5 Things to Know About Keke Palmer
The actress will make her Broadway debut as first African-America Cinderella.
— -- She's already played a precocious fashion executive, a teenage Woolly Mammoth named Peaches and a national spelling bee contestant in "Akeelah and the Bee."
Next month, Keke Palmer will slip into her most magical role to date. The actress is set to make her Broadway debut as Cinderella in September.
Not only is Palmer the youngest star to step into the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, but she is also the first ever African-American to nab the title part.
"It's honestly one of those things that I can't believe is really happening," Palmer told the Associated Press. "I'm very excited. Very excited and nervous as well--a bunch of feelings all at once."
Palmer called the opportunity "a dream come true" and said she was "excited to learn all that [theater] has to offer."
While she explores the stage, we got to know Palmer a little better. Here's what you need to know about the trailblazing star.
1. The Business is in Her Blood
Both of Palmer's parents have worked as professional actors. In fact, Sharon and Larry Palmer met at drama school. And while they raised their daughter in Robbins, Illinois, the Palmers later moved to California to support her burgeoning career.
2. She's Not Afraid to Take Risks
She arrived at this year's BET Awards in a sculptural (and scandalous!) Alon Livné mini-dress that featured strategic cut-outs on both sides of her waist.
3. She Is a Seeker of Truth
Palmer's Twitter feed is peppered with spiritual quotes and accounts of meditative practice. Still, the actress has maintained a sense of humor in her quest.
4. She's Made History Before
In June, BET debuted 'Just Keke,' an evening talk show that aired nightly on the network during its initial four-week run. The program made Palmer the youngest talk show host ever on television.
5. She's Only 20 Years Old
But while she will celebrate her 21st birthday later this month, the actress told Queen Latifah over the weekend that she is not planning a major celebration to mark the milestone.
"For me, 21 just means probably hanging out with my girls. I can't spend too much time away from work, either," she added. "I'm a workaholic."
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