Zendaya (born September 1, 1996) is an American actress and singer known for her outstanding performances in the entertainment industry. She has received recognition for her work, including a Golden Globe Award and two Primetime Emmy Awards.

EarlyLife & Education

Zendaya, an American actress and singer, was born in Oakland, California, to parents who were both educators. Her father has African-American roots, while her mother has German and Scottish ancestry.

Her name means “to give thanks” in Shona, and she has five older siblings. Zendaya began her performance career at the California Shakespeare Theater, where her mother worked as the house manager. She also studied hula dancing and was a member of a hip-hop dance troupe called Future Shock Oakland.

While attending Oakland School for the Arts, she performed in theater productions and continued her studies at the CalShakes Conservatory program and the American Conservatory Theater.

Zendaya has played leading roles in several Shakespearean plays, such as Richard III and As You Like It. In 2015, while pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles, she graduated from Oak Park High School.

Career

Zendaya began her career as a child model and backstage dancer before making her television debut in the Disney Channel sitcom “Shake It Up” from 2010 to 2013. She then starred as the lead character in the sitcom “K.C. Undercover” from 2015 to 2018 and made her feature film debut in 2017’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” appearing in its sequels.

However, Zendaya’s role as Rue Bennett in the HBO teen drama series “Euphoria” marked a significant turning point in her career. Playing the character of a struggling drug-addicted teenager earned her critical acclaim and the honor of becoming the youngest recipient of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Zendaya has also appeared in other films such as “The Greatest Showman,” “Malcolm & Marie,” and “Dune.” Along with her acting career, she has pursued a music career, releasing her eponymous debut studio album in 2013. Her biggest commercial success as a musician came with the multi-platinum single “Rewrite the Stars” from “The Greatest Showman” soundtrack.

Personal Life

Zendaya is a successful actress, musician, and animal lover who has made homes in Los Angeles and Brooklyn. She owns a house in L.A. and a condo in Brooklyn. Her passion for animals led her to follow a vegetarian diet, and she has expressed that her love for animals is the primary reason for her dietary choice.

Zendaya is in a romantic relationship with Tom Holland, her co-star in the Spider-Man film series. Her acting resume is impressive, featuring a range of roles from musical dramas like “The Greatest Showman” (2017) and “Smallfoot” (2018) to romantic dramas like “Malcolm & Marie” (2021) and science fiction epics like “Dune” (2021).

In addition to her acting career, Zendaya has pursued a successful career in music. She has released several singles, including “Swag It Out,” “Watch Me” (a collaboration with Bella Thorne), and her debut single, “Replay.” In 2013, she released her eponymous debut studio album, which reached the top 40 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her biggest commercial success as a musician came with her collaboration with Zac Efron on the song “Rewrite the Stars,” which was part of “The Greatest Showman” soundtrack in 2017.