Keke Palmer has always been a force of nature, but her latest interview with Cut magazine shows us just how much she’s grown—not just as an actress but as a creative powerhouse and self-assured mogul. From childhood stardom to navigating the complexities of adulthood in the limelight, Keke is the epitome of resilience, reinvention, and unapologetic ownership of her life.
One thing that stands out about Keke is her sharp observation of people. She’s a natural mimic, effortlessly capturing the quirks and nuances of others, whether it’s Lisa Vanderpump or Ariana Grande. But it’s more than just a talent for impersonations; for Keke, it’s a way of understanding the chaos of being human—a chaos she’s had to navigate from an early age.
Speaking of chaos, her journey hasn’t been easy. Keke reflects on her early days in Hollywood, where being a young Black woman meant constantly being treated differently. “I had to learn not to compare myself to others,” she shares, reminding us all that carving your own path is far more rewarding than trying to fit into someone else’s mold.
And carve her own path she has. From her breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee to her more recent performances in Nope and Hustlers, Keke’s career is a masterclass in versatility. But it’s not just about being in front of the camera. Her latest project, One of Them Days, has her wearing multiple hats as both actor and executive producer, proving she’s just as savvy behind the scenes.
Her second book, Master of Me, is another testament to her growth. On the cover, she’s depicted as a puppet cutting her strings—a visual metaphor for her journey from being controlled to taking control. This theme of empowerment isn’t just personal; it’s professional too. With KeyTV, Keke is amplifying the voices of creators whose stories deserve to be told, showing that her mission extends far beyond her own career.
Photo: Justin French/
Keke’s perspective on life is refreshingly nuanced. She doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truths about the industries she’s part of. “Everything is a problem and hurting somebody else,” she admits, a statement that feels as raw as it is insightful. But even with this awareness, Keke chooses to focus on transformation—on finding her comfort and helping others find theirs.
Through it all, Keke Palmer has shown us that taking charge of your destiny isn’t about having it all figured out; it’s about learning, adapting, and never losing sight of who you are. In her own words, “I am the master of me.” And isn’t that a reminder we could all use?
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Production Credits
- Photography by Justin French
- Styling by Jessica Willis
- Photo Assistants: Amelia Hammond and Shen Williams-Cohen
- Digital Tech: Mike Skigen
- Makeup: Rommy Najor
- Hair: Kira Dior
- Manicure: Aja Walton
- Tailor: Lindsay Wright
- Movement Director: Elena Vazintaris
- Production Assistants: Steven Molina Contreras and Shameekia Johnson
- Post Production: Frisian
- The Cut, Editor-in-Chief Lindsay Peoples
- The Cut, Photo Director: Noelle Lacombe
- The Cut, Photo Editors: Maridelis Morales Rosado and Sarah Miller
- The Cut, Fashion Market Editor Emma Oleck
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