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<h2>Overview</h2>

<a href="/biography/zendaya">Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman</a>, professionally known as Zendaya, is a renowned <a href="/biography/zendaya">actress</a>, singer, and fashion icon. She was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California, to Claire Marie Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman. Although she is the only <a href="/biography/zendaya">child</a> from her parents' union, she has five older half-siblings on her father's side. Her unique name, Zendaya, is derived from the Shona language of Zimbabwe and means “to give thanks.”

<h2>Early Life and Training in the Performing Arts</h2>

Zendaya developed an early passion for the performing arts, influenced in part by her mother’s work as a house manager at the California Shakespeare Theater in Oakland. She attended the Oakland School for the Arts and actively participated in school and community theater productions. She also trained at the CalShakes Conservatory Program, where she honed her acting skills.

At the age of eight, Zendaya joined the hip-hop dance group Future Shock Oakland and remained with the group for three years. As her talents expanded into modeling, she secured jobs with renowned brands including Macy’s, Sears, and Old Navy. In 2009, she also featured in a Kidz Bop music video, showcasing her dancing talents.

<h2>Breakthrough with Disney Channel</h2>

Zendaya's major breakthrough came in 2010 when she was cast as Rocky Blue in the Disney Channel series Shake It Up, which she auditioned for in 2009. The show, which ran until 2013, also starred <a href="/biography/bella-thorne">Bella Thorne</a> and helped catapult both actresses to fame. Together, they released the song “Watch Me” in 2011, which gained popularity among teens.

In 2013, shortly after Shake It Up concluded, Zendaya competed in season 16 of Dancing with the Stars, partnered with professional dancer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentin_Chmerkovskiy">Valentin Chmerkovskiy</a>. At 16, she was the show's youngest-ever <a href="/biography/zendaya">contestant</a> at the time and finished in second place. Zendaya continued her collaboration with Disney by starring in the spy-comedy series K.C. Undercover from 2015 to 2018. She also appeared in the Disney Channel Original Movies Frenemies (2012) and Zapped (2014).

<h2>Transition to Feature Films</h2>

Zendaya successfully transitioned to film in 2017, following her role as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MJ_(Marvel_Cinematic_Universe)">Michelle “MJ” Jones</a> in Marvel’s Spider-Man: Homecoming. Though some fans were initially surprised by her casting, it was clarified that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MJ_(Marvel_Cinematic_Universe)">MJ</a> was a distinct <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MJ_(Marvel_Cinematic_Universe)">character</a> and not a direct portrayal of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Jane_Watson">Mary Jane Watson</a>. Her performance was well-received, earning her Teen Choice and Kids’ Choice Awards, as well as a Saturn Award nomination for Best Performance by a Younger Actor.

That same year, Zendaya co-starred in the musical film The Greatest Showman, portraying trapeze artist Anne Wheeler. Her performance, paired with her vocal contributions to the film’s soundtrack, helped establish her as a versatile performer in both acting and music.

Zendaya has remained active in film, reprising her role in the Spider-Man sequels and taking on roles in projects such as Finest Kind, alongside <a href="/biography/ansel-elgort">Ansel Elgort</a> and <a href="/biography/jake-gyllenhaal">Jake Gyllenhaal</a>. She is also set to voice characters in animated films like Duck Duck Goose and Smallfoot, and is attached to star in and produce the drama A White Lie.

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<h2>Music Career</h2>

Zendaya launched her music career in 2012 after signing with Hollywood Records. Her debut single “Replay” achieved commercial success, peaking at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2013, she released her self-titled debut album, which debuted at number 51 on the Billboard 200 and sold approximately 7,000 copies in its first week. The album, which features themes of love and heartbreak, included songs co-written by Zendaya herself. She supported its release with a North American tour. In 2016, she released the single “Something New” featuring <a href="/biography/chris-brown">Chris Brown</a>.

<h2>Brand Partnerships and Entrepreneurship</h2>

Zendaya has collaborated with several major brands, highlighting her influence as a fashion and lifestyle icon. She appeared in a commercial for Beats by Dr. Dre and became the face of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna">Madonna</a>’s fashion line Material Girl. In 2016, she was introduced as a CoverGirl ambassador and further established her fashion credentials by launching her own clothing line, Daya by Zendaya, the same year.

Zendaya also reached out to her fanbase with the release of her app, “Zendaya: The App,” which offers lifestyle tips and exclusive content. In 2013, she published a book targeted at young readers titled Between U and Me: How to Rock Your Tween Years with Style and Confidence.

<h2>Advocacy and Personal Beliefs</h2>

Beyond her career in entertainment, Zendaya is known for her advocacy work and public stances on social issues. She supports the nonprofit organization Convoy of Hope, which provides disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. In 2015, she publicly addressed stereotypical commentary made about her hairstyle at the Academy Awards, sparking a broader conversation about representation and cultural sensitivity. Her poised response led to widespread praise and inspired Mattel to create a custom Barbie doll in her likeness, celebrating her red carpet look and advocacy.

In a 2016 interview with People magazine, Zendaya revealed that she had adopted a vegetarian lifestyle, influenced by her love for animals. She maintains a private personal life and currently resides in Los Angeles, where she continues to pursue her diverse career in acting, music, and dance.

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