Jumping for Her Dreams

Thirteen-year-old Keke Palmer does more than just memorize her lines—she practically becomes her character. When the Illinois native starred in the hit film, Akeelah and the Bee, she studied so many spelling lists she could even rattle off dictionary words like “synecdoche” and “xanthosis”! With that flashcard experience behind her, Keke tackled yet another onscreen challenge—the role of double Dutch dazzler Mary in Disney Channel’s Jump In! How did Keke prepare for this difficult role, and which High School Musical star stopped by the set to hang out? Jump on in for the scoop!

How did you prepare for your role in Jump In!?

I practiced double Dutch in Los Angeles for two weeks with Corbin [Bleu]. I already knew how to double Dutch—I was just practicing tricks and stuff like that.

What did you learn about yourself while making the movie?

I already knew that I could do something if I really put my mind to it. But I had to do a really hard trick in the film: push-ups while jumping rope. I was trying so hard but I could never really get it. When it was time to do the trick on film I thought, I’m gonna get it! So we were shooting the scene and I just jumped into the rope…and I did it! I thought, Wow! If I try hard and believe that I can do something, I really can do it!

Does Jump In! have a message?

Yes. People may think that double Dutch is for girls and that guys should do sports like boxing and basketball, but if you find something that you really, really like, you should do it no matter what people say. You should make decisions that make you happy.

What went on behind the scenes?

There were so many kids! We were all in the same hotel so we’d go to someone’s room and play Family Feud or charades. And Corbin and Patrick Johnson, who plays the mean kid in the film, would always go to the movies and the mall together. And Zac Efron was filming Hairspray nearby, so he would come to the hotel and play cards with Corbin.

What was it like to meet Zac Efron?

I was actually double Dutching really fast when Zac came to the shoot. I just saw this guy out of the corner of my eye and thought, Oh, cool hair. I really didn’t realize it was him so I just kept jumping! Later, Corbin came up to me with Zac and said, “Hey, this is Zac Efron,” and I was like, “Oh, cool! Nice to meet you.” He’s a really cool guy—he doesn’t act like he was in a big movie like High School Musical.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

There was this really cute guy in a scene I was filming one time. He asked me how old I was and I thought that meant he really liked me, so I just smiled and didn’t say anything. Then he said, “I’m gonna be”—and then he smiled but didn’t say his age—“next month.” So he was mimicking me! I could not believe he did that! I just wanted to curl up in a ball!

As a young actress, do you feel a responsibility to set an example?

Girls will come up to me and say, “I love your movies! I want to be just like you when I grow up!” I’m so happy that I can show people who I am through my work and have people want to be like me. But at the same time, I want to say, “Be yourself, and follow your dreams. Let them lead you to where you want to be.”

How would you encourage a girl who dreams of becoming an actress?

If acting is something you want to do, just try your best, and if you don’t get something, don’t take it personally. That’s definitely the attitude you need to have or you’d be sad all the time! There was this one audition I went on and I thought, “I think I’m going to get this!” And my mom is always saying, “Don’t get too excited because you never know—you might not get it and you don’t want to feel bad.” But I still thought, “I know I’m going to get it…” and then I didn’t! I found out later that I was too tall. So there’s always something—it’s not always your acting. It might be your height, or maybe your eyes aren’t green enough. It could be something you can’t control. And you should never say, “I wish I looked like this,” because you are beautiful as you are!