“True Jackson, VP”’s Greg Proops Recalls Working with ‘Astonishing’ Keke Palmer, Says Show Was ‘So Much Fun’ (Exclusive)

The Nickelodeon series ‘True Jackson, VP’, which entertained audiences from 2008 until 2011, holds fond memories for comedian Greg Proops, who expressed his desire for the show to have continued for a couple more years. Speaking to PEOPLE, Proops shared his experiences on the set of the show, reminiscing about the camaraderie he shared with a talented cast and crew, particularly with stars Keke Palmer and Ashley Argota.

Proops, who is perhaps best known for his role on ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’, played the quirky character Max Madigan, the boss of Palmer’s character, True Jackson, who was just 15 when the series began. His reflections revealed a warm, joyful atmosphere on set, where laughter and supportive relationships flourished. However, amidst the fun, he was not exempt from playful teasing from his younger co-stars.

“I would see Ashley and Keke in the corner with their heads together, caballing, to come up with some joke for me,” Proops recounted, humorously noting how they would often ask him questions like, “What was Abraham Lincoln like?” Their light-hearted banter about his age was a recurring theme throughout the series’ run.

Despite the humour, Proops acknowledged the challenges faced by child actors in the industry. He praised both Palmer and Argota for their resilience, noting, “They’d had a very rarefied life and the fact that they’ve come out as talented as they are is a real triumph because they’ve had a lot of adversity.” He went on to emphasise that navigating fame as a young star is fraught with difficulties, making their accomplishments all the more commendable.

The atmosphere on set was not just one of laughter; Proops described it as an environment marked by creativity and collaboration. “Our producers were wonderful, and we had a lot of great writers, and I enjoyed going to work every week,” he shared. His affection for the show was evident, as he lamented its premature end: “I wish that it had run a couple more years, to be honest, because I really enjoyed doing it.”

Proops highlighted Palmer’s extraordinary talents, pointing out that she not only excelling in her acting roles but also shone as a singer and dancer. He admired her work ethic, recalling instances when she would master multiple pages of dialogue with remarkable ease. “She’s a highly motivated and articulate woman,” he remarked, showcasing his respect for her abilities.

In addition to Palmer and Argota, the cast featured a host of other talented individuals, including Matt Shively, Dan Kopelman, and Robbie Amell, all of whom Proops described as “horribly overtalented.” The comedian’s comments reflect the competitive nature of the industry, where he found the skill levels of his young co-stars to be quite intimidating.

Palmer’s career trajectory has been impressive since the show concluded, with the actress consistently landing new film and television roles. Proops noted that he occasionally reconnects with her, highlighting her friendly demeanour despite her busy schedule. “She’s always got a new movie out,” he added, exemplifying her relentless drive and versatility.

As ‘True Jackson, VP’ celebrates its legacy, both Proops and fans of the show can appreciate the unique moments and connections established during its run. With a richness of talent both in the writing room and on-screen, the series provided a platform for young artists to shine, paving the way for numerous successful careers in entertainment.

With Proops’s fond reflections, it becomes clear that ‘True Jackson, VP’ was not just another kids’ show but a cherished part of many lives. Its mix of comedy, friendship, and talent left a lasting imprint on those who were a part of it and its viewers alike.