Palmer, 28, is no newcomer to success in Hollywood. From films and TV shows to hosting gigs and theatre, the star has been stacking up major wins from a very young age. Fans recently took to social media to express disdain with how they feel her talent is respected (or lack thereof) in this generation, citing colorism as the reason she’s not treated like the true gem she is, and calling out the success that fellow actress Zendaya has seen in comparison. Over the weekend, a viral tweet prompted an internet-wide debate on the subject. “I’d like someone to do a deep-drive on the similarities and differences between Keke Palmer and Zendaya’s careers,” the social media user wrote. “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.” Upon catching wind of the discussion, the Hustlers star joined the Twitter chatter with a confident response, cementing herself as “an incomparable talent” and articulating her career accolades to back up her claim. “A great example of colorism is to believe I can be compared to anyone,” Palmer began. “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,” she wrote. Palmer went on to affirm herself, adding that she’s been a “leading lady” since age 11. Though being spoken of in a light as if she’s underrated, the Joyful Noise actress is as established as ever, having earned back-to-back roles in Pixar’s Lightyear and Jordan Peele’s most-recent horror/science-fiction thriller. “I have over 100+ credits, and currently starring in an original screenplay that’s the number one film at the box office #NOPE,” she wrote. “I’ve had a blessed career thus far, I couldn’t ask for more but God continues to surprise me.” Disney-alum Zendaya, who starred in last year’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, became the youngest actress to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2020 for her role in HBO’s Euphoria, which she also executive produces. This year, she scored more history-making nominations as the youngest two-time lead acting nominee ever, as well as the first Black woman (and second Black person) to be Emmy-nominated for acting and songwriting in the same year. However, Keke has an Emmy of her own, winning Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for Keke Palmer’s Turnt Up with the Taylors at last year’s awards. The point of it all? Both women have experienced immense successes over the course of their careers and are obvious powerhouse actresses in their own respects, so why the comparison? The sets of accomplishments vary significantly—just let them both be great! Next, A Big ‘Yep!’ for ‘Nope,’ Jordan Peele’s masterful space-invader opus
