• Faith: Christian
• Career: Actress
• Birthday:  September 01, 1996

Zendaya is an American actress and singer. She has received numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. In 2022, she was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

She was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California. Raised by two educators—her mother Claire Stoermer and her father Kazembe Ajamu Coleman—Zendaya grew up in a household filled with learning, culture, and strong family values. From an early age, she was drawn to performance, thanks in part to her mother’s work as house manager at the California Shakespeare Theater. Zendaya got her start helping backstage and watching rehearsals, developing a passion for theater and the arts that would shape her future.

Her upbringing in Oakland was rich with community involvement and artistic expression. Zendaya participated in local theater productions and joined dance groups including a hip-hop troupe and a hula dance group. She performed in plays such as "Once on This Island" and "Caroline, or Change" and quickly gained a reputation as a young talent to watch. Her family later relocated to Los Angeles, where she continued her education and pursued her dreams in entertainment.

Zendaya’s big break came in 2010 when she landed the role of Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel series "Shake It Up." The show was a major success and introduced her to a national audience. It also launched her career as a singer, with the release of songs like "Watch Me," which she performed with co-star Bella Thorne. During her Disney years, Zendaya also starred in the TV movie "Frenemies" and released solo singles like "Swag It Out."

In 2013, she competed on "Dancing with the Stars" and became the youngest contestant at the time to appear on the show. She wowed audiences with her talent and poise, ultimately finishing as the runner-up. That same year, she released her debut studio album, "Zendaya," which featured the hit single "Replay." The song reached the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her praise as a rising pop star.

Zendaya continued her Disney career by starring in "K.C. Undercover," a comedy-action series in which she played the role of a teenage spy. She also served as co-producer of the show, giving her greater creative control and input—something she advocated for from the start. Her commitment to portraying strong, intelligent female characters became a hallmark of her brand.

After her time with Disney, Zendaya successfully transitioned into more mature roles. She took on the role of MJ in "Spider-Man: Homecoming" in 2017, a part she reprised in "Spider-Man: Far from Home" and "Spider-Man: No Way Home." Her portrayal of MJ brought a fresh and relatable dimension to the iconic character and established Zendaya as a force in major motion pictures.

Also in 2017, she starred as Anne Wheeler in "The Greatest Showman" alongside Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron. Her performance, especially the song "Rewrite the Stars," showcased not only her acting skills but her musical talent as well. In 2019, Zendaya took on what would become her most critically acclaimed role yet—as Rue Bennett in the HBO series "Euphoria."

In "Euphoria," Zendaya portrays a troubled teenager battling addiction and mental health issues. Her performance earned her widespread praise and made history when she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, becoming the youngest woman to ever receive the honor. She won the Emmy again in 2022, solidifying her status as one of the most powerful young actresses in television.

Zendaya continued to diversify her roles with the Netflix film "Malcolm & Marie," where she played opposite John David Washington. The film was a raw, dialogue-driven piece that highlighted her range and emotional depth. She also voiced Lola Bunny in "Space Jam: A New Legacy" and played the role of Chani in the epic science fiction films "Dune" and "Dune: Part Two."

Zendaya has been intentional about maintaining her privacy despite her high-profile career. She is known for her grounded personality and close relationship with her family. In recent years, she has confirmed her relationship with actor Tom Holland, whom she met on the set of the "Spider-Man" films. The couple announced their engagement in 2024 and are known for keeping their relationship largely out of the spotlight.

Zendaya is also deeply involved in fashion and philanthropy. She has worked with major brands like Lancôme and Valentino and is celebrated for her red carpet style. She uses her platform to speak out on issues such as racial equality, mental health awareness, and women's rights. Her activism is consistent with the values instilled in her from a young age—values shaped in part by her faith.

Zendaya's Religious Beliefs

Zendaya was raised in a Christian household and attended church with her family during her upbringing. Her mother, in particular, helped nurture her in the Christian faith. Zendaya has spoken about the emotional and spiritual connection she feels through music, even saying she used to “Christianize” secular songs by finding spiritual meaning in their lyrics.

While she does not often speak publicly about religion in a doctrinal sense, Zendaya has acknowledged the importance of Christian teachings in her life. She has described spirituality as a personal journey and emphasized how faith has grounded her in an often chaotic industry. Her ability to remain humble, kind, and focused is seen by many as a reflection of the Christian values she was taught growing up.