Keke Palmer says child stardom felt 'dehumanising'

Bang Showbiz on Mar 4, 2026

Published in Women

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Keke Palmer says being a child star felt "dehumanising".

The 32-year-old actress grew up in a poor area of Illinois with limited food, and things only improved after she shot to fame following breakout roles in Nickelodeon sitcom True Jackson, VP, (2008-2011) and the 2012 TV film Rags.

Keke told Variety: "I come from a small suburb in Illinois that is a food desert. Being an artist became a way out for my family."

However, it caused her to feel more like a "product" than a human.

She continued: "Being a kid entertainer on networks such as Disney and Nickelodeon, there's no machinery more dehumanising than that, and I say 'dehumanising' completely without sadness. It's just - you're a product.

"Once you see the difference between poverty and not poverty, you're not going to go back. Even if you're tired.

"And once you know you have the capacity, you just keep on taking on s***."

It is only recently that The Burbs star realised the toll that non-stop working had on her.

Keke said: "And I realised in the last couple of years what that meant and what it cost me."

She is "more intentional" with her work and time since she welcomed her son, Leodis "Leo", into the world in 2024.

Asked how the Lightyear cast member is coping with balancing everything, Keke joked to People: "There actually are three of me."

The actress - who co-parents Leodis with her 32-year-old ex-partner, Darius Jackson - continued: "It's a lot. I feel like after [having] my son, I've become even more intentional with what I choose to do, how I choose to spare my time, you know?

"I love everything that I do, but I think [I'm] always conscious to have a good team, to make sure that I can handle it all, and be able to organise it, 'cause it is a lot, but I do love it."

And The Pickup star's boy reminds her that it is OK to take things slow in life.

Keke - who split from Darius in August 2023 after almost two years of dating - explained: "He's teaching me - most importantly, I think - just how to relax and how to live, you know what I mean?

"Like when you see your kid, it really is a mirror to you with your own life, but you're able to give them … what you need to give to yourself. So it's been a real blessing.

"My son is everything to me, you know?"