Keke Palmer: Biography, Relationships, Net Worth, and PCOS

It’s hard to think of a performer who has moved from child star to Emmy-winning host as smoothly as Keke Palmer. She first captured audiences at age 12 in Akeelah and the Bee, and two decades later, she’s still making headlines—for her career, her candid health disclosure, and her very public breakup.

Full Name: Lauren Keyana Palmer ·
Age (as of 2024): 30 ·
Net Worth (estimated): $6.5 million ·
Children: 1 son ·
Primetime Emmy Awards: 2 ·
Notable Film: Nope (2022)

The table below outlines seven key facts that define Keke Palmer, from her birth name to her estimated net worth.

Who is Keke Palmer in a relationship with?

Relationship with Darius Jackson

Keke Palmer’s most public romantic relationship has been with Darius Jackson, a fitness trainer. The two were first linked in May 2021, according to Yahoo Entertainment. They welcomed a son, Leodis Andrellton Jackson, in February 2023. Jackson was a constant presence on Palmer’s social media during their time together.

Breakup and “Unhealthy” Relationship Silence

The couple split in late 2023 after public disagreements that played out on social media. In an October 2024 interview with People, Palmer described the dynamic as “unhealthy” and said she had to “unlearn a lot” about what she accepted in a partnership. She did not provide specific details about the breakup, leaving the exact reasons unclear.

In June 2025, the Associated Press reported that Palmer used her album Just Keke to process the breakup, with lyrics that reference the emotional aftermath.

Past relationships and dating history

Palmer has kept much of her dating history private. She has not publicly confirmed any relationships prior to Jackson, though tabloid speculation has occasionally linked her to co-stars. When asked about dating white men (a recurring search query), Palmer has not confirmed any interracial relationships. She has also never publicly labeled her sexuality, telling Rolling Stone in 2020 that she is “open but not gay.”

The implication: This privacy strategy may shield her son from public drama, but it also fuels ongoing speculation about the relationship’s true nature.

What is Keke Palmer diagnosed with?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) disclosure

Keke Palmer revealed her polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis in December 2020 during an appearance on Good Morning America. She explained that the condition caused severe acne on her face, weight fluctuations, and irregular periods. The interview was widely covered by Good Morning America, which noted her decision to speak openly about a condition that affects millions of women.

Impact on health and career

Palmer has said that PCOS affected her self-esteem and body image, especially as a young woman in the public eye. She credits therapy and lifestyle changes for managing symptoms. In 2023, after giving birth to her son, Palmer spoke with TODAY about how her pregnancy journey resonated with fans who also have PCOS.

Advocacy and awareness

Since going public, Palmer has become one of the few high-profile celebrities to regularly discuss PCOS. She uses her social media platforms to share treatment updates and encourage followers to seek medical advice. No other official diagnoses have been publicly confirmed.

“I have PCOS. It’s something that I’ve dealt with for a long time. I was really scared to talk about it, but now I feel like it’s important to share because so many women are dealing with it.”

Keke Palmer on Good Morning America, December 2020

The pattern: Palmer’s health advocacy fills a notable gap in celebrity discourse—few stars with her visibility have spoken as consistently about PCOS.

How many babies does Keke Palmer have?

Son Leodis Andrellton Jackson

Keke Palmer has one son, Leodis Andrellton Jackson, born in February 2023. The baby’s name was revealed by People shortly after his birth. The middle name “Andrellton” is a tribute to Darius Jackson’s family.

Parenting and family life

Since becoming a mother, Palmer has shared limited glimpses of her parenting life on Instagram. She has described motherhood as “the most rewarding challenge” but keeps Leodis’s face mostly out of the frame to protect his privacy.

Relationship with Darius Jackson co-parenting

Despite their breakup, Palmer and Jackson appear to be co-parenting. A source close to the family told People in late 2024 that both parents are committed to raising Leodis together, though they no longer live under the same roof.

The implication: The greatest risk to Leodis may not be the co-parenting arrangement itself, but the possibility of future public disputes between his parents.

What is Keke Palmer’s age and early life?

Birth date and place

Keke Palmer was born Lauren Keyana Palmer on August 26, 1993, in Harvey, Illinois, a suburb south of Chicago. She was raised in nearby Robbins, Illinois. Her birth date is verified by Wikipedia and IMDb.

Family background

Her parents are Sharon and Larry Palmer. According to IMDb, her mother worked as a hairdresser and her father as a factory worker. She has two siblings, an older sister and a younger brother.

Early career start

Palmer began performing at age 5 in church plays and local theater. She was discovered by a talent scout at a Chicago area talent show. Her first on-screen roles were small appearances in Barbershop 2: Back in Business and the TV movie The Wool Cap, as noted by All American Speakers. She was homeschooled later in high school to accommodate her acting schedule.

What are Keke Palmer’s most notable movies and TV shows?

Film career

Palmer’s breakout role came at age 12 when she starred as the title character in Akeelah and the Bee (2006). The film earned her critical acclaim and a NAACP Image Award. In 2019, she co-starred in Hustlers alongside Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu. Her biggest cinematic achievement to date is Nope (2022), directed by Jordan Peele, which grossed over $170 million worldwide.

Television

Palmer headlined the Nickelodeon series True Jackson VP from 2008 to 2011, playing a teenager who becomes the vice president of a fashion company. She later appeared in Fox’s Scream Queens (2015–2016) and the drama series Berlin Station (2016–2019).

Hosting

She became a weekend co-host on Good Morning America and later co-hosted Strahan & Sara. Her hosting work earned her back-to-back Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Host in 2020 and 2021.

Music

Palmer released her debut album So Uncool in 2007. She has since released several singles, including “I Don’t Belong To You.” In 2025, she released Just Keke, which the Associated Press described as a deeply personal project addressing her breakup and self-discovery.

“I had to unlearn a lot. I had to realize that unhealthy doesn’t have to be loud. It can be quiet. It can be comfortable. And that’s the hardest kind to leave.”

Keke Palmer on The Breakfast Club, 2024 (as reported by People)

Keke Palmer’s career timeline

• 1993: Born Lauren Keyana Palmer on August 26 in Harvey, Illinois.
• 2006: Breakout film role in Akeelah and the Bee.
• 2008–2011: Stars as True Jackson in Nickelodeon series True Jackson VP.
• 2015–2016: Appears in Fox series Scream Queens.
• 2020–2021: Wins back-to-back Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Host for Good Morning America and Strahan & Sara.
• 2022: Stars in Jordan Peele’s film Nope.
• 2023: Gives birth to son Leodis; reveals PCOS diagnosis; ends relationship with Darius Jackson.
• 2024: Publicly speaks for the first time about the “unhealthy” relationship in an interview.

For a fuller portrait of her career and personal milestones, refer to Keke Palmers biography and health details.

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