Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, known simply as Zendaya, was born on September 1, 1996 in Oakland, California. She grew up around the California Shakespeare Theater, where her mother worked, and began performing at a young age. Zendaya started her career as a child model and dancer, appearing in commercials for Macy’s and Old Navy and performing with the dance group Future Shock Oakland. She later auditioned for Disney Channel’s new sitcom Shake It Up and won the role of Rocky Blue, which launched her to fame.
After Shake It Up, Zendaya pursued music and released singles like “Swag It Out” and “Watch Me” in 2011. She competed on Dancing with the Stars and returned to Disney Channel as the star of K.C. Undercover, where she insisted on portraying a smart, tech-savvy spy and featuring a Black family. Her transition to film included standout roles in Spider-Man: Homecoming and The Greatest Showman (both 2017). Zendaya’s portrayal of Rue Bennett in HBO’s drama series Euphoria earned her critical acclaim and made her the youngest ever recipient of the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Notable Facts:
Born September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California
Name “Zendaya” comes from a Shona word meaning “to give thanks”
Parents Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Coleman were teachers and theatre managers; she has six older half-siblings
Started as a child model and dancer; appeared in commercials for Macy’s and Old Navy; backup dancer for Selena Gomez
Cast as Rocky Blue on Disney Channel’s Shake It Up (2010–2013), which launched her career
Released singles “Swag It Out” and “Watch Me” (with Bella Thorne) in 2011
Starred as K.C. Cooper in K.C. Undercover, insisting her character be a tech-savvy spy and part of a Black family
Film roles include MJ in the Spider-Man series, Anne Wheeler in The Greatest Showman, and Chani in Dune; she also produced and starred in Malcolm & Marie
At age 24, she became the youngest winner of the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in Euphoria