Zendaya is one of the most versatile and talented young stars in Hollywood today. She has proven herself as an actress, singer, dancer, producer, and fashion icon. But how did she get to where she is now? Let’s take a look at her amazing journey from a child model to an Emmy winner.
Early Life and Career
Zendaya was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California, to teachers Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman. Her name means “to give thanks” in the language of the African Shona tribe. She has five older siblings and grew up in a multicultural household. She attended Fruitvale Elementary School, where her mother taught for two decades. She also studied at the Oakland School for the Arts and the American Conservatory Theater.
Zendaya began her career as a child model, working for brands like Macy’s, Mervyns, and Old Navy. She also joined a hip-hop dance troupe called Future Shock Oakland and performed hula with the Academy of Hawaiian Arts. She made her television debut as Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up (2010–2013), alongside Bella Thorne.
The show was a hit and launched Zendaya’s musical career as well. She released the singles “Swag It Out” and “Watch Me” in 2011, and signed with Hollywood Records in 2012. Her self-titled debut album came out in 2013, featuring the hit song “Replay”.
Breakthrough and Success
Zendaya’s popularity soared when she competed on the sixteenth season of Dancing with the Stars in 2013. She finished as the runner-up, impressing the judges and the audience with her skills and charisma. She then went on to produce and star as K.C. Cooper in the Disney Channel spy comedy K.C. Undercover (2015–2018).
She also ventured into the big screen, landing roles in the superhero film Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and its sequels, as Michelle “MJ” Jones, and in the musical drama The Greatest Showman (2017), as Anne Wheeler, opposite Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron. She also collaborated with Efron on the song “Rewrite the Stars”, which became a global hit.
Zendaya’s most acclaimed role to date is Rue Bennett, a troubled drug-addicted teenager, in the HBO teen drama series Euphoria (2019–present). The show explores the dark and realistic issues faced by modern youth, such as addiction, sexuality, trauma, and social media.
Zendaya’s performance earned her rave reviews and numerous awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, making her the youngest person to win the category. She also wrote and performed several songs for the show’s soundtrack, such as “All for Us” and “Labrinth”.
Zendaya continued to showcase her range and versatility in other film projects, such as the romantic drama Malcolm & Marie (2021), which she also produced, and the science fiction epic Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024), based on the novel by Frank Herbert. She also voiced characters in animated films, such as Smallfoot (2018) and The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021).
Personal Life and Influence
Zendaya is not only a talented entertainer, but also a passionate activist and role model. She is an ambassador for Convoy of Hope, a humanitarian organization that provides food, water, and education to impoverished communities. She also supports causes such as animal rights, environmentalism, feminism, and Black Lives Matter.
She has spoken out against racism, sexism, and bullying, and has encouraged her fans to embrace their diversity and individuality. She has also launched her own clothing line, Daya by Zendaya, which reflects her personal style and vision.
Zendaya is widely admired and respected by her peers and fans alike. She has been named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine, and has received numerous honors and accolades, such as the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, the Teen Choice Awards, the People’s Choice Awards, and the NAACP Image Awards. She has also graced the covers of various magazines, such as Vogue, Elle, Glamour, and GQ.
Zendaya is a shining example of what it means to be a successful, confident, and inspiring young woman in the 21st century. She has achieved so much in her career, and has also used her platform to make a positive difference in the world. She is truly a star that we can all look up to and learn from.
Who Is Zendaya Dating
Zendaya is dating her Spider-Man co-star, Tom Holland, and has been for over two years now. They confirmed their relationship in 2021, when they were spotted kissing in their car and subsequently went Instagram official. They are both very private about their personal life, but they have also shown their affection and support for each other in public events and interviews. Zendaya and Tom Holland are a very cute and successful couple.
Zendaya Movies And Tv Shows
Zendaya is a very successful and acclaimed actress and singer. She has starred in many movies and TV shows, such as:
Euphoria: A teen drama series on HBO, where Zendaya plays Rue Bennett, a troubled drug-addicted teenager. She won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her performance.
Spider-Man: A superhero film franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where Zendaya plays MJ, a smart and sarcastic classmate of Peter Parker (Spider-Man).
The Greatest Showman: A musical drama film inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum, where Zendaya plays Anne Wheeler, a trapeze artist and love interest of Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron).
Malcolm & Marie : A romantic drama film on Netflix, where Zendaya plays Marie, a former actress and girlfriend of Malcolm (John David Washington), a filmmaker. She also produced the film.
Dune : A science fiction epic film based on the novel by Frank Herbert, where Zendaya plays Chani, a warrior and love interest of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet).
Zendaya Awards And Accolades
Zendaya is a very successful and acclaimed actress and singer. She has won many awards and nominations for her work in television, film, and music. Some of her most notable achievements are:
She won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Rue Bennett in Euphoria.
She won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama for the same role.
She won a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as MJ in Spider-Man: Far from Home.
She won a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Actress for her role as Marie in Malcolm & Marie.
She won a CFDA Fashion Award for Fashion Icon in 2020.
She was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2022.
Zendaya is a talented and inspiring star who has achieved a lot in her career and has used her platform to make a positive difference in the world.
What Is Zendaya's Net Worth?
Zendaya’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million as of 2024. She has earned her wealth from her successful career as an actress, singer, dancer, producer, and fashion icon. She has starred in popular movies and TV shows, such as Spider-Man, Dune, Euphoria, and The Greatest Showman, and has also released her own music and clothing line. Zendaya is one of the most influential and versatile young stars in Hollywood today.
Controversy And Activism Of Zendaya
Zendaya is a popular and influential actress and singer who has also been vocal about various social issues and causes. However, she does not consider herself an activist, because she believes that is a lifestyle and a choice that she has not fully committed to. She says she is just a person who has a heart and wants to do the right thing.
Some of the issues and causes that Zendaya has spoken out about or supported are:
Black Lives Matter: Zendaya has expressed her support for the movement and has used her platform to raise awareness and educate her fans about racism and police brutality. She has also collaborated with Patrisse Cullors, the co-founder of the movement, and donated to various organizations that fight for racial justice.
Animal rights: Zendaya is a vegetarian and an animal lover. She has advocated for animal welfare and has partnered with the Humane Society of the United States to promote the adoption of shelter animals.
Environmentalism: Zendaya is concerned about the impact of climate change and pollution on the planet. She has participated in campaigns and events that promote environmental awareness and sustainability, such as the UNAIDS Gala and the Green Carpet Fashion Awards .
Feminism: Zendaya is a proud feminist and a role model for young girls. She has spoken about the importance of gender equality and empowerment, and has challenged the stereotypes and expectations that society imposes on women. She has also supported organizations that empower women and girls, such as Girl Up and the Lower Eastside Girls Club .
Zendaya has also faced some controversies and criticisms in her career, such as:
Her casting as MJ in Spider-Man: Some fans of the comic book character were unhappy with Zendaya being cast as MJ, a character who is traditionally portrayed as a white redhead. They accused the filmmakers of being politically correct and changing the character’s race. Zendaya responded by saying that she is not playing Mary Jane Watson, but a different character named Michelle Jones, who goes by MJ. She also said that she does not let the negativity affect her, and that she is proud of her role .
Her dreadlocks at the Oscars: Zendaya wore dreadlocks to the 2015 Academy Awards, and received a rude comment from Giuliana Rancic, a host of Fashion Police, who said that she looked like she smelled of “patchouli oil and weed”. Zendaya called out the remark as ignorant and offensive, and said that dreadlocks are a symbol of strength and beauty for many people. She also received support from many celebrities and fans who praised her for her hairstyle and her response .
Her photoshoot for Wonderland: Zendaya posed for the cover of Wonderland magazine in 2016, and some people accused her of lightening her skin tone and altering her features to look more white. Zendaya denied the accusations and said that the lighting and the angle of the photo made her look different. She also said that she loves her skin color and her heritage, and that she would never change them for anyone .
Conclusion
Zendaya is a remarkable young woman who has achieved so much in her career and life. She is a talented and versatile entertainer, a passionate and outspoken activist, and a stylish and confident icon. She has inspired millions of people around the world with her art and her voice.
She has also faced challenges and controversies with grace and courage. She is a star that shines bright and makes the world a better place. Zendaya is truly a role model for everyone, and we can all learn from her amazing journey.
