Keke Palmer might be celebrated for her humor and on-screen charm, but her 2-year-old son, Leodis “Leo” Jackson, just showed he might be the real scene-stealer.
On Monday, October 6, Palmer posted an adorable video with Leo that instantly captured hearts on Instagram.
The Nope star was sitting in a chair after finishing her hair and makeup when her 2-year-old son, Leo—dressed in a Gucci T-shirt, bright orange pants, and neat braids—climbed onto her lap. What started as a quick photo session soon turned into a full-on comedy show.
The toddler leaned into the spotlight, bursting into dramatic belly laughs while sneaking glances at his mom to make sure she was watching. “Omg I think my baby is a performer yall! Hahahahahah!!! Yall see him putting on for the camera???” Palmer captioned the clip.
As Leo let out his now-iconic “ah, ha, ha, HA!” between playful kicks, Palmer couldn’t hold back her own laughter. “I can’t stop laughing,” she admitted in the video, showing that her best scene partner might just be her son.
Still, the post carried more than laughs. In her caption, Palmer took a moment to celebrate single mothers, writing, “This is to all my mothers doing it on their own.” She acknowledged that motherhood is tough in any situation but emphasized resilience and gratitude: “You are doing good. You are capable. Your baby does love you. Your sacrifices are accounted for. God is with you.”
The comments were flooded with love, including a “Too. Cute” from Vanessa Hudgens and fans pointing out how much Leo looks like his famous mom.
Palmer shares Leo with her ex, Darius Jackson, whom she split from in 2023 after a string of public disputes.
As reported by E! News, their relationship drew attention when Jackson publicly criticized Palmer’s outfit at Usher’s Las Vegas show, writing, “It’s the outfit tho… you a mom.” The two later separated, and Palmer filed for custody of Leo in late 2023.
Despite the ups and downs, Palmer has been vocal about keeping her son at the center of her world. Speaking at the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture, she encouraged working moms to let go of guilt over juggling career and parenthood. “Your child is your child because you were meant to be their parent,” she said.
