Keke Palmer Breaks Her Silence on ‘Unhealthy’ Relationship with Ex Darius Jackson: ‘Hardest Thing I Ever Had to Go Through’ (Exclusive)

At 31,Keke Palmeris already on hersecond book about her life, and rightly so. “Nowthatlady has a story to tell,” she says of herself in a campy retro broadcast voice while all decked out in Old Hollywood glamour for her PEOPLE cover shoot at her Los Angeles home. She’s joking but it’s true. The award-winning actress, singer and media power player has lived a life that belies her years — and one that has brought her to her knees many times over.

Keke Palmer Recalls How Ryan Murphy ‘Ripped’ Into Her onScream QueensSet

Keke Palmer; Ryan Murphy.Photo:Taylor Hill/getty (2) Taylor Hill/getty (2) Speaking to theLos Angeles Timesin an interview published on Sunday, Nov. 10, theNopeactress, 31, discussed a few topics from her upcoming memoirMaster of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative, which will be released on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Palmer, who starred as Zayday Williams inScream Queensfor two seasons in 2015 and 2016, recalled missing work due to a scheduling mishap — and how the show’s co-creator, 59, wasn’t too happy about it.

Keke Palmer Says Her Parents Advised Her to Turn Down Teen 'Drug Dealer' Role in Ryan Gosling'sHalf Nelson

Keke Palmer and her mother Sharon Palmer; Ryan Gosling in 2006’s Half Nelson.Photo:Michael Bezjian/WireImage; Journeyman/Kobal/Shutterstock Michael Bezjian/WireImage; Journeyman/Kobal/Shutterstock Keke Palmer’s parents had a say in what types of roles she took on as a child actress.In Palmer’s recent interview withThe Cutsurrounding the release of her new comedyOne of Them Days, the actress, 31, recalled auditioning for a number of movie parts after she initially broke out as the 12-year-old star of 2005’sAkeelah and the Bee.

Keke Palmer Scores Style Points in Black Corset Dress as She Wins Entertainer of the Year at 2025 NAACP Image Awards

Keke Palmermade a sexy fashion statement at theNAACP Image Awards! The multi-hyphenate star, 31, pulled off a glam moment in a corset mini dress and a statement necklace as she received the award for entertainer of the year at the annual awards show on Saturday, Feb. 22. Keke Palmer.Unique Nicole/WireImage Unique Nicole/WireImage The actress and podcaster sported long straighthoney copper hairand sported a deep red smoky eye and shiny nude lipstick.

Keke Palmer Shares How Being the Victim of Child-on-Child Molestation Impacted Her Life: 'I Felt Out of Control' (Exclusive)

Keke Palmerexperienced extreme highs and lows during her childhood. The second-oldest of four children born to Sharon, a teacher, and Larry, a Catholic deacon, Palmer, 31, whose birth name is Lauren, grew up in a small town outside Chicago. “We were impoverished, but I felt so much love and a rich sense of community,” the actress tells PEOPLE inthis week’s cover story. Keke Palmer with her parents Sharon and Larry Palmer and siblings, Loreal, Lawrence, and Lawrencia.