17 of Keke Palmer's Best Movie and TV Roles

Palmer has displayed serious acting chops while working with legends since day one. She had her breakthrough role in "Akeelah and the Bee," starring as Akeelah, a bright girl from South LA who discovers her gift for spelling and hopes to compete in the National Spelling Bee. With the help of her mother, played by the illustrious Angela Bassett, her teacher (Laurence Fishburne), and her supportive community, Akeelah might just achieve her dream of becoming a spelling champion. The role earned Palmer her first NAACP Image Award.