Keke Palmer’s Son Leo Steals the Spotlight as He Giggles on Camera

Keke Palmer may be known for her quick wit and big-screen performances, but her 2-year-old son, Leodis “Leo” Jackson, just proved he might have the star power to outshine her.

On Monday, October 6, Palmer shared a video of herself with Leo that quickly lit up Instagram.

The Nope actress sat in a chair after finishing hair and makeup, while Leo—dressed in a Gucci T-shirt, bright orange pants, and rocking neat braids—sat on her lap. What started as a simple attempt to snap a few photos turned into full-blown comedy.

The toddler leaned into the moment, letting out exaggerated belly laughs while peeking 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.

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As Leo belted out his now-iconic “ah, ha, ha, HA!” between little kicks of his feet, Palmer doubled over, unable to stop laughing herself. “I can’t stop laughing,” she admitted in the video, proving that sometimes her best co-star is her own son.

But the post wasn’t just about fun. In her caption, Palmer also addressed the realities of being a single mom. “This is to all my mothers doing it on their own,” she wrote, adding that while motherhood is difficult in any situation, her focus remains on strength 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 filled with love, including a sweet “Too. Cute” from actress Vanessa Hudgens and dozens of fans noting that Leo is the spitting image of his mom.

Palmer shares Leo with ex Darius Jackson, whom she split from in 2023 following a series of public disagreements.

According to E! News, their relationship came under heavy scrutiny after Jackson criticized Palmer online for her outfit choice at Usher’s Las Vegas residency, writing at the time, “It’s the outfit tho…you a mom.” The two later separated, and Palmer filed for custody of Leo in late 2023.

Despite the drama, Palmer has made clear that her son is her top priority. At the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture, she encouraged working mothers to release the guilt that often comes with balancing parenting and a career. “Your child is your child because you were meant to be their parent,” she said.