Zendaya's Full Biography
Born Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California, Zendaya is a versatile actress and singer known for her remarkable performances in both film and television.
Her career began with modeling as a child, and backup dancing. She began to transition to television, debuting in the Disney Channel series “Shake It Up,” along with Bella Thorne.
Beyond Disney, Zendaya catapulted to mainstream fame with her role as Rue Bennett in the hit HBO series "Euphoria," becoming the youngest recipient of the Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
As well as her modeling and television careers, Zendaya has released a musical album, toured as a performer, and appeared in many music videos.
Early Life And Education
Zendaya was born to parents Claire Marie Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, both teachers. She has five older siblings: sisters Katianna, Annabella, and Kaylee, and brothers Austin and Julien, and considers being ‘auntie’ to many nieces and nephews one of the highlights of being the youngest sibling, according to Hollywood Life.
Growing up, she participated in various dance competitions and built quite a list of stage credits at a young age. She spent summer hours at the California Shakespeare Theater in Orinda, California, where her mother worked during school breaks, and at age 8, she was part of a hip-hop dance troupe called Future Shock Oakland.
She also studied hula dancing at the Academy of Hawaiian Arts.
She attended Oakland School for the Arts, and had a list of roles that include Shakespeare’s Lady Anne in “Richard III,” and Celia in “As You Like It,” among others.
When she was in 7th grade, her family moved to Los Angeles, and she completed her schooling at Oak Park High School.
Career
2000s
In the 2000s, a young Zendaya was appearing in advertisements for iCarly toys, showing up as a backup dancer behind Selena Gomez in a Sears ad, and appeared in the music video for the Kidz Bop version of Katy Perry’s “Hot & Cold.”
She was a fashion model for Macy's, Mervyns, and Old Navy throughout this period as well.
2010s
Zendaya made her television debut in 2010 with the role of Rocky Blue in the Disney Channel series "Shake It Up." She quickly became a fan favorite, assuring herself further roles in Disney and other entertainment franchises.
In 2011, she released her first single, “Swag It Out,” and also hosted “Make Your Mark: Ultimate Dance Off 2011” on Disney Channel.
In 2012, she signed a deal with Hollywood Records.
In 2013, she competed on the reality dance competition show "Dancing with the Stars," finishing as a runner-up. She released her self-titled debut album in the same year.
Her successful career continued with starring roles in several Disney Channel original movies, including "Frenemies" and "Zapped."
In 2017, Mattel released a Zendaya Barbie. She also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing as MJ in “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” and “Spider-Man: Far From Home.”
A breakthrough role for Zendaya came in 2019 when she portrayed Rue Bennett in the critically acclaimed HBO series "Euphoria." Her portrayal of a young drug addict earned critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series; she was the youngest to date to receive that award.
2020s
In 2020, Zendaya starred in the romantic drama film "Malcolm & Marie," showcasing her versatility as an actress.
She also produced and starred in the film "Dune" in 2021, based on a series of novels by the same name.
Zendaya reunited with her Marvel Cinematic Universe co-stars for "Spider-Man: No Way Home" in 2021.
She’s also contributed as a voice actor to both “ Space Jam: A New Legacy '' as Lola Bunny, and to the video game “Fortnite: Chapter 3” in her role as MJ.
Business Ventures
Zendaya has partnered with advertising on products from CoverGirl and Chi Haircare to Beats Electronics, and continues to be very involved in fashion. She’s a brand ambassador for Tommy Hifiger, and has co-designed fashion collections with the brand.
She has her own fashion line called Daya by Zendaya, which includes a line designed to be gender-neutral and include a wide range of sizes.
She’s known for producing Paris runway shows with maximum inclusivity, including models as old as 70 and plus-sized models, as well as models from marginalized groups – people who have traditionally been sidelined by the fashion industry.
In 2013, she released a book called “Between U and Me: How to Rock Your Tween Years with Style and Confidence.”
Personal Life
Relationships
Zendaya has largely kept her relationships and personal life private, but as of 2021, she was openly in a relationship with her Spider-Man co-star, Tom Holland.
Religion
Zendaya is reported to be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Christian Church and has donated to its charitable endeavors, according to BibleHint.
Health and Pregnancies
Zendaya has talked about battling with mental health issues and utilizing therapy to keep things under control, according to Express.
Net Worth
She has a reported net worth of $22 million.
Jobs
Zendaya, in addition to acting, continues to model and serve as a brand ambassador for a variety of products and companies, including Bulgari, Valentino, Lancome, Glaceau SmartWater, and Louis Vuitton.
Activism
Zendaya is a devoted advocate for social justice, using her platform to not only speak about issues but also act on them. In 2020, at the CNMI Green Carpet Fashion Awards, she received the Visionary Award for promoting diversity and inclusion in fashion and film, and her clothing lines and fashion shows reflect this value.
In 2012, she was an ambassador for Convoy of Hope, calling on fans to help with Hurricane Sandy recovery. She has worked to feed children in Haiti, Tanzania and the Philippines through feedONE, and a portion of the proceeds from her film Malcolm & Marie went to Feed America.
She’s been involved with UNICEF, Operation Smile, and programs to help children affected by AIDS, and Toys For Tots.
She’s worked with organizations to bring technology into schools, joined Michelle Obama to encourage voting, and been involved in outreach to address bullying and body shaming.
She’s also been a powerful voice for racial justice, gender equality, and marginalized communities.
