Zendaya is an American actress, singer, dancer and author who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Her popularity is due to her roles in popular film, television and music projects. The multitalented artist is an inspiration to many and one who has inspired a Marvel franchise as well. Questions are abound in regard to her height and ethnic background, but we can answer that here.
- How Tall is Zendaya?
Zendaya stands at 5 feet 10 inches which is 1.78 meters tall. The star wears a size 8.5 shoe. Her striking height has made her the perfect choice for several movie and TV roles (1).
- What is Zendaya’s Ethnic Background?
Zendaya’s ethnicity is complex. The actress identifies with African American, White and Hispanic heritage, an identification which she has discussed with Dazed Magazine in 2018, “I’m mixed, I’m black, I’m white. I’m just all over the place. I am a bunch of crazy stuff”(2).
Zendaya’s mother Clair Marie is a white Caucasian. Her father Kazembe Ajamu is an African American. Further, Zendaya’s mother is actually descended from the White Irish and German, whereas her father is the descendant of African American, and German and Irish ancestry.
This extensive background has made Zendaya one of the most sought after stars in Hollywood. Her success story is one that thousands around the world can relate to.
- How Did Zendaya Get Into Television and Films?
Zendaya began her journey in television in 2010 as a background dancer on the Disney Channel show “Shake It Up” (3). Following her success in the show, Zendaya won the lead in her own series “K.C. Undercover” in 2014.
Her big screen breakthrough came in 2017 when she starred as MJ in Marvel’s “Spiderman: Homecoming”. Her work as a Marvel superhero has made her one of the entertainment Industry’s modern stars across both films and television.
She has successfully shone in comedies like “The Greatest Showman” opposite Hugh Jackman and she has made waves on the small screen in shows like “Euphoria” for which she won the 2020 Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series-Drama.
- What Are Some of Zendaya’s Achievements?
The multitalented performer has many awards, accolades and credits under her belt:
A. Awards
• Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series ( Euphoria)
• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children’s Program (K.C. Undercover)
• Gracie Award (K. C. Undercover)
• People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Female TV Star and Favorite Show for K.C Undercover
• MTV Movie & TV Awards for Best Kiss and Best Villain (Spider-man)
• Teen Choice Awards for Choice TV Actress: Comedy, Choice Breakout Star, Choice Female Artist and Choice Stylish Star (4).
B. Achievements
In 2020 the iconic performer became the youngest ever executive producer to be nominated for an Emmy. She is also an advocate for the empowerment of young women and has been honored with The Trevor Project’s Life Award for her advocacy (5).
In 2015 Zendaya became one of the youngest ambassadors of the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) (6). She is an author, with her book “Between U and Me: How to Rock Your Tween Years with Style and Confidence” being released in 2021.
Zendaya has established herself as a major influence and inspiration in youth pop culture. She stands tall at 5 feet 10 inches, is of extensively varied ethnic background, and has achieved much in the entertainment industry.
The singer, actress and dancer has smashed stereotypes and set the standard for modern roles in television and cinema. She has pushed the boundaries of diverse representation, not just in terms of ethnicity, but also in terms of equal opportunity and empowerment.
This and her many accolades prove that Zendaya stands tall in her own right as a gifted actor, an inspiring role model and one of the most important figures in modern entertainment culture.
