Zendaya Reflects on Childhood Stardom: Expresses Mixed Emotions About Missing School

Zendaya, who gained fame as a teenager, now has mixed feelings about starting her career as a child actor. In a conversation with Serena Williams for Vogue's May cover story, the 27-year-old actress expressed uncertainty about the path she was on. She admitted, "I don’t know how much of a choice I had. I have complicated feelings about kids and fame and being in the public eye, or being a child actor. We’ve seen a lot of cases of it being detrimental." As she reflects on her journey, Zendaya realizes that as an adult, she is only now beginning to understand that her life in the spotlight was all she had ever known.

Zendaya shared that she currently feels like she is experiencing her "angsty teenager phase" even though she is in her late 20s.

She mentioned, "I didn't have the opportunity to go through it earlier. I was placed in a very mature role at a young age: I became the main financial provider for my family early on, which led to a lot of role-reversal and forced me to mature quickly."

Vogue May 2024 Cover Zendaya

Annie Leibovitz/Vogue

Zendaya started her career in the entertainment industry as a model and later landed the role of Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel series Shake It Up, which aired from 2010 to 2013. She then starred in K.C. Undercover from 2015 to 2018 before transitioning to more mature roles. In 2019, she began playing Rue Bennett on HBO’s controversial teen drama Euphoria, which earned her an Emmy in 2020, making her the youngest recipient of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Despite still grappling with her child stardom, Zendaya has learned how to create more space for herself without compromising the expectations of her fans.

Vogue May 2024 Cover Zendaya 3

Annie Leibovitz/Vogue

Growing up, I always felt like I had to say yes whenever someone asked for a picture, all the time. It was like I had to do it because I should be grateful for being here. However, I have learned that it's okay to say no. I can kindly decline and explain that I need a day off or just want to be by myself without feeling the need to always perform.

Despite this, her experiences working as a teen have made it challenging to fully appreciate her success as an adult, especially in her recent role as Chani in the blockbuster Dune: Part Two.

Zendaya shared that she often feels overwhelmed during significant moments in her career, such as leading a film that will be shown in theaters for the first time. She admitted to feeling a sense of shrinking and being unable to fully appreciate the positive experiences unfolding around her. This tension stems from her childhood, where she never had the opportunity to freely explore and make mistakes. Zendaya expressed a desire for a more traditional education experience, reflecting on the impact it may have had on her personal growth.

Editor's P/S:

Zendaya's candid reflections on her childhood stardom offer a poignant exploration of the complexities faced by young entertainers. Her uncertainty and mixed feelings highlight the potential pitfalls of thrusting children into the relentless spotlight. While fame can bring opportunities and financial stability, it can also come at a cost to their emotional well-being and personal development.

Zendaya's experiences underscore the importance of protecting children in the entertainment industry. Child actors should be given the support and guidance they need to navigate the challenges of fame while still having the space to experience the joys and challenges of childhood. As Zendaya notes, "We’ve seen a lot of cases of it being detrimental." It is crucial that we learn from these past mistakes and create a more supportive environment for young performers, ensuring that they have the opportunity to grow and thrive both personally and professionally.