Zendaya was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California, to teachers Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman. Her father has African-American and Nigerian ancestry, while her mother’s roots trace back to German and Scottish heritage. Zendaya, named after the Shona name Tendai, meaning “to give thanks,” grew up with five older siblings. Her early years were filled with artistic pursuits, attending Fruitvale Elementary School, where her mother taught for two decades.

At a young age, Zendaya showcased her talents, participating in a Black History Month play at six and joining the Future Shock Oakland hip-hop dance troupe at eight, later exploring hula with the Academy of Hawaiian Arts. Her passion for performing arts expanded when she experienced the world of theater through her mother’s work at the California Shakespeare Theater.

She attended Oakland School for the Arts and began securing roles in local theaters while still a student. Her performances garnered praise, notably as Little Ti Moune in Once on This Island, earning acclaim from critics like Keith Kreitman of San Mateo Daily Journal.

Zendaya continued honing her craft by studying at the CalShakes Conservatory program and the American Conservatory Theater. Her repertoire included Shakespearean plays, where she portrayed characters like Lady Anne in Richard III and Celia in As You Like It. The family relocated to Los Angeles during her seventh grade.

In 2015, while actively pursuing her acting career, Zendaya graduated from Oak Park High School, balancing her dedication to education and her burgeoning artistic pursuits.

Career

2009–2016: Early career with Disney

Zendaya commenced her career as a fashion model for Macy’s, Mervyns, and Old Navy. Her early exposure included an iCarly toys ad and as a backup dancer in a Sears commercial featuring Selena Gomez. In 2009, she appeared in the Kidz Bop music video for “Hot n Cold” by Katy Perry.

Her breakthrough came with the Disney sitcom Shake It Up, where she auditioned for the role of CeCe Jones, landing the part of Rocky Blue. The show’s success catapulted her into the limelight. During this period, she released singles like “Swag It Out” and “Watch Me” featuring Bella Thorne, which peaked at 86 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Zendaya’s film debut was in Frenemies (2012), followed by contributions to the soundtrack Live 2 Dance. She signed with Hollywood Records in 2012, releasing her debut album in 2013, featuring the hit single “Replay.” Her Disney Channel movie Zapped and the series K.C. Undercover marked her expanding influence in the industry.

Beyond acting and music, Zendaya showcased her influence as a guest judge on Project Runway: Under the Gunn. Her response to a comment about her hairstyle at the 87th Academy Awards led to discussions about inclusivity, earning her a Barbie doll in her likeness as part of Mattel’s “Sheroes” project.

In 2016, she began working on her second album with Timbaland, releasing “Something New” featuring Chris Brown. Additionally, she appeared in Bruno Mars’ “Versace on the Floor” music video and guest-judged the Project Runway season finale.

2017–present: Film breakthrough, Euphoria, and transition to adult roles

Zendaya’s cinematic journey began as Michelle in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” in 2017. She added her own touch by going makeup-free during auditions and crafting a dry, intellectual persona. Critics hailed her as a standout, despite her limited screen time.

Later that year, she dazzled in “The Greatest Showman,” captivating audiences as a trapeze artist in an interracial romance with Zac Efron. Her musical talent shone in the soundtrack, particularly in the hit “Rewrite the Stars.” In “Smallfoot,” where she voiced Meechee, her performance contributed to the film’s positive reception.

In 2019, Zendaya’s transformative portrayal of Rue in HBO’s “Euphoria” earned her an Emmy, becoming the youngest to win in that category. She reprised MJ in “Spider-Man: Far from Home,” charming audiences once again.

Her 2021 repertoire expanded with “Malcolm & Marie,” earning praise for her luminous performance, while voicing Lola Bunny in “Space Jam: A New Legacy” and starring as Chani in “Dune” showcased her versatility, despite limited screen time.

Zendaya’s return as MJ in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” impressed with her chemistry and emotional depth alongside Tom Holland. Her involvement in the second season of “Euphoria,” both as an actress and contributing to the soundtrack, earned her continued acclaim and multiple award nominations.

Her multifaceted contributions include a documentary appearance and a surprise stage performance after eight years. Zendaya’s ongoing work in music, acting, and activism cements her status as a versatile and influential figure in entertainment.

Other ventures

Fashion and business

Zendaya has been a prominent figure in various brand campaigns, representing companies like Beats Electronics, CoverGirl, and Tommy Hilfiger. She’s not just a face but a force behind inclusive fashion, launching collections such as Daya by Zendaya, emphasizing gender-fluid designs and diverse sizing.

Her influence extends to the fashion world’s biggest stages—Paris Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week—where her runway shows celebrated diversity, featuring women of color, plus-size models, and diverse age ranges, paying homage to pioneering model icons.

Zendaya’s style impact earned her recognition as one of the best-dressed women in 2018. Her commitment to inclusivity and representation in fashion was highlighted when, in 2020, she chose all black designers, artists, and creatives for an In Style issue.

Her efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in fashion and film led to winning the Visionary Award at the CNMI Green Carpet Fashion Awards in 2020. The following year, Zendaya made history as the youngest recipient of the CFDA Fashion Icon award at the CFDA Fashion Awards.

Awards and recognition

Zendaya’s impact spans various prestigious lists and awards. In 2016, Forbes honored her on their 30 under 30 list, recognizing her burgeoning influence. TIME magazine highlighted her on the 100 most influential people list in 2022, with director Denis Villeneuve praising her as a cultural icon and autonomous creative force.

At a remarkably young age of 24, Zendaya clinched the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Rue Bennett in “Euphoria,” making history as the youngest recipient.

Repeating this feat in 2022, she solidified her place as the youngest two-time acting winner at the Primetime Emmy Awards. Further solidifying her industry impact, Zendaya received the CinemaCon Star of the Year Award in 2023.

Personal life

Zendaya’s property portfolio includes a residence in Los Angeles and a condominium in Brooklyn. She follows a vegetarian diet, citing her love for animals as the primary motivation rather than a fondness for vegetables. Since November 2021, Zendaya has been romantically linked with her Spider-Man colleague, Tom Holland.