Keke Palmer Shares How Angela Bassett Taught Her How to Cry on Cue in “Akeelah and the Bee”

Keke Palmer has opened up about the invaluable mentorship she received from Angela Bassett during the filming of the 2006 family drama “Akeelah and the Bee.” The two actresses shared the screen in the acclaimed movie, which follows a young girl’s journey to competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Angela Bassett portrayed Palmer’s character’s mother, providing both emotional support and guidance on set.

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Palmer, now 32, reflected on a particularly challenging scene where she needed to cry. She admitted experiencing difficulty in tapping into her emotions on cue. It was Bassett’s support that proved pivotal in helping her navigate this challenging moment. “I remember this scene specifically because I was having a hard time crying, and Angela was like the one that got through to me,” Palmer recounted.

Palmer explained how Bassett started a conversation that prompted her to connect her character’s struggles in the movie with her real-life experiences. Bassett asked Palmer who typically helped her prepare for auditions, to which she replied her mother. From there, the conversation deepened, exploring themes of support and emotional connection. “So your mum does everything for you. She’s the one who makes sure that you are able to do all the things that you love?” Bassett posed, leading Palmer to reflect on her dependency on her mother.

This poignant discussion allowed Palmer to find the emotional undercurrent needed to portray Akeelah’s character authentically. “Angela immediately helped me to tie the emotion of Akeelah, of what she was going through, to my actual life in a way that wasn’t destructive,” Palmer explained. This guidance proved essential for her as a young actress, who, like many, was struggling with the complexities of emotional performance during a critical moment in her career.

Palmer expressed her gratitude for Bassett’s influence, recognising her as one of the first significant teachers in her acting journey, alongside Laurence Fishburne, who also starred in “Akeelah and the Bee.” Their guidance has remained impactful throughout her career, shaping her approach to acting. “When I think about the mentorship that Angela has shown me and what I learned from Laurence Fishburne, those are things that still have stuck with me,” Palmer shared.

Following her breakout role in “Akeelah and the Bee,” Keke Palmer solidified her status in the entertainment industry by landing the title role in Nickelodeon’s popular series “True Jackson, VP.” This role marked a further milestone in her career, showcasing her versatility as both an actress and a performer.

In a previous interview with PEOPLE, Palmer reminisced about the early stages of her career when she was regarded as a “hot” young star. She reflected on the whirlwind of opportunities that came her way, including television roles and music deals. However, the challenges of navigating the transition from child star to adult performer brought uncertainty about her future artistic direction.

Palmer cited this crossroads as a critical time for self-examination. “That was kind of like the peak,” she noted. The transition forced her to reconsider what type of artist she wanted to become, emphasizing the importance of personal growth in the evolving entertainment landscape.

As Keke Palmer continues to thrive in her career, she remains appreciative of the lessons learned from her early experiences and the mentors who guided her. The wisdom imparted by Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne crafted a foundation that has helped define her journey in Hollywood, illustrating the importance of mentorship in fostering new talent in the industry.