Recently a conversation started about Keke Palmer’s longevity in Hollywood in comparison to Zendaya. People are suggesting that she would be much further in her career if she was of a lighter complexion.
Using Zendaya, a Twitter user went viral when she asked for someone to compare the actresses’ careers suggesting that colorism in Hollywood is the reason Keke doesn’t have ‘mainstream popularity”.
We are not sure why we would do that, but here is the Tweet:
I'd like someone to do a deep-drive on the similarities and differences between Keke Palmer and Zendaya's careers. This may be one of the clearest examples of how colorism plays out in Hollywood. They were both child-stars, but their mainstream popularity is very different. https://t.co/Cmy1CXGQeI pic.twitter.com/etO27HVN0Y
— Melinda Eg (@NBAgladiator) July 23, 2022
Twitter naturally reacted suggesting that Keke has always been a star in her own right.
It’s so interesting seeing the conversation around Keke Palmer having her breakout or superstar moment and it’s wild we live in different worlds because in my household Keke been a star for forever Akeelah & The Bee was my dad’s favorite movie it went triple platinum in my home.
— Aiyana N. Ishmael (@aiyanaish) July 23, 2022
According to People, Keke Palmer responded to the conversation without reference to Zendaya or the specific Tweet that started it all.
She said:
“A great example of colorism is to believe I can be compared to anyone,” 28-year-old Palmer wrote in her initial tweet. “I’m the youngest talk show host ever. The first Black woman to star in her own show on Nickelodeon, & the youngest & first Black Cinderella on broadway. I’m an incomparable talent. Baby, THIS, is Keke Palmer.”
A great example of colorism is to believe I can be compared to anyone. I’m the youngest talk show host ever. The first Black woman to star in her own show on Nickelodeon, & the youngest & first Black Cinderella on broadway. I’m an incomparable talent. Baby, THIS, is Keke Palmer.
— Keke Palmer (@KekePalmer) July 24, 2022
The actress went on to say, “I’ve been a leading lady since I was 11 years old.”
“I have over 100+ credits, and currently starring in an original screenplay that’s the number one film at the box office #NOPE,” Palmer said. “I’ve had a blessed career thus far, I couldn’t ask for more but God continues to surprise me.”
Keke’s career is far from easy but people on Twitter made it clear that Keke has been in this thing forever.
And @KekePalmer in The Wool Cap opposite William H Macy. Just 11 and the youngest ever nominated for SAG's Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries. Glenn Close won. I was blessed to be on the set to see that early greatness. https://t.co/GyOzk5YihK
— Alan Duke (@AlanDukeNews) July 25, 2022
and
Don't forget Barbershop 2. Miss mamas didn't want that burnt weeny pic.twitter.com/EGhd1nPcxz
— Yayra Aseye (@dreeah08) July 24, 2022
and
True Jackson vp changed my life and I’m not even joking pic.twitter.com/GP0avWvYDp
— (@AJsayshey) July 23, 2022
and
Y’all must’ve forgot she was a 4⭐️ quarterback too pic.twitter.com/K32o9Syj6p
— Master Manipulator ♂️ (@_Thatboysosa) July 23, 2022
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