Her cinematic debut came with Spiderman: Homecoming in 2017, playing the role of “MJ Watson” – an indirect adaptation of Mary-Jane Watson from the comics, Peter Parker’s off-and-on-again squeeze. Zendaya’s on-screen character is named Michelle Jones-Watson, a slight alteration on the source material.

Zendaya enjoys watching the Harry Potter films more often than you would think, being quoted as saying, “People think I’m crazy, but I watch Harry Potter, like, once a day.” [1] BusinessInsider.com

Her heritage is African-Americana, Scottish, and German.

She holds the record for youngest contestant of ‘Dancing with the Stars’, finishing 2nd place in the competition — at just 16 years of age.

Zendaya won an Emmy for her portrayal of “Rue” in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’.

She is a part of the main cast of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune duology, playing the Fremen “Chani Kynes”; future companion and concubine of Paul Atredes – the main character of the story.

What a prolific acting career; she’s netted an impressive twenty-three awards since beginning in 2011 – below are a few examples of Zendaya’s triumphs to date:

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

2022, 2020 · Euphoria

CFDA Fashion Icon Award

2021

Critic's Choice SeeHer Award

2021

People's Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actress

2019 · Spider-Man: Far From Home

People's Choice Award for the Drama TV Star of the Year

2019 · Euphoria

MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Performance in a Show

2022 · Euphoria

BET Award for Best Actress

2022 · Euphoria, Spider-Man: No Way Home

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Drama

2023 · Euphoria

Zendaya is an avid fan of basketball, often attending NBA games to show her support.

She’s a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights – this is something that she’s advocated for in her roles and public appearances. (HAPPY PRIDE MONTH)

See here for a quote from ThePinkNews.com (an LGBTQ+ media outlet)

“Happy Birthday Zendaya! As the actor turns 26, we take a look at her incredible career and the reasons she’s already proven herself an icon. From always remaining inclusive in everything she says and does, to wanting to diversify the LGBTQ+ media landscape, her mark on queer representation cannot be understated.” [2] 

Her recent film ‘Challengers’ has surprised and elated critics and audience goers alike! Some are calling it the one “serious film” that’s been released in the last year without a big-name director and inflated budget, and somehow the project turned out mega successful and has sparked a huge word of mouth buzz. The film centers around a torrid love triangle (that swiftly turns into a ménage à trois situation) between Zendaya’s “Tashi”, Josh O’Connor’s “Patrick”, and Mike Faist’s “Art” – all three of which are professional tennis players. The movie explores themes of eroticism and lightly portrays LGBTQ+ subject matter.

She’s a child of divorce – her parents separated in 2016 when she was nineteen years of age. From reports, they both still see each other regularly; stating that they love and support their daughter equally.

She loves coffee-flavoured Häagen-dazs ice cream. (Who the hell doesn’t?!)

Zendaya has been quoted as saying Channing Tatum is her one celebrity crush. She was lucky enough to work alongside the actor during the filming of ‘Smallfoot’.

One of her philanthropic pursuits is working as an ambassador with UNICEF to try to ensure that children around the globe receive healthy and potable drinking water.

Writing is one of her hobbies, she loves to journal, express her inner thoughts, and finds it a fulfilling experience. She’s kept up her passion for the written word since a young age.

Time Magazine declared her “One of a 100 of the Most Influential People in the World” in 2022.

Zendaya is a mononym – her full name is: 

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman

She was born in Oakland, California.

Her birthday is Sept. 1st, 1996 (She’s 27 yrs old).

Zendaya was co-chair of The Met Gala 2024. She sported three different stunning looks at the event; some more avant-garde than others.

Her net worth has been recorded at 22 million as of Sept. 10th, 2024. (Statistic provided courtesy of: AfroTech.com/zendaya-net-worth )

What is her favourite colour?

 Zendaya has been known to love pink above all other colours. 

Her love for acting began with her induction into the Oakland School of Arts. Zendaya was active in many local theatre productions and Cal Shakes Theatre Under the Stairs organization. For more info on CSO: https://calshakes.org 

Written, Edited & Compiled by: Lee Fenton

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[1] https://www.businessinsider.com/cool-things-you-didnt-know-about-zendaya-2019-8

[2] https://www.thepinknews.com/2022/09/01/zendaya-lgbtq-icon/