The difficult life of Zendaya Coleman

Raised in Oakland, California, in a diverse, modest household, Zendaya grew up with strong family values and a love for the arts, which her parents encouraged from a young age.

Zendaya faced early challenges in the entertainment industry, especially as a young woman of mixed race.

Hollywood’s limited diversity created difficulties, with casting biases and stereotypes influencing the opportunities available to her. Zendaya had to work tirelessly to prove her talent and break through these barriers. Even as she began to gain recognition on Disney Channel’s *Shake It Up*, she was determined not to be confined to the “Disney star” label, working hard to establish herself as a serious actress and artist.