Zendaya facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Zendaya
Zendaya in 2019
Born	Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman (1996-09-01) September 1, 1996 (age 28) Oakland, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actress singer
Years active	2009–present
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Genres	R&B pop
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Hollywood Republic
Signature

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman (pronounced zən-DAY-ə; born September 1, 1996) is a famous American actress and singer. She has won many important awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. In 2022, Time magazine even named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Zendaya grew up in Oakland, California. She started her career very young as a child model and a backup dancer. She first became well-known on the Disney Channel. She played Rocky Blue in the TV show Shake It Up (2010–2013). Later, she starred as the main character in K.C. Undercover (2015–2018).

Her first big movie role was as MJ in the superhero film Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017. She played this role again in the sequels Far from Home (2019) and No Way Home (2021). Zendaya has also been in other popular films like the musical The Greatest Showman (2017) and the science fiction movies Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024). She also starred in the romantic drama Challengers (2024).

As a singer, Zendaya released her first songs "Swag It Out" and "Watch Me" in 2011. She signed with Hollywood Records in 2012. Her first album, called Zendaya, came out in 2013. The song "Replay" from that album was a hit. She also sang "Rewrite the Stars" with Zac Efron for The Greatest Showman soundtrack, which became very popular worldwide.

Growing Up in Oakland

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California. Her parents, Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, were both teachers. Her father is African-American, and her mother has German and Scottish family roots. Zendaya's name comes from the Shona name Tendai, which means "to give thanks." She has five older brothers and sisters.

Zendaya went to Fruitvale Elementary School, where her mother taught for 20 years. When she was six, she and two friends put on a play there for Black History Month. She also spent time at the California Shakespeare Theater in Orinda, California. Her mother worked there, and Zendaya helped with seating guests and selling tickets. Being around the theater inspired her to act.

When she was eight, Zendaya joined a hip-hop dance group called Future Shock Oakland. She was part of this group for three years. She also spent two years learning hula dancing.

Early Acting and Dance Training

Zendaya attended Oakland School for the Arts. While she was still a student, she acted in several plays in local theaters. At the Berkeley Playhouse, she played Little Ti Moune in Once on This Island. At TheaterWorks in Palo Alto, she played a character named Joe in Caroline, or Change. A reviewer called her performance "a pure delight."

She also studied at the CalShakes Conservatory program and the American Conservatory Theater. She performed in several plays by William Shakespeare, including Richard III, As You Like It, and Twelfth Night. When Zendaya was in seventh grade, her family moved to Los Angeles. She finished high school at Oak Park High School in 2015 while working on her acting career.

Starting Her Career with Disney

Zendaya began her career as a fashion model for stores like Macy's and Old Navy. She was also a backup dancer in a Sears commercial with Disney star Selena Gomez. In 2009, she appeared in a Kidz Bop music video for their cover of "Hot n Cold" by Katy Perry.

In November 2009, she auditioned for a Disney sitcom called Shake It Up. She performed Michael Jackson's "Leave Me Alone" for her audition. She got the role of Rocky Blue. Shake It Up first aired on November 7, 2010. It was a huge success, becoming Disney Channel's second most-watched premiere ever.

Zendaya hosting the Make Your Mark: Ultimate Dance Off event in 2011

In 2011, Zendaya released her first solo song, "Swag It Out". She also released "Watch Me" with Bella Thorne, which reached number 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The second season of Shake It Up started in September 2011. Zendaya also hosted Make Your Mark: Ultimate Dance Off 2011 on Disney Channel. That year, Target stores started selling a clothing line inspired by the characters on Shake It Up.

Zendaya's first movie was Frenemies (2012), a Disney Channel Original Movie. She also recorded several songs for the Live 2 Dance soundtrack. In June 2012, Shake It Up was renewed for its third and final season. In September 2012, she signed with Hollywood Records.

Zendaya competed on season 16 of Dancing with the Stars. At 16, she was the youngest contestant at the time. She and her partner, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, finished as runners-up.

Her first album, Zendaya, was released on September 17, 2013. The first song from the album was "Replay". In August 2013, she was cast as Zoey Stevens in the Disney Channel Original Movie Zapped. In this movie, her smartphone starts to control all the boys around her.

Zendaya was later cast in a Disney Channel show called Super Awesome Katy. The show was renamed K.C. Undercover, and Zendaya's character became K.C. Cooper. Zendaya helped decide many things about her character and the show. K.C. Undercover premiered on January 18, 2015. In 2014, Zendaya was a guest judge on Project Runway: Under the Gunn. Designers had to create an outfit for her to wear in a concert.

In 2016, Mattel created a Barbie doll of Zendaya, based on her look at the Oscars. This doll was part of Mattel's "Sheroes" project, which honors inspiring women. Zendaya also released a song called "Something New" with Chris Brown. In August 2016, she appeared in the music video for "Versace on the Floor" by Bruno Mars.

Becoming a Mainstream Star

Zendaya made her first big movie appearance as Michelle (MJ) in the superhero film Spider-Man: Homecoming in July 2017. She chose to wear no makeup for her screen test, and this look was kept for the movie. She described MJ as "very dry, awkward, intellectual." Critics praised her performance, calling her a "scene stealer." The film was a huge success, earning $117 million in its first weekend.

In December 2017, Zendaya co-starred in the musical film The Greatest Showman. She played a trapeze artist who falls in love with Zac Efron's character. Their chemistry was highly praised. Zendaya sang three songs on the film's soundtrack, including "Rewrite the Stars". The movie became one of the highest-grossing live-action musicals ever.

In September 2018, Zendaya voiced the character Meechee in the animated film Smallfoot. She also sang two songs for the soundtrack. The film received good reviews.

Zendaya at the premiere of Spider-Man: Far from Home in 2019

In 2019, Zendaya began starring in the HBO drama series Euphoria. She plays Rue, a 17-year-old character and the show's narrator. The series premiered on June 16, 2019, and her performance received great praise. Critics said she was "reinvented" and gave an "astonishing, mesmerizing performance." Also in 2019, Zendaya played MJ again in Spider-Man: Far from Home. Critics loved her "humorous, deadpan charm." The film was a big commercial success. In 2020, Zendaya won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Euphoria. At 24, she became the youngest person to win this award.

In 2021, Zendaya starred in Malcolm & Marie, which was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The movie followed strict safety rules. Zendaya also shared some of the film's earnings with everyone involved in making it. Her performance in the film was highly praised.

Zendaya then voiced Lola Bunny in Space Jam: A New Legacy. She took the role because she was a fan of the original 1996 film. Zendaya also played Chani in Denis Villeneuve's science fiction film Dune. This movie was the first part of a two-part adaptation of the 1965 novel. She played MJ for the third time in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Critics praised her and Tom Holland's chemistry.

In 2022, Zendaya co-wrote two songs for the second season of Euphoria, "I'm Tired" and "Elliot's Song". She also sang on "I'm Tired." She received four Emmy nominations for her work on Euphoria's second season. She became the youngest two-time nominee for Lead Actress in a Drama. In 2023, Zendaya won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama for Euphoria.

Zendaya and co-star Timothée Chalamet promoting Dune: Part Two in 2024

At Coachella 2023, Zendaya made a surprise appearance with Labrinth, singing "All for Us" and "I'm Tired." This was her first time performing on stage in eight years. She also appeared in the documentary film Invisible Beauty.

In 2024, Zendaya played Chani again in Dune: Part Two. The film received very positive reviews, and her performance was also praised. Zendaya then starred in and produced the romantic sports drama Challengers. She played Tashi Duncan, a role she described as a chance to play a woman closer to her own age. The film was released in April and received critical acclaim, especially for Zendaya's performance. She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Zendaya is set to star in the romantic drama The Drama with Robert Pattinson. She will also be in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey (2026). The third season of Euphoria is expected to start filming in January 2025.

Other Activities

Fashion and Business Ventures

Zendaya promoting Smallfoot in 2018

Zendaya has been the face of many brands, including Beats Electronics, CoverGirl, and Chi Hair Care. She has also modeled for Michael Kors and Dolce & Gabbana. In August 2013, she released her first book, Between U and Me: How to Rock Your Tween Years with Style and Confidence. The book aims to help girls through their tween years.

In August 2015, she launched a shoe collection called Daya, which was her childhood nickname. In November 2016, her clothing line, Daya by Zendaya, went on sale. This collection was designed to be gender-neutral and came in many sizes. In October 2018, she became an ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger and helped design their Tommy x Zendaya collections. She was inspired by the "strong, iconic women" of the 1970s. Her fashion shows at Paris Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week were praised for including diverse models, including women of color, plus-size models, and models up to 70 years old.

In 2019, Zendaya became a spokesmodel for Lancôme. The next year, she worked with Bulgari and Valentino. In June 2022, she became the global brand ambassador for Glaceau SmartWater. In 2023, she became an ambassador for Louis Vuitton.

Zendaya was named one of the best-dressed women in 2018 by Net-a-Porter. For the September 2020 InStyle magazine issue, she and her stylist, Law Roach, chose to feature only black designers, artists, and creative people. In October 2020, she won the Visionary Award at the CNMI Green Carpet Fashion Awards for promoting diversity in fashion and film. The next year, she became the youngest person to win the CFDA Fashion Icon award.

Helping Others and Activism

Zendaya supports many charities and causes. In 2012, she became an ambassador for Convoy of Hope. She encouraged fans to help with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. In 2014, she recorded John Legend's song "All of Me" to raise money for the organization. In 2016, she celebrated her 20th birthday by raising $50,000 to support Convoy's Women's Empowerment Initiative.

In October 2012, Zendaya performed at a benefit for Operation Smile, which helps children with cleft conditions. She was the spokesperson for UNICEF's Trick-or-Treat campaign in 2014. In July 2015, she visited South Africa with UNAIDS, a United Nations program that works to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS. She also held a fundraiser for the Ikageng charity in Soweto, which helps families of AIDS orphans. When her movie Malcolm & Marie was sold, some of the money went to Feeding America.

Zendaya also supports campaigns to help underserved communities and schools. In September 2017, she partnered with Verizon Foundation for their #WeNeedMore initiative. This program brings technology and learning opportunities to children. In March 2018, Zendaya worked with Google.org to support students at a community school in Oakland, funding a computer science program.

Zendaya is a feminist. She has spoken about her experiences as a black woman in Hollywood. She participated in the George Floyd protests in June 2020. She also let Patrisse Cullors use her Instagram account to share resources about fighting racism.

Zendaya has encouraged people to vote. In October 2016, she was part of the "Vote Your Future" initiative. In September 2020, she worked with Michelle Obama's "When We All Vote" organization to remind people to check their voter registration. The next month, she shared a video of herself voting to encourage others. In October 2013, she joined P&G's Mean Stinks movement, which aims to stop bullying. In September 2017, she was part of a PSA for the Stomp Out Bullying campaign with her Spider-Man: Homecoming co-stars.

Personal Life

Zendaya owns a home in Los Angeles and a condo in Brooklyn. She is a vegetarian. She has said, "My main reason for being a vegetarian is that I'm an animal lover—definitely not because I love vegetables."

She publicly confirmed her relationship with British actor Tom Holland in November 2021. They met while working on the Spider-Man movies. She has mentioned that the constant media attention on their relationship can feel "quite strange and weird and confusing and invasive." In January 2025, it was confirmed that she and Holland were engaged.

Filmography

Movies

Television Shows

Web Series

Video Games

Music Videos

As the Main Artist

As a Featured Artist

Guest Appearances in Music Videos

Music Albums

• Zendaya (2013)

Concert Tours

• Swag It Out Tour (2012–2014)

Opening Act

• Summer Tour (Bridgit Mendler) (2014)

Awards and Special Recognition

Zendaya at the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards

In 2016, Zendaya was featured on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, which highlights young successful people. In 2022, TIME magazine included her on its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Denis Villeneuve, who directed Dune, wrote that Zendaya is "an autonomous creative force herself. A cultural icon in the making."

In 2020, at just 24 years old, Zendaya became the youngest person to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She won for her role as Rue Bennett in the HBO drama series Euphoria. She won this award again at the 2022 Primetime Emmy Awards, making her the youngest two-time acting winner. Zendaya also received the CinemaCon Star of the Year Award in 2023.

Images for kids

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  Zendaya in 2019

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  Zendaya's signature

See also

In Spanish: Zendaya para niños