Career Timeline of Zendaya: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Zendaya, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman is a prominent American actress and singer recognized for her exceptional talent and influence. She has garnered critical acclaim, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award, solidifying her status as a leading figure in the entertainment industry. In 2022, Time magazine acknowledged her impact by naming her one of the 100 most influential people globally, highlighting her significant cultural and artistic contributions.
November 2009: Shake It Up Audition
In November 2009, Zendaya auditioned for Shake It Up and was selected to play Rocky Blue.
November 7, 2010: Shake It Up Premiere
On November 7, 2010, Shake It Up premiered on Disney Channel, achieving high viewership and marking a significant moment in Zendaya's early career.
2010: Shake It Up Debut
In 2010, Zendaya made her television debut as Rocky Blue in the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up.
September 18, 2011: Shake It Up Second Season Premiere
On September 18, 2011, the second season of Shake It Up premiered, continuing Zendaya's role on the Disney Channel sitcom.
2011: "Swag It Out" and "Watch Me" Release
In 2011, Zendaya released the singles "Swag It Out" and "Watch Me", the latter a collaboration with Bella Thorne, marking her entry into the music industry.
February 29, 2012: "Something to Dance For" Release
On February 29, 2012, "Something to Dance For" was released as a promotional single for Live 2 Dance. Zendaya recorded three other songs for the soundtrack as well.
June 2012: Shake It Up Renewal
In June 2012, Shake It Up was renewed for a third and final season.
September 2, 2012: Signing with Hollywood Records
On September 2, 2012, Zendaya officially signed with Hollywood Records, a pivotal step in her music career.
October 2012: Operation Smile Benefit Performance
In October 2012, Zendaya performed at the medical Operation Smile benefit, supporting the organization's work.
2012: Hollywood Records Signing
In 2012, Zendaya signed with Hollywood Records, setting the stage for her debut studio album.
July 16, 2013: "Replay" Release
On July 16, 2013, Zendaya's single "Replay" was released.
August 2013: Release of 'Between U and Me'
In August 2013, Zendaya released her debut book, Between U and Me: How to Rock Your Tween Years with Style and Confidence, aimed at helping girls through their tween years.
August 2013: Cast in Zapped
In August 2013, Zendaya was cast as Zoey Stevens in the Disney Channel Original Movie Zapped.
September 17, 2013: Self-Titled Debut Album Release
On September 17, 2013, Zendaya's self-titled debut album was released.
October 2013: Participation in Mean Stinks Movement
In October 2013, Zendaya took part in P&G's movement called Mean Stinks, co-hosting a nationwide live-streamed assembly joined by almost 500 schools to combat bullying.
2013: Debut Album Release
In 2013, Zendaya released her eponymous debut studio album, featuring the single "Replay".
2013: End of Shake It Up
In 2013, Zendaya's role in the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up concluded.
May 2014: K.C. Undercover Ordered to Series
In May 2014, the Disney Channel pilot Super Awesome Katy, starring Zendaya, was ordered to series under the title K.C. Undercover.
2014: Charity Single 'All of Me'
In 2014, Zendaya recorded John Legend's song "All of Me" with a portion of the proceeds going to Convoy of Hope, showcasing her support through music.
January 18, 2015: K.C. Undercover Premiere
On January 18, 2015, K.C. Undercover premiered on Disney Channel, featuring Zendaya as the lead character.
May 2015: K.C. Undercover Renewed for Second Season
In May 2015, K.C. Undercover was renewed for a second season, ensuring Zendaya's continued role in the series.
July 2015: Visit to South Africa with UNAIDS
In July 2015, Zendaya visited South Africa with UNAIDS to support efforts in preventing and treating HIV and AIDS. She also held a fundraiser for Ikageng charity.
August 2015: Introduction of Daya Shoe Collection
In August 2015, Zendaya introduced a shoe collection called Daya, named after her childhood nickname, expanding her ventures into fashion.
2015: K.C. Undercover
In 2015, Zendaya starred as the titular character in the Disney Channel sitcom K.C. Undercover.
October 2016: Vote Your Future Initiative Participation
In October 2016, Zendaya participated in the "Vote Your Future" initiative and appeared in a campaign video, encouraging youth to vote.
November 2016: Launch of Daya by Zendaya Clothing Line
In November 2016, Zendaya's clothing line, Daya by Zendaya, went on sale. The second collection was gender-fluid and included a full range of sizes.
December 2016: Project Runway Guest Judge
In December 2016, Zendaya appeared as a guest judge in the season finale of Project Runway.
2016: 20th Birthday Campaign for Women's Empowerment
In 2016, Zendaya celebrated her 20th birthday with a campaign to raise $50,000 to support Convoy of Hope's Women's Empowerment Initiative.
July 2017: Spider-Man: Homecoming Release
In July 2017, Zendaya made her feature film debut as Michelle (MJ) in Spider-Man: Homecoming, receiving praise for her portrayal.
September 2017: Partnership with Verizon Foundation
In September 2017, Zendaya partnered with Verizon Foundation as a spokesperson for their national #WeNeedMore initiative, aiming to bring technology and learning opportunities to children.
September 2017: Stomp Out Bullying PSA
In September 2017, Zendaya, along with her Spider-Man: Homecoming costars, fronted a PSA for the Stomp Out Bullying awareness campaign.
December 2017: The Greatest Showman Co-star
In December 2017, Zendaya co-starred in "The Greatest Showman" as a trapeze artist who falls in love. The movie met mixed reception, but became the third-highest grossing live-action musical ever released.
2017: The Greatest Showman Release
In 2017, Zendaya appeared in the musical "The Greatest Showman".
2017: Spider-Man: Homecoming Debut
In 2017, Zendaya made her feature film debut as MJ in the superhero film Spider-Man: Homecoming.
2017: "Rewrite the Stars" Release
In 2017, Zendaya's Zac Efron collaboration, "Rewrite the Stars", from The Greatest Showman soundtrack, achieved global success.
March 2018: Collaboration with Google.org
In March 2018, Zendaya teamed up with Google.org to support students at a community school in Oakland, funding an innovative computer science curriculum.
September 2018: Smallfoot Voice Acting
In September 2018, Zendaya voiced the yeti Meechee in the animated film Smallfoot, which received positive reviews.
October 2018: Tommy Hilfiger Collaboration
In October 2018, Zendaya became Tommy Hilfiger's brand ambassador and co-designed Tommy x Zendaya capsule collections, drawing inspiration from 1970s iconic women. Her runway shows celebrated diversity and inclusivity.
2018: End of K.C. Undercover
In 2018, Zendaya's role in the Disney Channel sitcom K.C. Undercover concluded.
2019: Spokesmodel for Lancôme
In 2019, Zendaya became a spokesmodel for Lancôme, adding to her endorsements in the beauty and fashion industry.
2019: Spider-Man: Far from Home Release
In 2019, Zendaya reprised her role as MJ in Spider-Man: Far from Home.
June 2020: Participation in George Floyd Protests
In June 2020, Zendaya took part in the George Floyd protests and temporarily lent her Instagram account to Patrisse Cullors to share anti-racism resources and media.
September 2020: InStyle Issue Highlighting Black Creatives
For the September 2020 issue of InStyle, Zendaya and her stylist, Law Roach, chose to use all black designers, artists, and creatives, emphasizing diversity and inclusion.
September 2020: Voter Registration Encouragement with Michelle Obama
In September 2020, Zendaya encouraged her fans with Michelle Obama and her "When We All Vote" nonpartisan organization, to check their voter registration ahead of elections.
September 2020: Donation from Malcolm & Marie Proceeds
When Malcolm & Marie was sold in September 2020, a portion of the proceeds was shared with Feeding America, demonstrating her ongoing philanthropic efforts.
2021: Malcolm & Marie Release
In 2021, Zendaya played in the romantic drama film "Malcolm & Marie".
2021: Spider-Man: No Way Home and Dune Release
In 2021, Zendaya reprised her role as MJ in Spider-Man: No Way Home and appeared in Dune.
June 2022: Global Brand Ambassador for Glaceau Smartwater
In June 2022, Zendaya was announced as the global brand ambassador of Glaceau Smartwater, further expanding her brand endorsements.
2023: Ambassador for Louis Vuitton
In 2023, Zendaya became an ambassador for Louis Vuitton, adding to her endorsements in the fashion industry.
2023: Coachella Performance and Documentary Appearances
In 2023, Zendaya made an appearance in the Elvis Mitchell's documentary Is That Black Enough For You?!?, joined Labrinth in a surprise Coachella performance of "All for Us" and "I'm Tired", marking her return to the stage after 8 years, and was featured on Labrinth's album. She also appeared in the documentary film Invisible Beauty.
2024: Dune: Part Two and Challengers Release
In 2024, Zendaya reprised her role as Chani in Dune: Part Two, which was released in March to positive reviews. She also starred in and produced the romantic sports drama Challengers, released in April, receiving critical acclaim for her performance and earning a Golden Globe nomination.
2024: Challengers and Dune: Part Two Release
In 2024, Zendaya starred in the films Challengers and Dune: Part Two.
2026: Upcoming Roles in The Drama and The Odyssey
In 2026, Zendaya is set to star opposite Robert Pattinson in the romantic drama The Drama and in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, continuing to expand her acting roles.
