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College student asked Keke Palmer out through social media—he was not at all prepared for her response

The man had recently learned that the actress was not married and decided to 'shoot his shot.'
PUBLISHED 3 HOURS AGO
(L) Keke Palmer arrives at the Regal LA Live on July 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (R) A man proposing to someone. Representative Cover Image Source: Steve Granitz; Pexels | Anna Pou
(L) Keke Palmer arrives at the Regal LA Live on July 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (R) A man proposing to someone. Representative Cover Image Source: Steve Granitz; Pexels | Anna Pou

A person might experience unexpected things when they decide to take a chance on themselves. A college student also had such an experience when he decided to ask Keke Palmer, an American actress and television personality, out on a date. The man, Cole Smith, had recently learned that the actress was not married after she attended "Hot Ones" with host Sean Evans. He decided to "shoot his shot" through TikTok, where he goes by @thefakecolesmith. His video garnered 13.3 million views and reached the actress. Palmer's response turned out to be the highlight of the whole saga.

Keke Palmer speaks on stage at Up Close & Personal: In My Studio With… Keke Palmer and Tayla Parx at The Village Recording Studio on August 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Keke Palmer speaks on stage at Up Close & Personal: In My Studio With… Keke Palmer and Tayla Parx at The Village Recording Studio on August 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

"This message is for Ms. Keke Palmer," Cole began. The 21-year-old saw the actress on "Hot Ones" with Sean Evans. He noticed that they were being really "flirty" with each other after the host admitted that he had a crush on her. "Damn, that's crazy, she's married," Cole said out loud. His friend clarified that she was actually not married. The man was surprised to know that he had been wrong this entire time. "What am I doing with my life? I am throwing my hat in the ring. I got fedoras, I got golf visors, I got sombreros, all of the hats," the comedian joked. "Sean Evans is a great guy, but wouldn't you rather be with a college student who forgot to shave this morning? Look at that scruff."


@thefakecolesmith Please help me get this to @Keke Palmer I will never ask for anything ever again I have to shoot my shot #kekepalmer #hotones #seanevans #shootmyshot ♬ original sound - Cole Smith

 

Cole continued that he might be 11 years younger and in a relationship. "Do I have a bunch of spicy wings to offer you? No. But I'd have a Nutrigrain Bar. I think this is a raspberry and it is a little broken. But if we can make this work, I promise I'll get you a full one," the man said, making a case for himself. "So you can just let me know. I have Skype, I don't know." The caption read, "Please help me get this to Keke Palmer. I will never ask for anything ever again. I have to shoot my shot." The actress replied to the video through her account, @kekeplamer. "How you doing young man? I heard all the nice things you said about me and you're so bold for doing so," Palmer remarked.

"I was kinda gagged when I found out I was 11 years older than you. That means when you were born, I was already winning spelling bees. That means, when you were learning how to talk, I was already jumping rope," the actress went on. "The point is, while I'm open for a little swirl or two, the truth is, I'm not ready to be a cougar, I'm not ready just yet. But if I was, you'd be the first one I was calling and we'd be munching on that Nutribar together." Cole uploaded another video and was quite surprised that he actually got a response. "I am not saying this is the highlight of my life, but this is the highlight of my life." He added, "My heart stopped beating. This has made my year, if not my decade, if not my life. In 10 years, when I tape my first standup special, you are going to have a ticket with your name on it."

Image Source: TikTok | @alicakes_
Image Source: TikTok | @alicakes_

Image Source: TikTok | @the_evolution_of_bee
Image Source: TikTok | @the_evolution_of_bee

@kekepalmer commented on the video, "I can’t wait to come watch you shine, you are funny! See you in ten, Sir." @nutrigrain wrote, "Happy to say we’ve been here from the start." @vitaminbri6 remarked, "For the sake of all of our mental health in today’s world, I pray you two keep this bit going. It's too good." @dr_goldie remarked, "Why do I love his whole humor! He is funny! And Keke is the best for this!" @scarletk369 shared, "No, I totally get why she responded! Aside from the actual sincere compliment from a fan, you have smart humor, charm, your boldness showed confidence and you have enough humility to not be obnoxious!"


@thefakecolesmith AINT NO WAY KEKE PALMER RESPONDED TO ME!!! #keke #kekepalmer #shootmyshot @Keke Palmer @Nutri-Grain ♬ original sound - Cole Smith

 

You can follow Cole Smith (@thefakecolesmith) on TikTok for more lifestyle content.

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