Inside Keke Palmer and Jennifer Lopez’s ‘Dope’ Friendship After Hustlers: “We Just Had That Kind of Vibe”

When Keke Palmer first stepped onto the set of Hustlers in 2019, she was already a longtime admirer of Jennifer Lopez. The film — a crime comedy-drama inspired by the real-life exploits of New York City strippers — brought together a powerhouse cast, but it also sparked a personal connection between Palmer and Lopez that has only grown deeper over the years.

In the five years since Hustlers premiered, their bond has evolved from on-set camaraderie into what Palmer now calls a “dope” friendship — one marked by mentorship, generosity, and an effortless vibe that defies the Hollywood stereotype.

A Connection Born on Set
Their friendship began with simple acts of kindness. Palmer still recalls the wrap gifts Lopez gave the Hustlers cast: Swarovski crystal-encrusted thermoses and lingerie from Agent Provocateur. The gesture wasn’t just about luxury — it was about thoughtfulness, setting the tone for how Lopez would treat her colleagues.

In a November 2024 interview with People, Palmer explained that Lopez immediately opened her door, both literally and figuratively. “We just had that kind of vibe where she was like, ‘I’m here for whatever you need. Come on to the house. Like, here’s my team. What can we do? How can we produce more with you?’”

From early on, Palmer saw Lopez not just as “J. Lo the star” but as a personal and supportive presence.

Friendship in Action
Their rapport was visible even during the Hustlers press tour. In one 2019 Instagram video, the pair laughed and posed in matching Hustlers-branded jackets — a playful display of the easy connection they’d found.

That connection carried forward well beyond the film. In 2024, Lopez invited Palmer to join her semi-autobiographical musical film This Is Me…Now: A Love Story, casting her as Scorpio in the film’s Zodiac Council. And in a move that went far beyond professional courtesy, Lopez rented a theater to give Palmer a private screening — complete with space for Palmer’s 21-month-old son, Leo, to be comfortable.

A Mentor and a Cheerleader
Palmer has repeatedly praised Lopez’s encouragement and willingness to create opportunities. Speaking to People in March 2024, she said, “I love J. Lo. I always loved her growing up, and then we became really cool on Hustlers. She’s always given me an opportunity to shine.”

Media outlets from Yahoo to SheKnows have noted the mutual respect that defines their friendship. While Palmer admires Lopez’s career longevity, she’s equally impressed by Lopez’s authenticity off-camera.

Spanning Generations
At 31, Palmer represents a younger generation of multi-hyphenate talent, while Lopez, 55, brings decades of experience in music, film, and business. The 24-year age gap underscores Lopez’s role as a mentor — someone who can offer perspective on navigating an industry that can be as unforgiving as it is glamorous.

A Friendship That’s More Than Hollywood
For Palmer, Lopez’s support is more than professional; it’s personal. Whether it’s through collaborative projects or quiet gestures of care, Lopez has shown herself to be a consistent ally. And for Lopez, the friendship is another example of how meaningful connections in the entertainment world can thrive — when they’re built on respect, generosity, and genuine affection.

As Palmer puts it, they “just had that kind of vibe.” And in Hollywood, that kind of bond is more than dope — it’s rare.

If you’d like, I could also create a timeline graphic of their friendship milestones from Hustlers to This Is Me…Now, which would make for a strong visual companion to this piece.