The multi-talented Keke Palmer opens up about her aspirations for her legacy, emphasizing the importance of "utilizing what you possess to forge spaces and systems that empower others to thrive." Since her tween days in the entertainment industry, Palmer has been a force to be reckoned with, and now she's candidly discussing her future in Hollywood.
The 30-year-old actress, singer, and TV host recently confided to Teen Vogue that retirement is indeed on her horizon, potentially sooner than she anticipated. "I don't know. I think the timer has started," Palmer laughed. "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."
As for the lasting impact she hopes to leave, the Emmy-winning actress underscores the significance of paving a path that will benefit her son, Leo, and fellow creators alike. "The core of my desired legacy is a call to action—to harness your influence for good, to utilize your resources to cultivate environments and frameworks that foster the growth of others," Palmer explained. "I firmly believe in sharing, not hoarding. I reject the mindset of gatekeeping. I'm not afraid to speak my truth. Such fear-based attitudes, I believe, stem from a deep-seated dread. When I speak from a place of compassion, I surmise that those who hold back are merely scared. And I refuse to be intimidated."
The star of Nope added that she aims to raise Leo to be fearless and confident in his abilities to explore and learn. "Part of the learning process, I believe, involves embracing love and understanding how to first love oneself unconditionally," Palmer elaborated. "Only then can you truly love and serve others in a way that empowers them, rather than hinders them. This is the legacy I aspire to leave, and I hope that anyone who chooses to follow in my footsteps will see this too."
Looking ahead to her future as a performer, Palmer is determined to maintain a range of options, which is precisely why she founded KeyTV Network—a platform dedicated to supporting other creatives. "When I was younger, I suffered from immense anxiety," Palmer recalled. "While I adore performing, I often wondered if it was something that could sustain me indefinitely. Would it eventually run its course? Of course, there are those who have spent their entire careers acting…but I never quite knew how I could scale my own career."
The Hustlers actress continued, "If you're a lawyer, you aspire to become a partner. I never quite understood what the equivalent of that would be for me. Some individuals ascend to become directors, producers, or even heads of major studios like Paramount."
Recently, it was revealed that Palmer has joined the cast of Aziz Ansari's Good Fortune, starring alongside Ansari, Keanu Reeves, and Seth Rogen. Additionally, she scored a 2023 Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host for Password, marking a significant milestone as the first woman to win the award in 15 years.
