Keke Palmer Shares Will Smith's Impact

Keke Palmer, the 31-year-old actress known for her role in 'Akeelah and the Bee,' considered seeking emancipation from her parents during her teenage years due to the pressures of fame. During this challenging period, she received a voicemail from Will Smith, who was informed of her struggles by her lawyer. Smith's message encouraged her to stay focused and support her family, offering reassurance as he advised, 'Sometimes it's hard being the first, but you'll get through.' This pivotal moment led Palmer to reconsider her decision to pursue emancipation, realizing that her struggles were part of her journey and not a reason to sever family ties. She shared this experience on the podcast 'The Toast' as part of promoting her book, 'Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative.'