Keke Palmer recently shared a heartfelt story on The Toast podcast about how a phone call from Will Smith helped her during a difficult time in her career as a young Hollywood star.
The actress, known for her role in True Jackson, VP, revealed that at 17, she considered emancipating herself from her parents due to the challenges of navigating the pressures of fame.
However, her perspective shifted after receiving an unexpected call from the Oscar-winning actor.
Keke recounted the moment, explaining that she initially ignored a call from an unfamiliar number, but when she listened to the voicemail from Will Smith, it changed her mindset.
In the message, Will, who was working on The Karate Kid with his son Jaden, offered words of encouragement, having learned about Keke’s struggles from her lawyer. His message was simple but impactful:
“Hey, Keke. It’s Will… I just want you to know 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.
Just keep staying focused, love on your family, and y’all gonna be good.”
Keke shared how her experience as a child star felt isolating, especially when her parents struggled to fully understand the pressures she was facing. She admitted that she even considered distancing herself from them during this time.
However, Will’s encouragement reminded her to stay focused on family and persevere through the difficulties.
Despite the challenges of growing up in Hollywood, Keke expressed gratitude for the support of her family, particularly her parents, who worked hard to protect her from the harsh realities of the entertainment industry.
She acknowledged the importance of their efforts to help her process her experiences and maintain her self-esteem amidst the pressures of fame.
Also read: Michelle Yeoh Reflects On The Heartbreak Of Not Having Children
