Pictures Of The Absolutely Stunning And Talented Zendaya

If you’re a fan of all things Zendaya, then you’re in for a treat! From her early beginnings as a fashion model to her breakout role on the Disney Channel series Shake It Up, Zendaya has captivated audiences with her undeniable talent and striking beauty.

Let’s take a closer look at her life story and share some fun facts about the multi-talented star. And, of course, we’ll also be sharing some amazing pictures of Zendaya that showcase her incredible style and undeniable presence.

Humble Beginnings

Once upon a time, in the sunny state of California, a little girl named Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman was born on September 1st, 1996.

Valentino : Front Row - Paris Fashion Week - Womenswear F/W 2022-2023
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Her name means “to give thanks” in the Shona language, and boy, has she given us plenty of reasons to be thankful for her talents over the years!

Model Child

Zendaya’s early career in modeling began at the age of 8 when she worked for popular retail brands Macy’s and Old Navy. Her natural beauty and confident presence caught the attention of industry insiders, and she quickly rose to prominence as a young model.

Sony Pictures' "Spider-Man: No Way Home" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Amy Sussman/Getty Images

This experience helped to launch her career and paved the way for future success in the entertainment industry.

Disney Girl

Zendaya grew up in Oakland, California, where she started taking dance classes at the age of 8. She quickly fell in love with performing and soon added singing and acting to her repertoire.

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Disney
Disney

In fact, she was such a natural that she landed her first professional gig at the age of 14, starring in the Disney Channel show Shake It Up alongside fellow child star Bella Thorne.

Dance Battle

The Disney Channel gem follows the adventures of best friends Rocky Blue and CeCe Jones, played by Zendaya and Bella Thorne, as they navigate the world of competitive dance. From hip-hop to jazz to contemporary, these girls know how to move and groove with the best of ’em.

shake-it-up_29XGQj
Disney
Disney

But it’s not all just dance battles and glittery costumes – they’ve also got to deal with school, family drama, and the occasional celebrity guest star.

Solo Singer

But Zendaya was just getting started. In 2013, she released her first single, “Replay,” which quickly became a hit on the charts.

71st Emmy Awards - Arrivals
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

She followed that up with her debut album, “Zendaya,” which showcased her smooth vocals and R&B style. Singing, dancing, and acting – Zendaya is the definition of a triple threat1

Acting Career Taking Off

Of course, Zendaya’s not just a one-trick pony. She continued to make a name for herself as an actress, appearing in movies like The Greatest Showman and Spider-Man: Homecoming.

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20th Century Fox
20th Century Fox

Her role in the latter as Michelle Jones (a.k.a. MJ) had fans buzzing with speculation about a possible romance between her character and Spider-Man himself.

Rumored Romance

Fans speculated that the on-screen chemistry between their characters, MJ and Peter Parker, might have spilled over into real life, although they’ve historically been quiet on the status of their relationship.

Sony Pictures' "Spider-Man: No Way Home" Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Nevertheless, their undeniable chemistry on and off the screen has captured the hearts of many fans and has made their on-screen relationship all the more believable.

Style Icon

But Zendaya’s not just a talented performer – she’s also a style icon. She’s graced the covers of countless fashion magazines, and her red-carpet looks always make headlines.

"Euphoria" Season 2 Photo Call
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO

Whether she’s rocking a sleek and sophisticated pantsuit or a bold and daring gown, she always manages to look effortlessly chic.

Best Dressed

From red-carpet events to casual outings, she always manages to turn heads with her bold and daring fashion choices, often topping the Best Dressed lists at any event she attends.

74th Primetime Emmys - Arrivals
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

She’s not afraid to take risks and experiment with different styles, from edgy and streetwear-inspired to glamorous and old Hollywood-inspired.

A Cinderella Story

For example, Zendaya made headlines at the Met Gala for her incredible look. Zendaya’s outfit at the 2019 Met Gala was a stunning tribute to the iconic Disney princess Cinderella.

The 2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes On Fashion
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

The light blue Tommy Hilfiger gown featured a corseted bodice and full skirt made of layers of tulle that even lit up when a wand was waved at it.

Blonde Beauty

But it wasn’t just the dress that wowed – Zendaya completed the look with a blonde updo, sparkling diamond earrings, and even a glass slipper. Now that’s a commitment to the look, and definitely fit the “Camp” theme!

The 2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion - Arrivals
The Met Museum/Vogue
The Met Museum/Vogue

The overall effect was pure magic and cemented Zendaya’s place as a true fashion icon.

Do The ‘Do

Speaking of her hair, Zendaya is just as famous for her gorgeous hair looks as she is for her love of fashion!

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Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

She’s rocked everything from a pixie cut to waist-length braids with ease. Zendaya’s style is all about confidence, individuality, and self-expression, and we can’t get enough of it.

Voice Acting Too

Zendaya has also dipped her toes into the world of voice-acting with some pretty successful animated roles!

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ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

She voiced Lola Bunny in Space Jam: A New Legacy, Meechee in Smallfoot, Chi in Duck Duck Goose, Lollipop in Super Buddies, and Fern in Pixie Hollow Games. That’s nothing to sneeze at!

Outspoken Activist

Zendaya is also a vocal advocate for social justice. She’s used her platform to speak out against racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.

Cast & Filmmakers Attend Dune Photocall In London Ahead Of Film's Release On 21st October
Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures
Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures

She has been outspoken about issues such as gender equality and mental health awareness. As a UNICEF ambassador, she has also worked to provide clean water and education to communities in need. Through her activism, Zendaya has become a powerful voice for positive change in the world.

History Maker

In 2020, she made history as the youngest woman ever to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in the hit HBO series Euphoria, in which she played a troubled high schooler navigating addiction and mental health issues.

74th Primetime Emmys - Show
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Kevin Mazur/WireImage

That’s not the only way that the show has made history!

Euphoric Career Move

Euphoria is a gritty and intense HBO series that follows the lives of a group of high school students as they navigate the complexities of addiction, love, sex, and identity.

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HBO
HBO

The show’s non-linear narrative and visceral depictions of drug use, violence, and sexuality have garnered both praise and controversy, but it’s also been credited with opening up important conversations about mental health and marginalized identities.

Pop Culture Behemoth

Euphoria has made a significant impact on popular culture since its debut in 2019. The show has been praised for its bold and unflinching portrayals of youth culture, as well as its representation of LGBTQ+ and minority characters.

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HBO
HBO

Its use of music, fashion, and visual effects have also been widely celebrated, as has the powerful performances of its cast, including Zendaya.

A Huge Impact

The show has inspired a generation of young people to speak out about their own struggles with addiction and mental health and has helped to break down stigmas around these issues.

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HBO
HBO

Euphoria may be a challenging and sometimes uncomfortable watch, but it’s also a deeply compelling and thought-provoking show that has had a profound impact on its viewers.

She Stays Humble

Despite all her success, Zendaya remains down-to-earth and humble. She’s known for her infectious laugh and goofy sense of humor, and she’s always quick to give credit to the people who’ve helped her along the way.

"Dune" Photocall At Le Grand Rex In Paris
Kristy Sparow/Getty Images
Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

Zendaya is one of the most popular celebrities of her era, and it’s pretty easy to see why!

Learned From Her Parents

Her parents are both teachers – her father, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, teaches at a community college, and her mother, Claire Stoermer, teaches at a high school.

Valentino : Front Row - Paris Fashion Week - Womenswear Spring/Summer 2023
Dominique Charriau/WireImage
Dominique Charriau/WireImage

Her mother taught in a high school while her father worked at a community college, and they encouraged Zendaya’s creativity and curiosity from a young age.

Reality TV Star

If you’re a fan of reality television, Zendaya might be familiar to you for her dancing!

"Dancing With The Stars" Winners Visit ABC's "Good Morning America"
Debra L Rothenberg/Getty Images
Debra L Rothenberg/Getty Images

She was the youngest contestant on Dancing with the Stars in 2013 at the age of 16 and placed second in the competition. That’s not too shabby for a teenager competing against a bunch of adults!

Animal Lover

Zendaya is a committed vegetarian and has been since the age of 11. She has spoken openly about her decision to adopt a plant-based diet, citing health and environmental reasons as her motivation.

29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Arrivals
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Her commitment to vegetarianism is just one example of her dedication to living a conscious and ethical lifestyle, both in her personal choices and her advocacy work.

Designing Woman

Zendaya launched her own clothing line, Daya by Zendaya, in 2016. The line features a range of stylish and affordable clothing options for women, with an emphasis on inclusivity and body positivity.

Celebrity Sightings - Day 3 - The 78th Venice International Film Festival
John Phillips/Getty Images
John Phillips/Getty Images

From casual streetwear to elegant dresses, Daya by Zendaya offers something for every occasion and body type. The line has been praised for its diverse representation and commitment to empowering women through fashion.

Humanitarian Work

She is a UNICEF ambassador and has worked with the organization to provide clean water to communities in need.

Ralph & Russo : Front Row - Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017-2018
Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage
Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage

Zendaya has been actively involved in the organization’s efforts to provide clean water and education to children in need around the world. She has traveled to countries such as Kenya and India to meet with local communities and raise awareness about the importance of access to clean water and education.

Barbie Girl

One of Zendaya’s red carpet looks was so impactful she even got a Barbie doll made of her!

87th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals
Steve Granitz/WireImage
Steve Granitz/WireImage

“When I was little, I couldn’t find a Barbie that looked like me, my… how times have changed,” Zendaya wrote on Instagram next to a side-by-side comparison of her look and the doll’s.

Huge Potterhead

Zendaya is such a huge fan of the Harry Potter franchise that she watches the movies once a day!

"Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between" Costume Institute Gala - Arrivals
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

“People say I’m crazy, but I watch Harry Potter, like, once a day. It’s just calming to me, so that’s my thing. People are like, ‘Oh my god, Harry Potter again?’ I say, ‘Don’t come over to my house if you don’t want to watch it because it’s going to be on,'” she revealed.

Backup For Selena

When she was a kid, before her big break at Disney, Zendaya came pretty close to another Disney star!

93rd Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals
Matt Sayles/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images
Matt Sayles/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images

Zendaya was a backup dancer in a Sears commercial behind Wizards of Waverly Place star and future A-list singer Selena Gomez! Talk about a star-studded commercial, even though Zendaya didn’t have any lines.

Basketball Beauty

Zendaya is a big basketball fan and has been since she was young. She has spoken openly about her love for the sport and even played on her high school’s basketball team.

2021 CFDA Fashion Awards
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

In addition to playing, she enjoys watching NBA games and has attended several games in person. Basketball remains one of Zendaya’s passions to this day.

A Kidz Bop Kid

Zendaya can be seen in the music video for the Kidz Bop cover of Katy Perry’s hit song “Hot N Cold,” which appears on Kidz Bop 15.

Women In Film's Annual Award Ceremony
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

You don’t often see stars go from Kidz Bop to recording music as an adult, which just goes to show how much Zendaya has grown as an artist!

A Published Author

When Zendaya was just 16, she helped write a book titled “Between U and Me: How to Rock Your Tween Years with Style and Confidence.”

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Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The book offers advice and guidance for young readers on topics such as self-esteem, relationships, and pursuing one’s passions. I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely willing to follow the advice Zendaya gives us – it’s worked out for her!