Keke Palmer Opens Up About 'Necessary Loss' & Having To 'Grow Up Early'

Keke Palmer is sharing the untold story of her life.

While being one of Hollywood's most talented and successful stars, her journey to the top has not been easy. With unflinching honesty, the actress opens up about the challenges she faced and the invaluable life lessons she gained along the way. 

Taking to her Instagram page, the singer shared a heartfelt video in which she candidly delved into the concept of "necessary loss." Looking stunning with her full glam and impeccably styled hair, the "Akeelah and the Bee" star started the clip in her signature hilarious way before recalling a conversation with a friend.

In their chat, Palmer noted how "in life, a lot of times we could be so hard on ourselves." She revealed that a book by Judith Viorst titled "Necessary Losses" apparently tackles the idea that certain losses are an essential part of our growth journey. The mother-of-one emphasized:

"No matter what you've been through, no matter what different pathways and byways and highways you've had to experience, it was all necessary for you to become the mature, wise, and fabulous individual you are today."

In the caption, the 29-year-old shared a deeply personal experience of a "necessary loss" in their life — their childhood. She emphatically explained:

"Going to work early, paying bills early, experiencing things I sometimes wished I hadn't so soon. I used to think well if that hadn't happened, maybe it'd be different or I'd be different … but the truth is, our childhoods and our childhood thinking is a necessary loss for all of us, no matter when it happens. We all have to grow up at some point…" 

The "Nope" lead admitted that as one ages, it is natural to cling to our former selves before life's expectations and harsh realities disrupted our dreams. However, upon reflection, one discovers that those hard lessons and truths were integral to becoming the person they are today. 

In response, her followers shared their admiration in the comments, like this fan who called her "so anointed and so funny," expressing gratitude for the inspiring words. One supporter complimented her, stating, "You are an adorable, intelligent gem," and another shared their own similar experience, noting"

"The loss of my health triggered me to want to help other disabled people, and now I'm a sick b*tch who runs her own law and consulting firm." 

Meanwhile, a fourth also dished on what they had gone through, humorously writing, "Girl, them relationships I thought were the one…." 

During an episode of "The Envelope" podcast by the Los Angeles Times, the "Rags" actress expressed gratitude towards her parents because of how they made sure she was not "exploited in ways that made me feel less as a person" as a child actor. 

Speaking to the co-host Yvonne Villareal, she clarified, "The exploitation, I don't think it's always this terrifying thing. I think sometimes, many of the times, it is, but other times, it's just kind of like a part of it."

Reflecting on her early roles, the "Shrink" star noted, "They really, they were careful about the ways in which I was being put on display that it was something that, in the end, that I could be proud of." 

After the Supreme Court's majority ruling declared that allowing race to influence admissions decisions was unconstitutional, the "Jump In!" star promptly reacted to the judgment. She shared her frustration in a video with an overlay message questioning, "WHAT IS GOING ON!?!? As a millennial, I've had ENOUGH."

Recalling her conversation with Vice President Kamala Harris, she highlighted the ongoing tragedies African-Americans face, leading to a lack of trust in the government. 

Palmer emphasized that people "want us to be involved and want us to be engaged, and we would like to, but it's hard to be involved and engaged when there's so much distrust." She expressed concern over recent developments like the overturning of Roe v. Wade, half-jokingly wondering if society was on the verge of being segregated again.

In the passionate outburst, the "Winx Club" actress noted her growing concern that nothing feels safe anymore. Frustrated by the apparent lack of results, she questioned whether more drastic actions were needed, suggesting:

"At this point, do I need to run up on them? Do I need to run up into the building? Because none of this is working."