Keke Palmer Recalls How A Voicemail From Will Smith Changed Her Life

LOADINGERROR LOADINGKeke Palmer is opening up about the unexpected way Will Smith helped to change the trajectory of her career ― as well as her relationship with her family.Appearing on “The Toast” podcast Tuesday, Palmer recalled a voicemail she received from Smith years ago when she was thinking about emancipating herself from her parents, Sharon and Larry.

Advertisement The Illinois native, who rose to fame as a child actor in films like “Akeelah and the Bee,” said she sought out the advice of an attorney shortly after turning 17, as her relationship with her parents became strained.Weeks later, she was on the set of the Nickelodeon series “True Jackson, VP” when she said she received a phone call from a “really, really obscure number.” When she listened to her voicemail afterward, she was shocked to discover that the caller had been Smith.

Actors Keke Palmer (left) and Will Smith.Getty ImagesDoing her best impression of the “Men in Black” actor, Palmer said he told her: “Hey, Keke.It’s Will.

We’re over here doing ‘Karate Kid’ with Jaden.I just want to let you know that I talked to [your lawyer].

He let me know everything you’re going through, and I want you to know sometimes it’s hard being the first, but you’ll get through.”Advertisement She also recalled Smith encouraging her to “just keep staying focused, love on your family, and y’all gonna be good,” which wound up being her most profound takeaway from the message.Ultimately, Palmer chose not to pursue emancipation from her parents.

In hindsight, she believes anyone who is a “first” in their family could benefit from her example.Keke Palmer's parents, Sharon and Larry Palmer, in 2009.

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