Keke Palmer Biography

Keke Palmer (born Lauren Keyana Palmer on August 26, 1993) is an American actress. She is perhaps best known for playing the title role in the 2006 film, Akeelah and the Bee.

Biography

Keke Palmer was born in Harvey, Illinois; her father works for a polyurethane company and her mother, Sharon, is a high school teacher who works with autistic children. Palmer has three siblings, including an older sister, Loreal, who gave her the nickname "Keke" during her early years. She began singing in her church's choir at the age of five, and auditioned for a stage production of The Lion King at the age of nine. Her family moved to Los Angeles in 2004, so Palmer could pursue a screen career.

Keke Palmer made her acting debut in 2004's Barbershop 2: Back in Business, playing the part of the niece of Queen Latifah's character. Between 2004 and 2006, she appeared in episodes of several television series, including Cold Case, Strong Medicine, ER and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and was subsequently cast in two films released in 2006: playing a supporting part in Madea's Family Reunion, and starring as the lead character, Akeelah Anderson, a young girl from South Los Angeles who attempts to win a spelling bee, in Akeelah and the Bee. Akeelah and the Bee was released on April 28, 2006, and Palmer's performance has received several positive notices, including praise from film critic Roger Ebert.

Keke Palmer has signed a record deal with Atlantic Records and is currently working on her debut music album. Her debut single, "All My Girlz", is featured on the Akeelah and the Bee soundtrack.

Film List

• 2006 Akeelah and the Bee
• Madea's Family Reunion
• 2002 Barbershop 2: Back in Business