From beloved Disney sweetheart to award-winning actress, singer, and dancer, we’ve watched Zendaya bloom right before our eyes.
Beyond her achievements in showbiz, Zendaya is an excellent role model, devoting much of her time to positively impacting the world.
She uses her platform to speak on important topics like racism, AIDS, and women’s issues.
Although Zendaya has been in the public eye for a long time, there’s a lot about her you may not know. Read on to learn intriguing facts about this multifaceted artist to appreciate her talent and personality better.
Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman was born in Oakland, California. She was born on September 1, 1996, making her 28 years old.
Her parents, Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, are both school teachers. Her dad is also a stage manager, while her mom is a jewelry designer with a line called Kizzmet Jewelry.
The name Zendaya is unique and comes from her dad. He combined “zen” with the Shona word for giving thanks, “Tendai.”
The stunning actress has three step sisters, Annabella, Katianna, and Kaylee, and two stepbrothers, Austin and Julien.
Zendaya’s parents got divorced in 2016 but are still on great terms and continue to support their daughter’s career.
She was shy and had to repeat kindergarten to improve her social skills.
Her career began while still a kid as a child model for big clothing brands like Macy’s, Old Navy, and Mervyn’s.
She was interested in theater in school and auditioned for the lead role in the play “James and the Giant Peach.” Instead, she got the non-speaking part of the silkworm.
She’s also a talented dancer and joined a hip-hop dance group at just eight years old. She was also in a Sears commercial as a backup dancer for Selena Gomez.
Zendaya was still a kid when she became a vegetarian after being horrified at the sight of a slaughterhouse.
Although she has eaten a plant-based diet for most of her life, Zendaya isn’t a fan of vegetables.
The actress loves ice cream and can bite into it without hurting her teeth.
Zendaya isn’t a huge fan of having an early breakfast. Typically, she would delay her first meal of the day till about 10 am.
The movie star is known for her iconic red carpet looks, and celebrity stylist Law Roach is the brain behind them. The pair met when Zendaya was just 14, and that was the beginning of more than a decade of friendship and fashion.
In 2010, the actress landed her break-out role on Disney’s Shake It Up as Rocky Blue.
As a teen actress for Disney, Zendaya didn’t want to kiss on screen. She was saving her first kiss for a special private moment.
At 17, Zendaya requested to be a producer on KC Undercover and got it. Getting this position gave her a voice in the show’s direction.
She showcased her musical talents in her first solo single, “Swag It Out,” released on May 30, 2011.
Zendaya attended the Oakland School of Art to refine her skills as an actress and dancer.
In 2016, Zendaya was listed on Forbes 30 under 30. The article highlighted her blossoming acting career, style, and music.
Zendaya got her first non-Disney role in a guest appearance on Black-ish in 2015.
In 2017, she cemented her place as a serious actress with captivating performances in Spider-Man: Homecoming and The Greatest Showman.
Zendaya met her current boyfriend, Tom Holland, while shooting Spider-Man in 2016. Although rumors about the couple started in 2017, they only confirmed the relationship in 2021.
In 2016, she released her fashion line named Daya, which collaborated with Tommy Hilfiger in 2019.
Zendaya is a true Potterhead, and she watches a Harry Potter movie once a day to relax.
In 2017, Zendaya was cast as Rue Bennet in the HBO drama series Euphoria.
At 24, she became the youngest winner of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her leading role in Euphoria.
She’s also one of the executive producers for Euphoria and contributed to the show’s musical score.
Other projects where Zendaya has worked as a producer include Challengers and Malcolm and Marie.
During British singer Labrinth’s Coachella performance in 2023, Zendaya hopped on stage to perform two songs from the Euphoria soundtrack.
Zendaya’s life is a kaleidoscope of experiences and accomplishments that have shaped her into the remarkable individual she is today.
From her early modeling days to becoming an Emmy-winning actress and producer, her journey is a testament to her versatility and determination.
As we wrap up, we’re reminded that beneath the glitz and glamour lies a genuine and fascinating person who continues to capture our hearts on and off the screen.
So, whether she’s dazzling us on the red carpet or using her platform for social change, Zendaya’s impact is undeniable and enduring.
