It’s been 16 years since actors Keke Palmer and Angela Bassett graced the same big screen. Nonetheless, fans haven’t forgotten their undeniable chemistry, showcased through their mother-and-daughter relationship in Akeelah and the Bee. Nor can they forget Palmer’s stunningly impressive impersonation skills of Bassett.
The 29-year-old showed off her talent on WIRED and reenacted Bassett’s performance in The Jacksons: An American Dream and What’s Love Got to Do with It.
To no one’s surprise, Palmer killed her impersonation of the 64-year-old and the internet hasn’t let her escape the astonishing skill since.
Wow, that’s a damn good impression. Angela has a bassy tone to her voice and Keke nails the low booming vibe to really nail it.
Wow, she’s good. I love Angela’s voice so much so the fact that Keke can do it is an A+ from me
Bassett Has Seen Palmer’s Imitation Videos
The actors finally reunited in an exclusive sit-down with Vanity Fair. Aside from touching on their similar appearance, the pair also addressed Palmer’s impersonation of Bassett.
I’ve seen you online… You do a great job… A friend of mine in DC, she sent it to me. I didn’t know what it was, it was on Instagram or something. And I looked and of course, it was like, hearts, hearts, hearts, hearts. I love it. I adore it.
Palmer replied, saying that the skill is one of her “most notable impressions.” One, that she only used to do for Queen Latifah.
I just recently started doing it online and everything but whenever we worked together — I did it for her one time and she’d be ‘Do Angela, do Angela.’
Bassett then had to see it for herself.
Okay, so Keke… we are here together. You’re finally here. I don’t have to watch you online. I can actually see it right here before me. Don’t be shy — you’re not shy at all.
Palmer enacted her impersonation of Bassett in The Jacksons: An American Dream. Bassett even chimed in.
Yes, Angela Bassett has seen Keke Palmer’s impression of her—and she adores it.
Almost two decades since they played mother and daughter in ‘Akeelah and the Bee,’ the two megastars reunite. https://t.co/O1i2rwGb3h pic.twitter.com/XTLC0o3Uj0
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) December 2, 2022
Roommates, how do you feel about this moment between the two actors?