At only 13, Ms. Palmer is already a scene stealer |
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Nowadays, from the documentary SPELLBOUND to television shows like "Grey's Anatomy" the subject of spelling bees seems to be a pervasive theme in the world of entertainment.
And, just to be certain there is not a scarcity of cinematic stories devoted to word spelling contests, comes the feature film entitled, AKEELA AND THE BEE—opening in theatres on April 28, 2006. The fictional film of 11-year-old Akeelah Anderson from South Los Angeles, is a Cinderella spelling story of sorts—for soon after discovering her innate talent, she receives the opportunity of a lifetime to compete in the National Spelling Bee.
Thirteen-year-old Keke Palmer–born Lauren Keyana Palmer—carries the film in the lead role of Akeelah while Angela Bassett plays her mother and Laurence Fishburne—her mentor | tutor, Dr. Joshua Larabee. And, though surrounded by renowned actors, Palmer admirably finds a way to hold her own.
Further boosting the star power of AKEELAH AND THE BEE, powerhouse coffee vendor Starbuck's is promoting the film in all of its locations, via their website and in theatres. Hence, it seems almost an understatement to say AKEELAH AND THE BEE is getting substantial advance exposure.
Acting since she was nine-years-old, Palmer, who hails from Harvey, Illinois, landed her first role in the theatrical production of "The Lion King." Taking her from Chicago to Los Angeles, 
AKEELAH AND THE BEE - a coming attraction |
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Palmer, once in the thick of things, auditioned for and won a small, five-line part in BARBER SHOP 2 BACK IN BUSINESS.
These five short line garnered Palmer national attention and the chance to go on and star in commercials and made-for-television films- including "The Wool Cap" starring William H. Macy. For her stellar performance she was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Movie Made for Television, in addition to, a Screen Actors Guild Nomination in the same category.
Presently she is working on a pilot for her own television series and feature films-which along with AKEELAH AND THE BEE include: KINGHTS OF SOUTH BRONX with Ted Danson and MEDEA'S FAMILY REUNION with Blair Underwood and Lynn Whitfield.
What more Palmer, a 98 pound, sixth grader, is not just an actress but she is also a dancer, singer | songwriter who recorded an original piece of music for AKEELAH AND THE BEE and was recently put under contract with Atlantic Records. Plus, further adding to her impressive roster of credits, Palmer—a strong advocate of education, frequently speaks to elementary students about the merits of reading.
While she may presently be a lightweight in terms of size, Palmer is soon sure to be a heavyweight in Hollywood.
Can you spell-S-C-E-N-E S-T-E-A-L-E-R?....
Keke Palmer on Matchflick
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A capsulized profile on an emerging talent, i.e., actor/director in the film world and a snippet as to why he or she is destined to soon become a household name.
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| Nancy Simon |
A Chicago-based freelance writer and film enthusiast, Nancy has an insatiable curiousity and knack for picking out talented, promising individuals.
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