If Mean Girls is your go-to teen flick, then no doubt part comedy, part slasher series Scream Queens is high on your watch list this Autumn. A sorority house that’s plagued by a masked serial killer on campus, LOL one-liners and more pink fashion inspo we know what to do with? Two words: TV Gold.
Emma Roberts’ character Chanel Oberlin might rule Kappa House, but there’s some less familiar faces in the show we’ve got our eye on – including Keke Palmer (aka Chanel’s sharp-tonged nemesis, Zayday Williams).
From her ever-changing hairstyles to her child star past, here’s everything you need to know about the multi-talented newcomer taking centre stage...
How old is Keke Palmer?
Lauren Keyana “Keke” Palmer was born on August 26th in 1993, making her 23-years-old.
She’s made history TWICE
The trailblazer was the first African-American to play Cinderella on Broadway in 2014, which won her rave reviews. That same year, she made TV history as the youngest person ever to host their own talk show - ‘Just Keke’ on BET channel - when she was just 21-years-old. No pressure ‘ey!
Are Keke Palmer and Zac Efron Dating?
A few years ago there was speculation she was dating Efron, but the pair are just pals. In fact, she’s BFFs with his former High School Musical flame, Vanessa Hudgens, after they met working on a Disney Channel pilot when Keke was 10-years-old (aw!). Currently single, Keke eschews any labels over her sexuality. In a recent interview, when asked if she would be open to a relationship with a woman, she replied, ‘Absolutely. Absolutely. Where love is, that's where I'm going. That's what I'm about. It's not about all that other stuff. It's just about love. So if that's a guy, great. If that's a girl, great. It doesn't really matter to me.’
Keke Palmer is our new hair icon
A daring pixie chop? Long red tresses with bangs? You name it, this star’s probably tried it. And we’re totally obsessed with her latest icy blue wig. ‘I think I do [change it often] because I’m always exploring the different layers,’ she told People magazine. ‘Changing my hair style helps me represent that bold attitude in an extroverted fashion. I just love not being afraid to be me.’
'90s fashion is her thing
Clueless-esque tartan skirts. Spice Girl hair. Round sunglasses. Must.Have.Now.
She landed her first acting job aged 9
Keke showed signs of a fruitful acting career, even as a cute pre-teen. She bagged a part playing Queen Latifah's neice in 2004 comedy Barbershop 2 and went on to front her own television series - True Jackson, VP - for Nickelodeon channel from 2008-11. Is there anything this girl can't do?
Does Keke Palmer sing?
Oh yeah, and to add to her already pretty packed CV, Palmer is an ah-mazing musician. She released an R&B album ‘So Uncool’ in 2007 and showed off her gospel voice in US drama Joyful Noise in 2012 (her cover of Man in the Mirror already has 22 million hits on YouTube). Currently she’s signed to Island Records, and working on her debut album. Watch this space.
**READ MORE: 12 Group Halloween Costumes From 'Scream Queens' To 'Clueless' **
READ MORE: Who Is Natalia Dyer? Everything You Need To Know About The 'Stranger Things' Star