HUSL Today Salutes

Salute to Black Hollywood week continues with...

KeKe Palmer

KeKe Palmer was born Lauren Keyana Palmer on August 26, 1993, in Robbins, Illinois. Palmer's first big break came via her acting skills, making her big screen debut in Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004) as Queen Latifah's niece. In only a few years, she has appeared on an episode of the critically acclaimed CBS Show Cold Case (2003), booked a national K-Mart commercial, and was chosen from a nationwide search to play opposite William H. Macy in a TNT movie. Palmer's performance in The Wool Cap (2004) earned her a Screen Actors Guild Nomination, to date, she is the youngest actress (then at age ten) ever to receive a nomination in a Lead Actress Category.

Within 2 years, Palmer appeared landed a leading role as Akeelah Anderson in the critically acclaimed, award-winning film Akeelah and the Bee (2006).  Her debut single, "All My Girlz", is featured on the Akeelah and the Bee soundtrack. Later that same year, Palmer appeared in Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion (2006), which was number #1 at the box office for two consecutive weeks.

Palmer went on to win a 2007 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee (2006). She also received a ShoWest Award for Rising Star of the Year. Shortly after, Palmer lit up the small screen starring in the Disney Channel's hit movie Jump In! (2007) (TV). KeKe also landed a role in the feature film, Cleaner in 2007.

In 2008, Palmer began her starring role as the title character in Nickelodeon sitcom True Jackson, VP. Palmer also performs the theme song for the series. Check out the theme song below.



At the 2010 BET Awards, Palmer was awarded YoungStars Award. She beat out Wizards of Waverly Place star Selena Gomez, 17; Willow Smith, 9 year; comedian/actor/musician Lil JJ, 19, and 17 year old Everybody Hates Chris star Tyler James Williams.

KeKe is making waves in hollywood as a young, black and beautiful young woman. Holding her own against acting giants like Angela Basset and Eva Mendez has helped KeKe make her mark as a household name in Hollywood. Palmer currently stars in Nickelodeon's True Jackson, VP. Follow her on twitter @KeKeinAction!

Random fact: Did you know my friends call me KeeKey (pronounced Key-Key)? Gotta love us!

HUSL Today Salutes KeKe Palmer!!!