Keke Palmer, who has worked in show business since she was a preteen, is being open about her plans to pursue a career in Hollywood.
The 30-year-old TV host, singer, and actress recently revealed to Teen Vogue that she intends to retire eventually—probably sooner rather than later.
“I don’t know. I think the timer has started,” Palmer said with a laugh. “I think it’s because I just haven’t felt it yet. But the timer, I know that it’s around the corner. I don’t know when exactly, but it’s around the corner.”
The Emmy-winning actress talked about the legacy she would leave behind, saying that it was important that she forge a way to help other creators as well as her son Leo.
Palmer stated, “The main thing I want those legacies to be is [a call] to use your power for good, to use what you have to create spaces and systems for other people to thrive.” “I just don’t believe in holding everything. I don’t believe in gatekeeping. I’m not a coward. What would that do? I think it’s based in fear. If I’m speaking on it from a compassionate place, I think people that gatekeep are afraid. So I’m not scared.”
The Nope actress went on to say that she wants Leo to grow up fearless and to have faith in his capacity to explore the world and discover new things.
Palmer said, “A part of learning in this place, I think, is to love and to know how to first be unconditionally loving to yourself, so that you know how to love others and be of service to others in a way that doesn’t disadvantage them but instead empowers them.” “That’s what I would hope that the legacy is for me. And for anyone that wants to follow me, I hope that’s what they see too.”
Regarding her plans for the future as a performer, she wants to make sure she has options, which is one of the reasons she started the platform KeyTV Newtwork, which supports other creatives.
“When I was younger, I used to have so much anxiety,” Palmer recalled. “I love to perform, but is that something that can last forever? I think I always would wonder, ‘Is it something that times out?’ Obviously, you have people that have been acting their entire careers…. but I just never knew how I could scale myself.”
The Hustlers actress continued, “If you were a lawyer, you want to get to be a partner. I didn’t understand what the version of that was for me. Some people become directors or they become a producer or they become the head of Paramount.”
Palmer just made her appearance in Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune, costarring with Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, and Ansari.
In addition, she won the 2023 Emmy for best game show host for Password, being the first female winner in 15 years.