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 (ⁱ/zɛnˈdeɪ.ə/ zen-DAY-ə; born September 1, 1996) is an American actress and singer. She has won many awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. In 2022, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Zendaya grew up in Oakland, California. She started her career as a child model and a dancer. She first appeared on TV as Rocky Blue in the Disney Channel show Shake It Up (2010–2013). She also starred as K.C. in the Disney sitcom K.C. Undercover (2015–2018). Her first movie role was in 2017 as MJ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Spider-Man: Homecoming. She played MJ again in Far from Home (2019) and No Way Home (2021).

Zendaya's role as Rue Bennett in the HBO teen drama Euphoria (2019–present) earned her great praise. She became the youngest person to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, which she has won twice. Her other movie roles include the musical The Greatest Showman (2017), the romantic dramas Malcolm & Marie (2021) and Challengers (2024). She also played Chani in the science fiction films Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024).

As a singer, Zendaya released songs like "Swag It Out" and "Watch Me" in 2011. She signed with Hollywood Records in 2012. Her first album, Zendaya, came out in 2013. The song "Replay" from the album reached the top 40 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her song "Rewrite the Stars" with Zac Efron, from The Greatest Showman soundtrack, was very popular worldwide. She has also written and sung songs for Euphoria.

Early Life and First Steps in Acting

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 word Tendai, which means "to give thanks." She has six older half-siblings.

Zendaya attended Fruitvale Elementary School, where her mother taught. At age six, she performed in a play for Black History Month. When she was 8, Zendaya joined a hip-hop dance group called Future Shock Oakland. She was part of the group for three years. She also spent two years learning hula dancing. Zendaya's interest in performing grew at the California Shakespeare Theater in Orinda, California. Her mother worked there during the summer. Zendaya helped out and was inspired by the plays she saw.

Zendaya went to Oakland School for the Arts. While still a student, she acted in several local theater plays. She played Little Ti Moune in Once on This Island and Joe in Caroline, or Change. Critics praised her performances. She also studied at the CalShakes Conservatory and the American Conservatory Theater. She performed in plays by William Shakespeare, including Richard III and As You Like It. When Zendaya was in seventh grade, her family moved to Los Angeles. She graduated from Oak Park High School in 2015.

Zendaya's Career Journey

Starting Out: Modeling and Disney Channel

Zendaya began her career as a fashion model for stores like Macy's and Old Navy. She also appeared in a Sears commercial as a backup dancer for Selena Gomez. In 2009, she was in a Kidz Bop music video. In November 2009, she auditioned for the Disney sitcom Shake It Up. She got the role of Rocky Blue. The show premiered on November 7, 2010, and was very popular.

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

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

Zendaya's first movie was Frenemies (2012), a Disney Channel Original Movie. She signed with Hollywood Records in September 2012. In 2013, Zendaya competed on Dancing with the Stars. At 16, she was the youngest contestant at the time. She finished as a runner-up.

Her first album, Zendaya, was released on September 17, 2013. The main song from the album was "Replay". In August 2013, she was cast as Zoey Stevens in the Disney Channel movie Zapped. In 2014, Zendaya became the lead in a new Disney Channel show called K.C. Undercover. She helped decide many things about her character, K.C. Cooper. The show premiered on January 18, 2015.

Breaking Through: Movies and TV Success

In February 2015, Zendaya was honored by Mattel with her own Barbie doll. The doll looked like her outfit from the 87th Academy Awards. This doll was part of Mattel's "Sheroes" project, which celebrates inspiring women. In December 2016, she was a guest judge on the TV show Project Runway.

Zendaya made her big movie debut as Michelle in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Spider-Man: Homecoming in July 2017. She described her character as "very dry, awkward, intellectual." Critics praised her performance. The film was a huge success. In August, Zendaya appeared in the music video for "Versace on the Floor" by Bruno Mars.

In December 2017, Zendaya starred in the musical film The Greatest Showman. She played a trapeze artist who falls in love with Zac Efron's character. She sang three songs for the movie's soundtrack, including "Rewrite the Stars". The film was very popular. In September 2018, Zendaya voiced the character Meechee in the animated film Smallfoot. She also sang two songs for that movie.

Rising to Stardom: Euphoria and Dune

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 facing many challenges. Critics highly praised her performance. Rebecca Nicholson of The Guardian called it "a truly astonishing, mesmerising performance." In 2019, Zendaya also played MJ again in Spider-Man: Far from Home. The film was a big success. In 2020, Zendaya won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Euphoria. At 24, she was the youngest person to win this award.

In 2021, Zendaya starred in Malcolm & Marie, a film made during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also helped produce the movie. Critics gave positive reviews for her acting. Zendaya then voiced Lola Bunny in Space Jam: A New Legacy. She also played Chani in Denis Villeneuve's science fiction film Dune. She returned as MJ for the third time in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

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 more Emmy nominations for her work on Euphoria. 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. She also performed live with Labrinth at Coachella 2023, her first stage performance in eight years.

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

In 2024, Zendaya played Chani again in the sequel Dune: Part Two. The film received very positive reviews, and her performance was praised. Zendaya also starred in and produced the romantic sports drama Challengers. She played Tashi Duncan. Critics highly praised her performance in this film. She received a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Zendaya is set to appear as MJ for the fourth time in Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026). She will also return for the third season of Euphoria.

Other Activities and Interests

Fashion and Business Ventures

Zendaya promoting Smallfoot in 2018

Zendaya has been the face of many brands, including 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. In August 2015, she launched a shoe collection called Daya. In November 2016, her clothing line, Daya by Zendaya, went on sale. This collection was designed to be worn by anyone, regardless of gender, and came in many sizes.

In October 2018, she became an ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger. She co-designed special collections inspired by the 1970s. Her fashion shows have been praised for including many different people, like women of color, plus-size models, and older models. In 2019, Zendaya became a spokesmodel for Lancôme, and later for Bulgari and Valentino. In 2023, she became an ambassador for Louis Vuitton.

Zendaya was named one of the best-dressed women in 2018 by Net-a-Porter. In October 2020, she won the Visionary Award at the CNMI Green Carpet Fashion Awards. This was for her work in promoting diversity in fashion and film. In November 2021, she became the youngest person to win the CFDA Fashion Icon award.

Helping Others and Making a Difference

Zendaya supports many charities and good 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 raised $50,000 for Convoy's Women's Empowerment Initiative.

In October 2012, Zendaya performed at an Operation Smile benefit. She was also the spokesperson for UNICEF's Trick-or-Treat campaign in 2014. In July 2015, she visited South Africa with UNAIDS. She also held a fundraiser for a charity that helps families of orphans. When her movie Malcolm & Marie was sold, some of the money went to Feeding America.

Zendaya supports campaigns to help schools and students. In September 2017, she worked with Verizon Foundation to bring technology and learning opportunities to children. In March 2018, she teamed up with Google.org to support a school in Oakland with computer science programs.

Zendaya is a feminist. She has spoken about her experiences as a black woman in Hollywood. She took part in the George Floyd protests in June 2020. She also used her Instagram account to share information 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 to remind people to check their voter registration. She also supported the "Mean Stinks" movement against bullying.

Personal Life

Zendaya lives in Los Angeles and has a home in Brooklyn. She is a vegetarian because she loves animals. She publicly shared her relationship with British actor Tom Holland in November 2021. They have been together since then. She has mentioned that the constant media attention on their relationship can feel "strange and weird and confusing and invasive." The couple moved into a home in London together in 2023. They became engaged in December 2024.

Film and Television Roles

Film Appearances

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2013	Super Buddies	Lollipop (voice)	Direct-to-DVD
2016	Lemonade	Herself	Visual album
2017	Spider-Man: Homecoming	Michelle
	Greatest Showman, TheThe Greatest Showman	Anne Wheeler
2018	Duck Duck Goose	Chi (voice)
	Smallfoot	Meechee (voice)
2019	Spider-Man: Far from Home	MJ
2021	Malcolm & Marie	Marie	Also executive producer
	Space Jam: A New Legacy	Lola Bunny (voice)
	Dune	Chani
	Spider-Man: No Way Home	MJ
2022	Is That Black Enough for You?!?	Herself	Documentary
2024	Dune: Part Two	Chani
	Challengers	Tashi Duncan	Also producer
2026	The Odyssey	TBA	Filming
	Spider-Man: Brand New Day	MJ	Pre-production
	Dune: Part Three	Chani	Filming
	Shrek 5	Felicia (voice)	In production
TBA	The Drama	TBA	Post-production

Television Appearances

Web Series

Music Videos

As Lead Artist

As Featured Artist

As Guest Appearance

Music Albums

• Zendaya (2013)

Concert Tours

• Swag It Out Tour (2012–2014)

Opening Act

• Summer Tour (Bridgit Mendler) (2014)

Awards and Recognition

Zendaya at the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards

In 2016, Zendaya was named one of Forbes' 30 under 30 list. In 2022, TIME magazine included her on its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Denis Villeneuve, who directed Dune, said that Zendaya is "a cultural icon in the making." He added that she is "driven by pure inspiration, empathy, and respect for her craft."

In 2020, at age 24, 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 the award again at the 2022 Primetime Emmy Awards. This made her the youngest person to win two acting Emmys. Zendaya also received the CinemaCon Star of the Year Award in 2023.

See also

In Spanish: Zendaya para niños