5 Surprising Facts About Zendaya That Will Blow Your Mind

Zendaya, a prominent figure in Hollywood, celebrates her 29th birthday with a career marked by remarkable growth. Known for her compelling role in Euphoria and witty performances in the Spider-Man series, Zendaya surprising facts and talents extend far beyond her on-screen presence.

Early Beginnings: From Backup Dancer to Rising Star

Before earning fame through Disney Channel projects, Zendaya appeared as a backup dancer in a Sears commercial alongside Selena Gomez, Ross Lynch, and Leo Howard, who all eventually became Disney stars. Reflecting on this early experience, she said in 2013,

“That’s a funny commercial because it’s so weird to think [about] later on,”

and added,

“Ross [Lynch] was in it, Leo Howard was in it — and we were backup dancers, we weren’t even the lead kids … it’s funny where things evolved from and it’s cool to start small.”

Dancing and Determination: A Young Contestant’s Journey

At just 16 years old, Zendaya showcased her dancing skills on Dancing with the Stars in 2013, where she partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy and finished as the runner-up. Her foundation in ballet, jazz, and hip-hop earned admiration from both judges and fans, highlighting a blend of discipline and talent established from an early age.

The Influence of Educator Parents on Zendaya’s Growth

Zendaya’s passion for knowledge finds roots in her parents’ careers. Claire Stoermer, her mother, is a respected teacher in Oakland, California, known for integrating Shakespeare and arts education into her curriculum, while her father, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, worked as a physical education teacher. Zendaya values education deeply, sharing in a 2016 Teen Vogue interview,

“If I wasn’t in entertainment, I’d be a teacher in a heartbeat — guaranteed!”

She also admitted to taking school seriously and overcoming challenges like struggling with spelling in second grade, as she shared with Us Weekly,

“I always had to take school very seriously.”

The Story Behind Zendaya’s Name and Why She Chose a Mononym

Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman’s full name carries significant meaning reflecting her heritage and family history. The name Zendaya derives from the Shona word tendai, meaning “to give thanks,” while Maree is a tribute to her mother’s French middle name, Marie, spelled with an African influence. Her surname combines the family names of both parents. Discussing the layers of her name in a 2015 Hollywood Reporter interview, she said,

“I literally have a timeline in history in my name.”

Despite this depth, she opted for a single name professionally, likening it to icons such as Cher and Prince, as she told Allure in 2016,

“I just thought it was cool, like Cher or Prince.”

Overcoming Childhood Shyness and Unique Personal Traits

Though Zendaya is now celebrated for her charisma, she was once notably shy. Her mother recalled to Vogue in 2017 that Zendaya would often remain silent during group activities as a child. Zendaya herself revealed during a Jimmy Kimmel Live interview that she repeated kindergarten due to shyness, explaining,

“I did kindergarten twice because I was too shy.”

She added,

“Whenever I didn’t understand something in class, I wouldn’t raise my hand and say ‘Hey, I need help,’ and they would just move on. I couldn’t keep up, so I did it twice!”

This reticence gradually transformed as acting offered her a new outlet for expression.

Zendaya also has a rare dental characteristic: she was born missing one tooth on the bottom row, a fact she shared with Variety in 2017,

“I went to the dentist and I found out I was born with one less tooth on the bottom row.”

This unique feature spared her from having to remove wisdom teeth later in life. Additionally, her teeth show unusual resistance to cold, famously demonstrated in Vanity Fair’s Secret Talent Theatre by biting into ice cream without discomfort. Her fondness for coffee-flavored Häagen-Dazs ice cream showcases an unusual tolerance enjoyed by very few.

Why These Facts About Zendaya Matter Today

These lesser-known facets of Zendaya’s life reveal the layers beneath her public image as a fashion icon and talented actress. Her journey from shy child to confident performer, combined with her dedication to education and unique personal quirks, contributes to her appeal as a relatable and inspiring figure. Recognizing her background and talents offers a deeper appreciation of her success and hints at her potential for continued growth both on and off screen.