A True Triple Threat

For those who have been watching since her the "Shake It Up!" days, we can all agree Zendaya has grown into a powerful figure in the acting world, an impressive feat for any Disney Channel star.

Many are often judged or constantly criticized for never being able to break out of their childish roles and make a name for themself. They are limited in the roles they are able to play because of the innocent stereotype they've had to keep up for so long.

Zendaya, however, is not letting her start hold her back.

People

Zendaya, age 14, in her first major acting

role as Rocky Blue in the Disney Channel

Series "Shake It Up!" 

She began her career as a child star in 2010, starring is major Disney Channel shows and films that resonated with the children and teenagers at that time. From there, she has appeared in huge blockbuster films, released her own music, and has received multiple awards. 

Zendaya has always been considered a widely talented actress, but it wasn't until her breakout role in HBO's "Euphoria" that she began to gain the respect of mature audiences. Her nuanced and emotionally raw portrayal of Rue Bennett, a 17-year-old struggling with mental illness and addiction, earned her multiple Emmy awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. It also showcased her ability to tackle complex characters. 

Her appearances in "The Greatest Showman," "Space Jam: A New Legacy" and "Spider-Man: Far From Home" are a testament to her well-crafted skillset.

Although she has proven her acting versatility repeatedly, some critics note that her recent film choices might not always fully utilize her acting range, with varying opinions on her performances in movies like "Dune" and "Challengers."

However, her recent character selection has been in an effort to step out of her comfort zone and grow as an actress.

"I've been playing 16-year-olds since I was 16... So it was nice to play a character that was not a child any more. Ultimately, it felt like the right time for a character like this," said Zendaya in an interview with Variety about her role as Tashi Donaldson.

Glamour

Zendaya attends the 2025 Golden Globes.

Other critics argue that she is an "overrated" actress who often plays characters that are too similar to herself, but is a fanbase of 180 million followers and a net worth of 30 million considered overrated? Just a thought.

"Zendaya is the future of Hollywood," said Hollywood Branded. 

"She's one of the strongest emotional actors of Hollywood history," said Vulture.

Besides her exceptional acting ability, Zendaya demonstrates authenticity on and off screen, allowing her to resonate with a lot of her fanbase and reinforce her positive reputation. She is known for embracing her individuality and has spoken about the importance of self-love.

Her unique fashion sense is inspiring, and her natural beauty is admirable. She is a positive influence in the industry and serves as a role model to many. 

Zendaya's work and her public persona are often seen as empowering, particularly for young women and people of color. She is not afraid to use her platform as a way to advocate for racial inequality, representation in media and women's empowerment, making her a prominent voice beyond the screen.

She creates strong connections with her audiences and has a certain star quality that isn't something you can create for yourself but rather something you are born with. She is wildly talented as an actress, singer, and dancer. A true triple threat. 

Be prepared. This is only the beginning.

Wikipedia