Keke Palmer Says Jennifer Lopez Has Become a “Real Mentor”

Keke Palmer says her friendship with Jennifer Lopez has grown into a meaningful mentorship over the years.

Palmer, who starred alongside Lopez in the 2019 film Hustlers, opened up about their close relationship during an Aug. 18 episode of Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast. She said Lopez has been there for her during difficult moments in her personal life, often reaching out with an offer of support.

“We became really close after that,” Palmer said of working with Lopez. “I’ve gone through things in my life where it’s like randomly she’ll be like, ‘Call me if you need me.’ I’ll call her and she’ll give me some real deal and it’s just like she’s a real girl’s girl.”

Palmer said the two first connected on the set of Hustlers, where Lopez noticed her strong work ethic. Although Palmer was a longtime fan of Lopez, she said she made an effort to stay focused on her own work rather than being distracted by the experience of working with a major star.

“We kind of bonded because she saw me on my grind,” Palmer said.

That work ethic impressed Lopez, according to Palmer, and helped build a friendship that continued after filming ended. Palmer described Lopez as someone who genuinely wants to see others succeed.

“She’s a real mentor and she’s like, ‘I want you to win,’” Palmer said.

Lopez is one of several entertainers Palmer considers a role model. She has also named Whoopi Goldberg, Queen Latifah and Nope director Jordan Peele among the people she admires.

Palmer has previously spoken about how nervous she was before filming her first scene with Lopez. At the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival premiere of Hustlers, she recalled that Lopez immediately made her feel welcome.

“My first scene in the film was with her,” Palmer said at the time. “She was letting me know that she was glad I was a part of it and that she thinks we’re going to have a great time.”

Palmer said she appreciated Lopez’s support, particularly because Lopez was one of the central figures behind the film.

Lili Reinhart, another Hustlers star, has also described Lopez as a supportive presence on set. During the film’s 2019 premiere, Reinhart referred to Lopez’s nurturing attitude and said she had a warm energy that made it easy for the cast to connect with her.

Years after Hustlers brought them together, Palmer’s comments show that the professional relationship has developed into a lasting friendship, with Lopez becoming a trusted source of advice and encouragement in Palmer’s life.