Name: Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman (professionally known as Zendaya)

Introduction: Zendaya is an American actress, singer, and fashion icon who has risen to global superstardom. She transitioned successfully from a Disney Channel star to an acclaimed dramatic actress, known for her compelling performances in film and television, and for her impactful presence in fashion and advocacy.

Date of birth: September 1, 1996

Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)

Place of birth: Oakland, California, U.S.

Family:

• Parents’ names: Kazembe Ajamu Coleman (father) and Claire Stoermer (mother). Her father is African-American, and her mother is of German, English, and Scottish ancestry.
• Siblings: She has five older stepsiblings from her father’s previous marriage: Katianna Stoermer Coleman, AnnaBella Stoermer Coleman, Austin Stoermer Coleman, Julien Stoermer Coleman, and Kaylee Stoermer Coleman.
• Spouse: Unmarried. She is in a long-term relationship with actor Tom Holland, whom she has been with since 2021.
• Children: No children.
• Relatives: Her parents and five older stepsiblings.

Profession: Actress, singer, model, film producer, television producer, dancer, fashion designer.

Nationality: American

Religion: Information not consistently available. Some online stories suggest a conversion to Islam, but these appear to be AI-generated fictional narratives and are not confirmed by reliable sources. She has spoken about having a grounded upbringing, with her name “Zendaya” meaning “to give thanks” in Shona, a Zimbabwean language.

College or university attended: Oakland School for the Arts, where her mother worked as a house manager. She also trained at the California Shakespeare Theater and the American Conservatory Theater. She did not attend a traditional four-year college or university.

Biography and What Famous For:

Zendaya’s exposure to performance began early, as her mother worked at the California Shakespeare Theater, where Zendaya spent much of her childhood. She performed in numerous stage productions there and also trained as a dancer, being part of the Future Shock Oakland dance group and studying hula.

She began her career as a child model, working for Macy’s, Mervyn’s, and Old Navy. She also appeared as a backup dancer in music videos.

Zendaya rose to prominence with her breakthrough role as Rocky Blue in the Disney Channel sitcom “Shake It Up” (2010–2013), alongside Bella Thorne. The show was a massive hit, making her a teen idol. She further solidified her Disney Channel presence by starring as the titular character in the spy sitcom “K.C. Undercover” (2015–2018), which she also co-produced.

Her transition from child star to a respected adult actress has been highly successful. Zendaya is most famous for:

• Rue Bennett in “Euphoria” (2019–present): Her raw and emotionally complex portrayal of a struggling teenage drug addict in the HBO drama series has earned her widespread critical acclaim. She made history by winning two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (in 2020 and 2022) for this role, making her the youngest two-time winner in the category’s history. She also won a Golden Globe Award for the role in 2023.
• MJ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) “Spider-Man” films (2017-present): She starred as Michelle “MJ” Jones, the love interest of Peter Parker (Tom Holland), in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017), “Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019), and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021). These blockbusters solidified her global recognition.
• Chani in the “Dune” franchise (2021-present): Her role as the Fremen warrior Chani in Denis Villeneuve’s critically acclaimed sci-fi epics “Dune” (2021) and “Dune: Part Two” (2024) has further showcased her dramatic range and cemented her status as a leading lady in major Hollywood productions.
• Tashi Duncan in “Challengers” (2024): Her lead role in the romantic sports drama was met with critical praise for her complex performance and drew significant box office success.
• Fashion Icon and Red Carpet Presence: Zendaya is a widely recognized fashion icon, celebrated for her bold, inventive, and sophisticated red-carpet looks, often working closely with stylist Law Roach. She is a global ambassador for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, and Lancôme.

Beyond acting, she released a self-titled debut album in 2013, competed on “Dancing with the Stars” (finishing second in 2013), and has engaged in various entrepreneurial ventures and advocacy. She is a vocal advocate for diversity, representation, and mental health.

Have participated (Selected Filmography, Television, Music, and Other Ventures):

Film (Actress):

• Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) – Michelle “MJ” Jones
• The Greatest Showman (2017) – Anne Wheeler
• Smallfoot (2018) – Meechee (voice)
• Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) – MJ
• Malcolm & Marie (2021) – Marie (also producer)
• Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021) – Lola Bunny (voice)
• Dune (2021) – Chani
• Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) – MJ
• Dune: Part Two (2024) – Chani
• Challengers (2024) – Tashi Donaldson
• The Odyssey (Upcoming 2026)
• Dune: Part Three (Upcoming 2026)
• Shrek 5 (Upcoming 2026) – Felicia (voice)

Television (Actress):

• Shake It Up (2010–2013) – Rocky Blue
• Frenemies (2012) – Halley Brandon (TV film)
• Zapped (2014) – Zoey Stevens (TV film)
• K.C. Undercover (2015–2018) – K.C. Cooper (also producer)
• The OA (2016) – Fola
• Euphoria (2019–present) – Rue Bennett (also executive producer)

Music (Albums/Singles):

• “Zendaya” (Debut Album, 2013)
• “Replay” (Single, 2013)
• “Something New” (Single with Chris Brown, 2016)
• Soundtracks for “Shake It Up,” “The Greatest Showman,” and “Euphoria.”

Other Notable Appearances/Ventures:

• Dancing with the Stars (Season 16, 2013) – Runner-up
• Published “Between U and Me: How to Rock Your Teen Years with Style and Confidence” (2013)
• Launched clothing line “Daya by Zendaya” (2016)
• Global ambassador for Lancôme, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, and Valentino.

Awards and Achievements (Selected):

• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2020, 2022) – “Euphoria”
• Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama (2023) – “Euphoria”
• Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series (2023) – “Euphoria”
• People’s Choice Awards (multiple wins for “Euphoria” and “Spider-Man” films)
• Kids’ Choice Awards (multiple wins for “Shake It Up” and “K.C. Undercover”)
• Teen Choice Awards (multiple wins for “Shake It Up” and “Spider-Man” films)
• Named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World (2022).
• CFDA Fashion Icon Award (2021).

Zendaya Photos:

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