From her humble beginnings to a beloved star, Keke Palmer continues to make an indelible mark in the entertainment industry. Best known for her roles in movies, like “Akeelah and the Bee,” and TV shows, like “True Jackson VP,” Palmer’s career is a master class in longevity. What sets her apart is not only her impressive acting skills but also her ability to seamlessly transition into a businesswoman, singer, mother and social advocate. Here’s everything to know about Keke Palmer’s journey to fame, her business ventures, and her projected net worth in 2025.

How Did Keke Palmer Become Famous?

Born Lauren Keyana Palmer, the actress rise to fame is a testament to a Virgo’s talent and persistence. Her journey in the entertainment world began as a child when she moved from Chicago to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. Palmer’s first major break came at just 11 years old when she landed a role in the 2004 film “Barbershop 2: Back in Business.” The role was small, but it opened doors.

It wasn’t until 2006 that Palmer truly captured the public’s attention with her performance in “Akeelah and the Bee.” Playing the lead role of Akeelah Anderson, a young girl from South Los Angeles who competes in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Palmer’s heartwarming portrayal earned her critical acclaim. The film was a major success, and Palmer almost immediately became a household name. The role earned her a slew of accolades, including a nomination for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.

From there, Palmer’s career only continued to grow. In 2008, she played the lead role in the Nickelodeon series “True Jackson, VP.” She portrayed True Jackson, a 15-year-old girl who becomes the Vice President of a fashion company. This role solidified Palmer as a young star and brought in a lucrative preteen fanbase. Palmer’s ability to take on both dramatic and comedic roles with equal finesse caught the eye of major producers and directors, leading to more prominent roles in films and TV shows.

Though Palmer’s career was built on acting, she soon expanded her talents to music. In 2007, she released her debut album “So Uncool,” followed by numerous singles over the years. Palmer also explored voice acting, playing the character “Peaches” in the animated film “Ice Age: Continental Drift.”

Business Endeavors

Palmer has proven time and time again that she is so much more than an actress. She has successfully ventured into a variety of business endeavors, expanding her influence and increasing her wealth. She co-founded the production company KeyTV in 2021. The company’s focus is on producing content that centers on diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. The platform allows for Palmer’s voice to be expanded and brings more opportunities to underserved talent. Key TV also creates original programming that honors the Black diaspora. Through her production company, Palmer has been able to combine her passion for entertainment with her business acumen, creating a platform for other diverse voices to be heard.

Palmer is also a successful host. She made history in 2021 by becoming the youngest host to ever anchor Daytime Television, co-hosting Good Morning America during various periods. She’s also done numerous award shows and has her own successful podcast. 

What Is Keke Palmer’s 2025 Net Worth?

Despite having filed for bankruptcy, Palmer’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million in 2025. This impressive figure reflects not only her acting and singing career, but also her savvy entrepreneurial spirit. 

Palmer’s acting career has been the cornerstone of her wealth. With major roles in both film and television, Palmer has amassed a significant income over the years. While her breakthrough role in “Akeelah and the Bee” earned her widespread recognition, it’s the high-profile roles she’s been able to land since then that truly speak to her legacy. Movies, like “Hustlers,” “Nope” and “One of Them Days,” significantly contributed to her net worth.

In addition to her passion for performance, Palmer’s business endeavors have become an increasingly important part of her financial portfolio. Her production company is a lucrative sources of income, platforming her podcast and helping her build a diversified income stream.

Beyond her own business ventures, Palmer’s sponsorship deals with major brands have also played a role in boosting her net worth. She has been involved in campaigns for companies, like Coca-Cola, Neutrogena and Uber, among others. These partnerships have not only brought in additional income but have helped expand her brand outside of acting. With millions of followers across platforms like Instagram and Twitter, she is also able to leverage her influence for sponsored posts and promotions.

As Palmer continues to expand her career, only more opportunities will continue to increase her net worth in the years to come. Her ability to adapt and evolve in the entertainment industry is only proof Palmer will always be a prominent figure in Hollywood.