Keke Palmer has always had a knack for lighting up the screen, but she’s never been one to let early fame define her. Born Lauren Keyana Palmer in Harvey, Illinois, on August 26, 1993, she first captured hearts in “Akeelah and the Bee” – but it was clear even then she was destined for more than just one memorable role. Over the years, Palmer has worn many hats: actress, singer, TV host, Broadway star, and more, navigating the sometimes-rocky terrain of child stardom with her signature blend of humor and grit.
Of course, that path hasn’t always been easy. There’s a reason so many young actors fade from the limelight, but Palmer met the challenge of growing up in public head-on. As she made the leap from kid roles to adult characters, she landed standout performances in “Scream Queens,” “Hustlers,” and Jordan Peele’s “Nope.” Her turn as Cinderella on Broadway? Iconic – especially as the first Black woman to play the role in that production.
What really makes Palmer compelling is how she brings her whole self to everything she does. Whether she’s sharing goofy dance videos online or getting candid about setbacks, she ditches the typical celebrity veneer and just keeps it real. That authenticity has made her not just relatable, but deeply beloved by fans who’ve watched her transform and grow up on their screens.
Behind the scenes, Palmer keeps plenty private, especially when it comes to her love life. While she’s had high-profile relationships – most notably with Darius Daulton – all the details haven’t always been up for public consumption. Palmer dated Daulton beginning in the summer of 2021, and the couple welcomed their son, Leodis, in February 2023. Their breakup made headlines later that year, especially after Palmer filed for a restraining order against Daulton amid allegations of abuse – a situation she’s handled publicly with a quiet strength, choosing when and how to speak about it on her own terms.
Before Daulton, Palmer’s dating history included musician Styn (from late 2019 into 2021) and a relationship with Elvin Jackson that spanned about a year and a half before ending in 2019. There were also brief connections with Quincy Brown and YG, though those never fully hit the tabloid circuit. More recently, rumors swirled in January 2024 about a possible romance with football player Duke Riley, but neither has commented publicly.
In her own words, Palmer once told Harper’s Bazaar: “I’ve learned that love requires space to breathe and grow. Sometimes we try to force connections when we should be patient enough to let them develop naturally.” It’s a perspective that seems to guide her – not just in romance, but in everything she does.
Motherhood, especially, has added new depth to her story. She’s talked openly about the challenges of balancing creative ambitions with raising her son and healing from painful public experiences. Instead of slowing down, Palmer keeps choosing projects that excite her, all while fiercely protecting her family and her peace.
Past Relationships
Duke Riley
Darius Daulton
Styn (Musician)
Elvin Jackson
Ty Dolla $ign
Lucien Laviscount
YG
Quincy Brown
Rodney King
Earl Benjamin
For longtime fans, watching Palmer evolve has been a masterclass in authenticity – she doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out, and she doesn’t shy away from telling the truth, even when it’s messy. That realness, more than any single performance or achievement, is why her star keeps rising. With each new chapter, she seems less interested in pleasing the industry and more focused on creating meaning and joy, for herself and for those along for the ride.