History of Zendaya in Timeline

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By Popular Timelines Editorial Team  · Updated:
Zendaya

Zendaya is a highly influential American actress and singer who rose to fame as a Disney Channel child star before establishing herself as a powerhouse in adult-oriented cinema. She is widely acclaimed for her Emmy-winning performance as Rue Bennett in the HBO drama series Euphoria, as well as her roles in major blockbusters like the Spider-Man franchise and Dune. Beyond her acting prowess, Zendaya has cemented her status as a global style icon, frequently topping best-dressed lists and collaborating with major luxury fashion houses. Known for her versatility and poise, she has successfully transitioned from a teen idol to a critically respected performer, consistently using her platform to advocate for social change. Her ability to command both the screen and the red carpet has made her one of the most prominent and recognizable figures in contemporary pop culture.

9 hours ago : Zendaya Stuns in Spiderweb Gown at Spider-Man Premiere with Tom Holland

Zendaya captivates at the China Spider-Man premiere wearing an edgy, semi-sheer spiderweb gown with baby bangs, appearing alongside Tom Holland as the couple showcases a stylish, coordinated red carpet look.

1965: Publication of the novel Dune

The original Dune novel was published in 1965, serving as the source material for the science fiction film adaptation in which Zendaya performed as the character Chani.

Dune (Dune Chronicles, Book 1)
Dune (Dune Chronicles, Book 1)

September 1, 1996: Birth of Zendaya

On September 1, 1996, Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman was born, marking the beginning of the life of the future American actress and singer.

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1996: Release of the original Space Jam film

The original Space Jam film was released in 1996, a production for which Zendaya developed a great fondness while growing up, eventually influencing her decision to join its 2021 sequel.

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November 2009: Audition and Casting for Shake It Up

In November 2009, Zendaya participated in an audition with 200 other girls for the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up. Although she originally vied for the role of CeCe Jones, she was ultimately cast as Rocky Blue, a character on the show which centered on two teenage friends navigating a local dance program.

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November 7, 2010: Premiere of Shake It Up

On November 7, 2010, the first season of the Disney Channel show Shake It Up debuted to 6.2 million viewers, marking it as the second highest-rated premiere in the network's history.

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2010: Debut on Shake It Up

In 2010, Zendaya began her breakthrough role as Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up, marking a significant start to her professional acting career.

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September 2011: Premiere of Shake It Up Season 2

In September 2011, the second season of the television series Shake It Up officially premiered on the Disney Channel.

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2011: Release of Debut Singles

In 2011, Zendaya launched her music career by releasing the singles "Swag It Out" and "Watch Me," the latter of which featured a collaboration with actress Bella Thorne.

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February 2012: Release of Something to Dance For

During February 2012, the promotional single 'Something to Dance For' was released, serving as part of the soundtrack for the second season of Shake It Up.

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October 2012: Shake It Up Third Season Premiere

In October 2012, the third and final season of the television series Shake It Up premiered, marking a significant milestone in Zendaya's early television career.

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September 17, 2013: Release of Debut Album Zendaya

On September 17, 2013, Zendaya released her self-titled debut studio album, Zendaya, through Hollywood Records, featuring pop and R&B tracks centered on themes of love and heartbreak.

2013: Release of Self-Titled Studio Album

Following her signing with Hollywood Records, Zendaya released her debut self-titled studio album in 2013, which included the successful lead single "Replay" that broke into the US Billboard Hot 100 top 40.

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2013: Conclusion of Shake It Up

The year 2013 marked the end of Zendaya's tenure on the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up, where she had gained prominence for her role as Rocky Blue.

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May 2014: K.C. Undercover series pickup

In May 2014, the Disney Channel pilot formerly titled Super Awesome Katy was officially picked up as a series under the new title K.C. Undercover, featuring a character name change for Zendaya from Katy Cooper to K.C. Cooper.

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2014: Project Runway: Under the Gunn Appearance

In 2014, Zendaya served as a guest judge on the show Project Runway: Under the Gunn, where contestants were tasked with creating an outfit for her to wear during a live concert performance.

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January 2015: Premiere of K.C. Undercover

The television series K.C. Undercover, which Zendaya helped develop and star in, officially premiered on the Disney Channel in January 2015.

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March 2015: Collaboration with Timbaland

In March 2015, producer Timbaland announced that he was working with Zendaya on her second studio album following her transition to Republic Records.

2015: Graduation from Oak Park High School

In 2015, Zendaya successfully completed her secondary education and graduated from Oak Park High School.

2015: Launch of K.C. Undercover

Starting in 2015, Zendaya took on a new role as the star and producer of the Disney Channel sitcom K.C. Undercover.

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February 2016: Release of Something New

In February 2016, Zendaya released the single "Something New," featuring Chris Brown, marking her first official musical release under the Republic Records label.

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December 2016: Project Runway Season 15 Finale Guest Judge

In December 2016, Zendaya returned to the Project Runway franchise to serve as a guest judge for the season finale of the show's 15th season.

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August 2017: Appearance in Versace on the Floor Music Video

In August 2017, Zendaya appeared in the music video for the song "Versace on the Floor" by Bruno Mars.

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2017: Feature Film Debut in Spider-Man: Homecoming

During 2017, Zendaya made her feature film debut portraying the character Michelle in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Spider-Man: Homecoming, bringing a unique and awkward personality to the role.

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2017: Release of Rewrite the Stars

In 2017, Zendaya collaborated with Zac Efron on the song "Rewrite the Stars" for the soundtrack of The Greatest Showman; the track became a commercial success, charting in the top 20 and earning multi-platinum status internationally.

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2017: Feature Film Debut and The Greatest Showman

In 2017, Zendaya made her significant feature film debut as MJ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe entry Spider-Man: Homecoming and also starred in the musical blockbuster The Greatest Showman.

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2017: Critical Acclaim and Success in 2017 Film Projects

Throughout 2017, Zendaya earned significant critical praise for her role in the film Spider-Man: Homecoming, where she was labeled a scene-stealer, and starred as a trapeze artist in the musical The Greatest Showman. The film Homecoming achieved massive commercial success by grossing over $880 million worldwide, and her musical contributions in 2017 saw tracks like 'Rewrite the Stars' and 'The Greatest Show' enter the Billboard Hot 100.

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September 2018: Voice role in Smallfoot

In September 2018, Zendaya provided the voice for the character Meechee in the Warner Bros. animated film Smallfoot, which received positive feedback from critics for its music and narrative.

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2018: End of K.C. Undercover

Zendaya concluded her role as both the star and producer of the sitcom K.C. Undercover in 2018 after a three-year run.

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June 16, 2019: Premiere of Euphoria

On June 16, 2019, Zendaya began her acclaimed role as Rue Bennett in the HBO drama series Euphoria, a performance that drew widespread critical praise for its depth and emotional complexity.

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2019: Premiere of Euphoria

In 2019, Zendaya began her critically acclaimed role as Rue Bennett in the HBO teen drama series Euphoria, which led to significant industry recognition.

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2019: Release of Spider-Man: Far From Home

In 2019, Zendaya reprised her role as Michelle in the film Spider-Man: Far From Home, which earned critical acclaim for her performance and became the fourth highest-grossing film of the year with over $1.1 billion in global revenue.

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2019: Return as MJ in Far From Home

Zendaya reprised her role as MJ in the 2019 Marvel Cinematic Universe sequel, Spider-Man: Far From Home.

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2020: Primetime Emmy Award Win

At the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards in 2020, Zendaya made history by winning the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, becoming the youngest person ever to receive the honor at age 24.

2021: No Way Home, Dune, and Malcolm & Marie

During 2021, Zendaya appeared in the sequel Spider-Man: No Way Home, began her role in Denis Villeneuve's Dune film series, and received acclaim for her performance in the romantic film Malcolm & Marie.

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2021: Release of Malcolm & Marie

In 2021, Zendaya starred in and produced the film Malcolm & Marie, directed by Sam Levinson, which was notable for being produced during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic using a minimal crew and strict safety protocols.

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2021: Voice Acting and Film Roles in 2021

In 2021, Zendaya voiced the character Lola Bunny in the film Space Jam: A New Legacy, portrayed Chani in the sci-fi epic Dune, and reprised her role as Michelle in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

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2022: Time 100 Recognition

In 2022, Zendaya was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, highlighting her significant impact and stature in the global landscape.

2024: Starring Role in Challengers

In 2024, Zendaya garnered praise for her performance in the romantic drama film Challengers.

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2026: Conclusion of Euphoria

As of 2026, Zendaya's tenure in the HBO teen drama series Euphoria concluded, capping off a period defined by her award-winning portrayal of Rue Bennett.

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2026: Brand New Day, Dune, and The Drama

In 2026, Zendaya continued her film career by appearing in Brand New Day, the ongoing Dune film series, and the film The Drama.

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