Keke Palmer is reflecting on her journey as a child star and how her early roles shaped the path for her successful career today. In a recent exclusive interview on *The Toast* with hosts Claudia and Jackie Oshry, the actress, best known for her breakout role in *True Jackson, VP*, opened up about her experiences at both Nickelodeon and Disney.
From Child Star to Household Name
Keke Palmer, now 31, credits *True Jackson, VP* for propelling her to fame, saying the show “put Keke Palmer on the map.” The role marked a major turning point in her career, and she fondly remembers the impact it had on her life. “My life was changed after that, honey,” Palmer shared, recalling the moment she transitioned from being a rising star to a household name.
In addition to *True Jackson, VP*, Palmer discussed some of her earlier roles that helped her break into the industry, including *Barbershop II* and *Akeelah and the Bee*. These parts allowed her to showcase her talent and set the stage for her future in Hollywood.
The Disney Experience: A Magical Universe
During the interview, Claudia mentioned Palmer’s involvement in Disney’s *Jump In*, and how unusual it was for a young star like Palmer to work with both Disney and Nickelodeon. Palmer offered her insights into the distinct environments at the two networks.
“Disney is really amazing when it comes to storytelling,” she said, highlighting how Disney’s influence extends beyond the screen. “They are storytelling through marketing, through their employees… it’s like a whole universe.” Palmer explained how, as a child, being a part of Disney felt like entering a magical world that made everything feel connected. “There’s an element that being a part of it is really, really fun,” she added.
### Nickelodeon: A Different Vibe
In contrast, Palmer recalled her time at Nickelodeon as a very different experience. While she acknowledged the network’s competitive pay, she described the environment as less focused on creative excitement. “It wasn’t about making it necessarily exciting,” Palmer said. “Their paying was really awesome, but the vibe was more about ‘Come in and get this check.’”
Palmer shared a specific memory of a promotional event where Nickelodeon stars had to get slimed multiple times. “I was in my ‘weave era’,” she laughed, explaining the process of getting slimed and then having to spend hours under a dryer to clean up before doing it all over again. “Oh honey, I hated that slime after that,” she confessed. It was clear that while the slime was iconic, the repetitive nature of it left Palmer feeling frustrated.
Reflecting on Her Journey
As Palmer continues to build on her career, she acknowledges that her experiences as a child star were essential to her growth in the industry. From the magic of Disney to the casual vibe of Nickelodeon, these moments helped her navigate the complexities of fame and shape the person she is today.
Fans can hear more from Keke Palmer in the full episode of *The Toast*, streaming on November 19th at 1 p.m. ET. Palmer’s candid reflections on her rise to stardom offer a rare and insightful glimpse into the world of child stardom and the entertainment industry.