Keke Palmer is living her life “on [her] own terms”. The multi-talented performer has built an impressive career spanning over two decades in entertainment, starting from her breakthrough role in “Akeelah and the Bee” in 2006.
The 31-year-old star feels she’s “pushed through every obstacle” during the course of her life and her career, and Keke has documented her journey in her new book, ‘Master of Me‘. The book follows her previous literary work, “I Don’t Belong to You: Quiet the Noise and Find Your Voice,” which was released in 2017.
“As a mother, actress, singer, and businesswoman, I have pushed through every obstacle in my way, living my life on my own terms. That’s why I’ve written Master of Me with @flatironbooks. I believe that we all deserve to meet life on our own terms, and I hope that by telling you my story you’ll see that you can live life on your own terms,” Keke – who has previously struggled with anxiety and depression – wrote on Instagram. Her candid discussions about mental health have resonated with millions of followers, making her a prominent voice for mental wellness in the entertainment industry.
Keke was just 12 years old when she became the main breadwinner in her house, and she previously admitted that it disrupted her family’s dynamic. This early responsibility shaped her perspective on work ethic and family relationships, themes she explores deeply in her new book.
Despite this, the actress still appreciates the values she was taught by her parents. Their influence has remained a cornerstone of her success, even as she navigated the challenging waters of child stardom and adult career transitions.
“Y’know, I look today at what the kids are saying online – and by ‘the kids’, I mean the folks, everyone – we have these weird ideas of what it means to be a man or woman, and it’s so stringent. My parents bounced back and forth to play all different roles,” she told the Guardian newspaper. This flexible approach to gender roles has influenced Palmer’s own perspectives on identity and success.
Keke also recalled being baffled by the attitude and behavior of other child stars. Her unique experience as a young African American performer in Hollywood provided her with insights into the industry’s complex dynamics and expectations.
“Especially as a black child. It was very like ‘You’re too good to be here … you deserve to be a part of a different family’ type of energy. It’s like, well, this family is mine. It’s OK if they’re from the Midwest or they don’t look the way you think they should look,” she reflected. Her pride in her family background has remained unwavering throughout her career.
“There was this elitism that was projected on my parents, even though they were the ones that raised me to be the person that I am; the person that people think couldn’t be their child.” This observation speaks to broader issues of class and race in the entertainment industry that Palmer has consistently addressed throughout her career.
Throughout her journey, Palmer has maintained a strong presence in both traditional and social media, accumulating over 12 million followers across platforms. Her authenticity and openness about personal struggles have earned her a dedicated fan base that spans generations.
The release of ‘Master of Me’ comes at a significant time in Palmer’s life, following her transition into motherhood with the birth of her son Leodis in 2023. The book not only chronicles her past experiences but also explores her evolution as a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate for mental health awareness.
Her impact on popular culture extends beyond acting, with successful ventures in music, hosting, and production. Palmer has hosted several shows, including “Strahan, Sara & Keke” on ABC, and has received numerous accolades for her work, including an Emmy Award for her role in the Facebook Watch series “Turnt Up with the Taylors.”
As she continues to chart her path in the entertainment industry, Palmer’s story serves as an inspiration for young performers and professionals navigating their own careers. Her commitment to authenticity and personal growth, while maintaining strong family ties, demonstrates a balanced approach to success in the spotlight.
