Zendaya is an accomplished American actress and singer.
She boasts an impressive resume, earning recognition such as two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. In 2022, Time magazine honored her as one of the 100 most influential individuals globally.
Early life and Education
Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California, to educators Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman. Her heritage includes African-American roots from her father’s Nigerian ancestry, and German and Scottish ancestry from her mother. Named after the Shona name Tendai, meaning ‘to give thanks’, Zendaya has five older siblings. She attended Fruitvale Elementary School, where her mother taught, and began performing at a young age, joining a hip-hop dance troupe and later studying hula. Inspired by her experiences at the California Shakespeare Theater, she pursued acting and attended Oakland School for the Arts. Despite her early success on stage, Zendaya continued her education, graduating from Oak Park High School in 2015 while also building her acting career.
Career
Zendaya’s career trajectory is nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a fashion model for major brands like Macy’s and Old Navy, she quickly transitioned into acting, making her mark on Disney Channel with roles in “Shake It Up” and “K.C. Undercover.” From there, she ventured into music, releasing her debut album and collaborating with industry heavyweights like Timbaland. Her breakout moment on the big screen came with roles in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “The Greatest Showman,” showcasing her versatility as an actress and singer.
In the Spider-Man franchise, Zendaya portrays the character MJ (Michelle Jones), a classmate and love interest of Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man. Her portrayal brings depth and complexity to the character, with MJ being depicted as intelligent, witty, and independent. Zendaya’s performance adds a modern twist to the classic comic book character, resonating with audiences and earning her widespread acclaim for her portrayal.
Zendaya’s portrayal of Rue in HBO’s “Euphoria” earned her critical acclaim and made her the youngest winner of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She continues to push boundaries, taking on diverse roles in projects like “Malcolm & Marie” and “Dune,” cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s brightest talents.
Zendaya’s influence extends far beyond the screen. She’s been the face of numerous brands, including Beats Electronics, X-Out, Material Girl, CoverGirl, and Chi Hair Care, showcasing her versatility as a model and spokesperson. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch her own shoe collection called Daya and later her clothing line, Daya by Zendaya, which emphasizes gender-fluid fashion and inclusivity. As a fashion icon, Zendaya has been recognized for her impeccable style, earning accolades like being ranked one of the best-dressed women by Net-a-Porter and receiving awards like the Visionary Award at the CNMI Green Carpet Fashion Awards for promoting diversity and inclusion in fashion. Additionally, her commitment to using her platform for positive change was highlighted when she chose to collaborate exclusively with black designers, artists, and creatives for a magazine shoot. Her impact on the fashion industry was further solidified when she became the youngest recipient of the CFDA Fashion Icon award.
Personal life
Zendaya’s personal life reflects her commitment to balance and individuality. With residences in both Los Angeles and Brooklyn, she enjoys the vibrancy of city life on both coasts. As a vegetarian, her lifestyle aligns with her love for animals, showcasing her compassion and ethical choices. Her relationship with Tom Holland, her Spider-Man co-star, became public in November 2021, adding another dimension to her already dynamic life.
Net Worth
Estimated to be over 500,000 dollars