite TV Actress" |
|
| BET Awards The BET Awards were established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. The awards are presented annually and broadcast live on BET...
|
"YoungStars Award" |
|
| 2011 |
Young Artist Awards |
"Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) – Leading Young Actress" |
|
| NAACP Awards |
"NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Series or Special" |
|
| BET Awards The BET Awards were established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. The awards are presented annually and broadcast live on BET...
|
"YoungStars Award" |
|
External links