While in New York City hosting a rally at Dove's 3rd Annual Self-Esteem Weekend, actress Keke Palmer kicked off her shoes with EBONY.com to give us the inside scoop on who she really is off-screen, the one person she'd love to play in a movie, and whether she's a chocolate or vanilla kind of girl.
EBONY: Many may not know, but your nickname is Keke? What’s your real name?
Keke Palmer: Yup. My real name is Lauren.
EBONY: We’re both Virgos. Actually, we have the same birthday! People always have this thing about Virgos. What do you think is the number one thing people misconstrue abut Virgos?
KP: Oh my gosh, that’s amazing! Happy birthday, girl! I think the biggest thing people misconstrue about us is that we are cold. We’re not cold at all. Most of the time I’m just seeing if you’re a good person, and I’m analyzing you to make sure you're somebody that deserves to be in my life.
EBONY: What is your biggest fear?
KP: Not being emotionally happy. Not being happy really is my fear.
EBONY: What would like to do before you’re 30?
KP: Maybe win a Grammy or Oscar.
EBONY: My favorite song of yours is “Dance Alone.” What is your favorite song?
KP: My favorite song off the mixtape would have to be “Dip 2 Nite.” I also love “If 6 Were 9.”
EBONY: What was your first big purchase?
KP: A Louis Vuitton [bag.]. It was between $700 and $1,000!
EBONY: Are you a beauty girl or are you a fashion girl?
KP: I’m both.
EBONY: Do you believe there are any limitations in life, In terms of what you can do?
KP: No. I think you can do anything you put your mind to. I think your mind is the worst thing you can use as a reason to not do something.
EBONY: What can you say has been the biggest struggle with your career?
KP: I think one of the struggles that annoy me the most is the age thing, to be too young to play an older character, or old to play a younger character. It’s been just really annoying.
EBONY: Do you like good boys or the bad boys?
KP: I like the medium boys. Not real perfect, but not too bad either.
EBONY: Where was your first date?
KP: I’ve never really had a first date! Well, I had kind of a first date. I went out with this kid. We went ice skating, but it was not fun. It was so terrible that I told him my curfew was a lot earlier than it really was.
EBONY: When the lights go off and the red carpet is rolled up, who is Keke Palmer?
KP: A regular teenager, very regular. You know, watching TV, chilling, getting my nails done, whatever. A very normal, regular, young, nothing-out-of-the-ordinary teenager.
EBONY: What do you think people would be surprised to know about you?
Keke: That I love piercings. I have so many of them in my ear. I just like them.
EBONY: Really? Piercings? All right.
KP: I love accessorizing different things with my ears.
EBONY: Any tattoos?
KP: Yeah, I have four, but all are in hidden places.
EBONY: What character do you want to play in your career that you haven’t played?
KP: I would love to do a biopic of Aaliyah's life.
EBONY: Chocolate or vanilla?
KP: Vanilla. Wait, do you mean ice cream or guys?
EBONY: There was no pun intended. [Laughs] But let's say guys.
KP: I mean, I don’t really focus on color or anything.
EBONY: Who’s your favorite person to follow on Instagram?
KP: I love Instagram! I like LaLa Anthony and Rihanna’s photos. They always have great photos.
EBONY: What's one thing that surprised you about the entertainment industry?
KP: People can be really desperate, willing do anything.
EBONY: What is your dying wish for young Black girls around the world?
KP: To be comfortable with whom you are. To be you and not be afraid of that, love yourself and enjoy life. Be free. I think people should have fun. And don’t get so down on yourself. Enjoy life and be the best person you can be.
