Whether you know her as MJ from the Spider-Man films or for her turn as Rue Bennett in Euphoria, there is no doubt that Zendaya is the actress of the moment and as her latest cover shoot for Vogue Italia shows she definitely knows how to work the camera.
Not only are the photos from the shoot evidence of this, but Zendaya’s long term stylist Law Roach shared a video from behind the scenes showing the superstar working her magic.
In her
Zendaya talks about the pressures of fame, though as she mentions she’s had time to get used to it. “I've been doing this for a long time, and I started when I was quite young. So thankfully I’ve had a little bit of time to ease and grow my experience in a way that wasn't just completely an overnight change,” she says.
Zendaya is acutely aware of how she is following in the footsteps of the many generations of Black actresses who came before her. “I feel incredibly grateful to be in this position because, without the women of the past, especially iconic Black women who have done what I've done before, I wouldn't be able to exist in this space. So with every new accomplishment, with every new thing I learn, I hope that I can be a part of paying that forward and hopefully it'll be easier for the next person,” she told the magazine.
The actress has always been vocal about the role she plays in Hollywood. Back in 2018
about how she’s the “acceptable version of a Black girl,” calling out colourism and how that plays into Hollywood’s version of what is acceptable and what is not.
“As a light-skinned Black woman it's important that I'm using my privilege, my platform, to show you how much beauty there is in the African-American community,” she went on to say.
But that wasn’t the first time Zendaya had spoken out about race. In 2016
Cosmopolitan magazine about her privilege when it came to the colour of her skin.
“Unfortunately, I have a bit of a privilege compared to my darker sisters and brothers,” she said. “Can I honestly say that I’ve had to face the same racism and struggles as a woman with darker skin? No, I cannot. I have not walked in her shoes and that is unfair of me to say.”
The pressure of being a young Black actress in Hollywood hangs heavily on Zendaya’s shoulders and it’s something she’s well aware of. As she mentioned in a
round table discussion - “I have a heavy responsibility on my shoulders, but I’m appreciative… because with that there’s a lot of good that I can do and I know who is watching.”
“Now more than ever, specifically with Black Lives Matter and everything, I feel an obligation to make sure that I’m aware and putting out the right things and in line with organizers and people who are on the ground,” she went on to say.
And while Zendaya has been open about speaking on matters such as race, she has remained fairly private about her relationship with her Spider-Man co-star Tom Holland. That is except for a recent photo that she posted on her Instagram wishing Holland a happy birthday.
Last year Holland
about how he wanted to keep his relationship with Zendaya private. "One of the downsides of our fame is that privacy isn't really in our control anymore, and a moment that you think is between two people that love each other very much is now a moment that is shared with the entire world."
He went on to add:"This isn't my story. It'sourstory. And we'll talk about what it is when we're ready to talk about it together."
Meanwhile Holland is being the perfectly supportive boyfriend in response to
cover, leaving the star a cute comment on her Instagram.
As for Zendaya, last year
"there's so much I want to do" beyond acting, including her ambitions to become a director. “If I ever do become a filmmaker, I know that the leads of my films will always be Black women,” she said.
We for one are looking forward to seeing what's next for this talented star.
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FAQs
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Zendaya is a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in media. Her involvement in projects that amplify underrepresented voices, coupled with her dedication to using her platform for social justice, resonates deeply with her audience.
What makes Zendaya a good role model? ›
She's relatable and successful, and she stands up for what she believes in and isn't afraid to speak her mind. Having Zendaya as a role model doesn't mean one wants to have her life; instead, it means people will strive to have her positive qualities, which include her intelligence, outspokenness, and confidence.
How much did Zendaya get paid for K.C. Undercover? ›
How much did Zendaya make for K.C. Undercover? Zendaya reportedly made $400,000 per season of K.C. Undercover.
What has Zendaya done to change the world? ›
Philanthropy and activism
Zendaya has lent her support to several charities and causes. In 2012, she became an ambassador for Convoy of Hope and encouraged fans to support Hurricane Sandy response efforts. The following year, she promoted other relief efforts.
What lesson can we learn from Zendaya? ›
Embrace failure as a necessary step to grow
Zendaya has had her share of setbacks in her career, but she has never let them discourage her. Instead, she sees failure as a necessary step to grow and improve. She once said, “Failure is a part of life. We all have to go through it, and it's not always going to be pretty.
What does Zendaya stand for? ›
Meaning:To give thanks. Zendaya is a feminine Southern African name with Zimbabwean and Zambian roots. Coming from the Shona language, this name is a variant of Tendai, meaning “to give thanks.” With its melodious sound, it makes for a lovely choice to help you share your faith with baby.
What is Zendaya's biggest role? ›
Before 'Euphoria,' Zendaya hadn't had the opportunity to prove herself as an actor outside of Disney shows and Marvel movies. 'Euphoria' changed that, earning her two Emmys and making her the youngest winner of the Best Drama Actress trophy.
What kind of person is Zendaya? ›
Based on her public persona and interviews, Zendaya from the USA could potentially be an INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging). INFJs are known to be deeply emotional and empathetic individuals who value harmony and authenticity in their personal and professional relationships.
What was Zendaya's big break? ›
Zendaya first got her big break when she joined the cast of the hit Disney Channel TV show Shake It Up. The show premiered on 7th November 2010 and was watched by a whopping 6.2 million viewers, propelling Zendaya into a world of fame from a very young age.
What does Zendaya spend her money on? ›
Zendaya spends her millions on houses.
She paid $1.4 million for the Mediterranean-style home located in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles, according to Observer. It features five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and separate dining and living rooms.
Zendaya (born September 1, 1996, Oakland, California, U.S.) is an American actor, singer, and dancer who first gained fame for comedic roles on the Disney Channel and later transitioned to such serious parts as Rue Bennett in the HBO series Euphoria, for which she won two Emmy Awards.
What has Zendaya done as an activist? ›
She uses her platform to speak out against injustice and to promote positive change. Her activism is informed by her reading and her personal experiences in Hollywood. Zendaya participates in campaigns, uses social media to educate her followers, and engages in public discussions to advocate for change.
Is Zendaya an inspirational person? ›
Zendaya is a very inspiring woman and I feel like she has the most powerful voice of our generation. She started her career at a very young age, but her fame didn't stop there like most of the young disney stars. She began to strive on as the years went on.
Why doesn't Zendaya have a last name? ›
Her stage name, however, has only ever been just Zendaya. When asked about the choice to drop her last name, the actress told Allure back in December 2016 that she simply liked the sound of the one-word stage name better. "I [dropped my last name because I] just thought it was cool, like Cher or Prince," she explained.
