Zendaya

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, known professionally as Zendaya, was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California. Rising to prominence as an American actress and singer, Zendaya has garnered widespread acclaim and numerous accolades throughout her career.


Zendaya's journey in the entertainment industry began as a child model and backup dancer, setting the stage for her eventual breakthrough. She made her television debut portraying Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel sitcom "Shake It Up" (2010–2013) and later captivated audiences as the titular character in the channel's sitcom "K.C. Undercover" (2015–2018).
In 2017, Zendaya made her feature film debut in the superhero film "Spider-Man: Homecoming," marking the beginning of her successful foray into the world of cinema. Her portrayal of Rue Bennett, a troubled teenager grappling with addiction, in the HBO teen drama series "Euphoria" (2019–present) earned her critical acclaim and made her the youngest recipient of the Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, an honor she has won twice.


Zendaya's versatility extends beyond acting, as she has also made significant contributions to the music industry. With singles like "Swag It Out" and "Watch Me," released in 2011 in collaboration with Bella Thorne, Zendaya showcased her musical prowess. Signing with Hollywood Records in 2012, she released her eponymous debut studio album in 2013, achieving moderate success. Notably, her collaboration with Zac Efron on "Rewrite the Stars," featured on "The Greatest Showman" soundtrack in 2017, propelled her to commercial success in music, earning multi-platinum sales certifications globally.


In addition to her acting and music careers, Zendaya has demonstrated her talent as a songwriter and performer, contributing several songs to the soundtrack of "Euphoria."
With her multifaceted talents and undeniable charisma, Zendaya continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry.


Zendaya was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California, to Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, both educators. Her father is of African-American descent, with roots tracing back to Nigeria, while her mother has German and Scottish ancestry. Zendaya's name is derived from the Shona name Tendai, meaning "to give thanks." Growing up, she was one of six siblings and attended Fruitvale Elementary School, where her mother taught for twenty years.


Zendaya's early passion for performance emerged at a young age. At six, she participated in a play for Black History Month, and by age eight, she joined the hip-hop dance troupe Future Shock Oakland, where she honed her skills for three years. Additionally, she spent two years studying hula with the Academy of Hawaiian Arts. Zendaya's exposure to the arts continued to expand when she assisted at the nearby California Shakespeare Theater, where her mother worked. Inspired by the theatrical productions, Zendaya embarked on her acting journey.


Attending Oakland School for the Arts, Zendaya simultaneously pursued roles in local theater productions. Notable performances included portraying Little Ti Moune in "Once on This Island" at the Berkeley Playhouse and tackling the role of Joe in "Caroline, or Change" at TheaterWorks—a character originally written as male. Her talent on stage garnered praise, with critics commending her performance as "a pure delight." Zendaya further honed her craft through programs at the CalShakes Conservatory and the American Conservatory Theater.


Zendaya's theatrical repertoire expanded to include works by William Shakespeare, with roles such as Lady Anne in "Richard III" and Celia in "As You Like It." Eventually, Zendaya's family relocated to Los Angeles when she was in seventh grade. Despite her burgeoning acting career, Zendaya successfully completed her high school education, graduating from Oak Park High School in 2015. Throughout her formative years, Zendaya's dedication to her craft and her passion for performance laid the foundation for her future success in the entertainment industry.


Zendaya's journey into the spotlight began with modeling gigs for major retailers like Macy's, Mervyns, and Old Navy, along with appearances in commercials such as an iCarly toys ad and a Sears commercial featuring Selena Gomez. She showcased her talent as a dancer in the Kidz Bop music video for "Hot n Cold" and as a backup dancer for the iCarly star.


Her breakthrough came in 2009 when she auditioned for the role of CeCe Jones in the Disney sitcom "Shake It Up," impressing the casting directors with her rendition of Michael Jackson's "Leave Me Alone." Selected to play Rocky Blue, Zendaya's career took off with the premiere of "Shake It Up" in 2010, becoming one of Disney Channel's highest-rated premieres.
As her acting career flourished, Zendaya also ventured into music, releasing singles like "Swag It Out" and "Watch Me" in collaboration with Bella Thorne. She expanded her brand with the launch of D-Signed, a clothing line inspired by her and other "Shake It Up" cast members, sold exclusively at Target stores.


Zendaya continued to diversify her portfolio with roles in Disney Channel Original Movies like "Frenemies" and as a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars," where she made history as the show's youngest participant at just 16 years old. Her debut album, featuring the hit single "Replay," was released in 2013, showcasing her musical talents to a broader audience.
Transitioning to more mature roles, Zendaya starred in Disney Channel's "K.C. Undercover" and garnered praise for her advocacy against discrimination, notably addressing remarks about her hair at the 87th Academy Awards. Her influence extended to the world of fashion, with Mattel honoring her with a Barbie doll replicating her Oscars look.


Zendaya's career continued to soar with her second album in the works, collaborations with renowned artists like Timbaland, and appearances in music videos such as Bruno Mars' "Versace on the Floor." She also ventured into reality TV, serving as a guest judge on "Project Runway."


Throughout her multifaceted career, Zendaya has proven herself as a talented and influential figure in the entertainment industry, using her platform to advocate for inclusivity and representation while captivating audiences with her exceptional talents.

References

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