Keke Palmer on Reaching Fair Compensation After Years in the Industry

Keke Palmer, who embarked on her Hollywood journey as a child of 10, recently opened up on her career earnings. At 31, she told Business Insider that her performance in Jordan Peele's 2022 film 'Nope' marked the first time she believed her pay mirrored her work's worth.

In 'Nope,' she brought to life the character Emerald Haywood alongside Daniel Kaluuya. The narrative follows their characters' attempt to capture and profit from an image of a lethal UFO.

A Multifaceted Career

Before this milestone, Palmer's diverse roles included leading the Nickelodeon show 'True Jackson, VP' from 2008 to 2011, acting in the 2015 horror comedy series 'Scream Queens,' and lending her voice to Peaches in multiple 'Ice Age' movies. Her breakout film role came at age 12, starring across Queen Latifah in 'Akeelah and the Bee.'

Besides acting, Palmer juggles other talents — she is a singer, TV host, author, and podcaster. She acknowledges the stark racial and gender wage imbalances in Hollywood, choosing not to focus on comparisons with others.

Fostering Financial Independence

Palmer believes that evaluating oneself against others, especially as a Black woman, is impractical since not everyone starts from or occupies the same standing in life. She emphasized prioritizing personal needs and perspectives despite the presence of inequality.

To this end, Palmer has expanded her income sources, including establishing multiple production entities, and she advocates for others within the industry to explore similar paths.

Industry Evolution

Diversification of income has become a trend for many celebrities aiming for sustained career success. Cases in point include Rihanna with her ventures Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, Kim Kardashian with Skims, and Reese Witherspoon's notable company, Hello Sunshine.

A Wider Struggle in Hollywood

Many Black actors, including well-regarded figures such as Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, Mo'Nique, and Taraji P. Henson, have publicly addressed the issue of unfair compensation linked to both their race and gender.

Henson, during a 2023 SiriusXM interview, revealed her contemplation of abandoning Hollywood due to the ongoing pay disparity. She expressed exasperation over the hard work required and the continuous underpayment, echoing a sentiment shared by many of her peers.