Mark Braboy
News Editor
Actress, singer, and 2014 Image Award Winner Keke Palmer has had a busy year. After receiving rave reviews for her portrayal of Rozonda “Chili” Thomas in the VH1 movie: “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story”, she was also featured in the television film “The Trip to Bountiful” and hit shows “Single Ladies” and “Grey’s Anatomy”.
In a one on one interview, she discusses her upcoming projects and her experiences with her career thus far.
Mark Braboy: Out of all the roles you have played thus far, which one is your favorite and why? Also, what kind of roles do you aspire to play and would turn down?
Ke-Ke Palmer: I’ve been so blessed in my career to play some extraordinary roles and work with so many amazing people. My favorite role is a hard question to answer, but if pressed I would have to say Akeelah Anderson because that was my break out role. I cannot say what roles I would turn down it really just depends on the script. I recently read a script loosely based off of a true story about a female pimp, now just hearing the subject matter would turn a lot of people off to that role, but I read the script and the raw gritty world created by the writer is fascinating. We have not seen a female character this way in film before, so that is intriguing to me, I would consider this role because it would challenge me as an actress.
Mark Braboy: What are your ultimate aspirations with your music and tell me about your upcoming album.
Ke-Ke Palmer: I have a music video coming out in May for a song I recorded for a movie soundtrack called “Animal”. I’m very excited about that film, it will be out in June. I also recorded a song for a film called “Brotherly Love” which is a project I did for Queen Latifah’s company, Flava Unit. I’m in the studio writing and recording constantly so hopefully there will be a new album early 2015.
Mark Braboy: What was the inspiration behind the song, “Work like You Love Me”?
Ke-Ke Palmer:We just loved the track and it had a fun quirky beat. I guess the inspiration was young fun.
Mark Braboy: What was an interesting moment when working with Cicely Tyson and what was something that you learned from her?
Ke-Ke Palmer: Mrs. Tyson reminded me so much of my grandmother Mildred, who is no longer with us, everyday on set was a joy. I learned so many things from her, as an actress she is a legend and I just watched her quiet strength on and off camera, a very classy lady.
Mark Braboy: How important is philanthropy to you?
Ke-Ke Palmer: Extremely important, too much is given, much is expected! Over the years I have worked with several charities, in particular the ones helping children. Currently I work with Covenant House for the Homeless, Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club, YWCA, and Chideo.
Mark Braboy: Talk about the role you play on “Masters of Sex” and how that experience is different from other roles you’ve played.
Ke-Ke Palmer:The character that I portray in “Masters of Sex” is Coral, she is the nanny for Libby Masters. The series takes place in 1957 -1958 so being a domestics was one of few jobs that were offered to black woman in those days. What made me want to do the role was after I spoke with the producers and they told me of their plans for Coral, they want to use her character as the catalyst to introduce the Civil Rights Movement into the scripts, when I heard their vision for Coral, I agreed to do the role, so she is not just a nanny but a pivotal character in the show. I am very much looking forward to seeing where she will end up.
Mark Braboy: What’s something interesting that they may not know about you?
Ke-Ke Palmer: I am very silly, an incurable romantic and extremely loyal to my friends. Loyalty is very important to me.
Mark Braboy: Unlike many celebrities your age, you are evolving gracefully without sacrificing your dignity? How do you manage to do that? Do you ever feel any pressure of being more like Miley Cyrus? And what are the aspects of maintaining your tasteful image?
Ke-Ke Palmer: I don’t judge anyone in this industry, thank you so much for the kind words. Truthfully, this is a tough business and I just pray a lot asking God to help guide me, but I am not perfect, far from it!
This year, you can look for Palmer to stay in headlines with upcoming projects. She will be featured in the films “Animal”, “Imperial Dreams” and “Brotherly Love” and has been working with famed hip-hop producer Bangladesh with her single “Work Like you Love Me”.
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