Keke Palmer’s career has been anything but ordinary, and at just 31 years old, she’s had a trajectory filled with highs, lows, and reinvention.
From her breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee (2006) to her starring role in True Jackson, VP—which propelled her to fame—Palmer has been a constant presence in entertainment for over two decades.
However, Palmer tells PEOPLE that her journey has evolved beyond acting into something more, and she believes she’s just getting started.
From Child Star to Reinvention
Looking back at her early days, Palmer remembers a time when she was considered “the hottest thing in town,” booking roles and even signing record deals. But as her career progressed and the child star phase came to an end, she found herself in a period of reinvention.
“That was kind of, like, the peak,” she reflects. “Then I was no longer a child star, and I had to reexamine what kind of artist I wanted to be.” It was during this time that Palmer found her voice through social media and content creation, and she transitioned into roles that gave her more control, such as becoming a producer.
Becoming a Meme and Embracing Social Media
Palmer’s career took an unexpected turn when she became a viral sensation. A key moment was her 2019 Vanity Fair lie detector test, where she famously said, “I don’t know who this man is.
Sorry to this man,” when shown a photo of former Vice President Dick Cheney. The moment became an internet meme, marking a new chapter in Palmer’s public persona.
“That’s when we’ve seen this era where I’ve become a meme,” she jokes. Palmer also reflects on the success of Jordan Peele’s Nope (2022), a film she starred in that brought her further into the mainstream, adding to the list of unexpected moments in her evolving career.
The Pickup: Palmer’s Latest Role
In her latest project, Palmer stars in Prime Video’s The Pickup, where she plays a criminal seeking vengeance after her family’s death. Her character, Zoe, undergoes intense training to avenge her father’s murder, reflecting Palmer’s own journey of versatility and ambition.
She jokes about her character’s quest: “You learned how to sing, dance, act and be an all-around performer just to avenge your family’s dreams?” to which she replies, “Yes, motherf——, I did.”
Leaving a Legacy
Palmer is now determined to leave a lasting legacy, not just for herself but for future generations. “I just want to make sure that I’m creating something that other people can stand on,” she shares.
For Palmer, it’s no longer just about being the talent but using her experiences to build a foundation that makes it easier for the next wave of stars to break through.
The Lifetimes Tour and Palmer’s journey reflect a continued evolution, embracing new opportunities and creative challenges.
The Pickup is now available to stream on Prime Video.
