How Zendaya Achieved a Net Worth of $20 Million
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman is an American actress, singer, and dancer. Known now, simply as Zendaya, this multi-talented performer was born on September 1, 1996 to Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Coleman.
Recently named to Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people, Zendaya got her start performing in school plays and local Shakespearean theater projects. One of those roles would prove instrumental in launching her professional career.
The young performer played the role of Joe in the play Caroline at a local theater in Palo Alto. It was here that Ms. Coleman garnered the attention of a talent scout. From there, she began working as a model for brands like Macy's, Old Navy, and iCarly toy products. It was when she appeared as a back up dancer in a commercial with Selena Gomez that things really started to heat up for this future star.
In 2010, at the age of 14, she landed the role that would make her a household name in "tween" circles. Playing the role of aspiring dancer Rocky Blue in Shake It Up, Zendaya had people talking. Talented, adorable, and funny, everyone wanted to work with the up and coming actress.
This laid the foundation, for what is today, an estimated $20 million fortune. So how did Zendaya accumulate tens of millions of dollars in a little over a decade? Let's explore her work through the years and find out.
Zendaya Net Worth
This young star is a true renaissance woman. There's not much she has not successfully tried in her still relatively short career. With all of her endeavors, it's a wonder she's not earned more than her reported $20 million net worth.
While Zendaya reportedly made a total of $140,000 for her 3 seasons on Shake It Up, this was just the beginning of her money-making career. After the show ended, brands were clamoring to work with her. She got gigs with Cover Girl, Beats headphones, Lancôme, Valentino, Bulgari, and Tommy Hilfiger. These well-known and high end brands certainly all paid her well for her time.
It was also after Shake It Up that she started her singing career. Working with musicians like Chris Brown, John Legend, and even actor Zach Efron. The model/actress was now a singer, signed to Republic records with an album circulating. The album produced 2 platinum singles, including the song, Replay.
Fashion Mogul In The Making
In 2013, she was a celebrity contestant on Dancing With The Stars, where she and her partner placed 2nd. That year, she also became the spokesperson for Madonna's Material Girl clothing line. After her lucrative partnership with the material girl herself, Zendaya struck out on her own in 2015. She started her own line of shoes and clothing. The collection, named Daya (her childhood nickname), designed chic, urban, affordable styles for everyone.
While she concentrated on her fashion brand and endorsements, the young mogul was still setting aside time for acting. Guest spots on television shows like Blackish and OA helped her keep her acting chops. In 2015, she again partnered with Disney for the network show, K.C. Undercover.
Author and Inspiration
Around this time, Zendaya penned a book for young people titled, Between You and Me: How To Rock Your Teen Years. The book was, and still is, extremely popular with younger teens. The theme of the book revolves around perseverance and being confident in who you are. Topics that will surely resonate for years to come.
Rising Star
In 2016, a role came along that would give a huge boost to the Zendaya net worth. She was offered the role of Michelle (MJ) in the Spider-Man movie, Homecoming. Though her salary was reported to be $300,000, the film grossed an amazing $880 million. It's a pretty sure bet she got a cut of the profits.
She reprised her role as MJ in two more Spider-Man movies. In 2019's Far From Home, she was given the same salary as the first. However, in 2021's No Way Home installment, she was paid $2 million plus a bonus that was tied into the box office performance. Zendaya made an astounding $10 million.
Skyrocketing To Fame
Not one to rest on her laurels, Zendaya took the role of Rue in HBO's drama series Euphoria for $500,000 a season. Her character, Rue, was a 17-year-old drug addict. She also narrated the series. Zendaya's gut wrenching performance was so amazing that it earned her two Emmy's for outstanding actress in a drama series. An award for which only top tier actresses are nominated.
Zendaya had officially "made it" by Hollywood standards. During her time filming Euphoria, the actress dipped her toe back into the musical waters by recording several songs for the show.
In between her portrayals of MJ and Rue, the divine Ms. Z. managed to squeeze in stellar performances in the movies Dune and The Great Showman.
Real Estate Investor
Zendaya is also using her money to make more money. In 2017, the star bought her first home in Northridge, California for $1.4 million. Three years later, she purchased a mansion in Encino, California for $4 million. These homes are sure to gain value in the future and add to her $20 million net worth.
Icon Status
Not only did Zendaya make the list of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People, but she made the cover. In the issue, Dune director Denis Villeneuve said of the actress that she is " a person driven by pure inspiration, empathy, and respect for her craft, who uses authenticity as a new superpower."
A few years ago, Mattel, the makers of Barbie products, created a Zendaya Barbie. As everyone knows, only true icons have dolls made in their likeness.
How Is Zendaya Helping To Change The World?
Zendaya is much more than a beautiful face and multitalented performer. She uses her influence and notoriety to make positive changes in the world. An ardent feminist, she has marched in Washington DC (and other places) to help preserve and further the rights of women. She has also lent her voice to the Black Lives Matter movement. At one point, allowing the organization's leader, Patrice Cullors to use her social media platforms to spread her message.
In addition to these important social justice movements, Zendaya is a huge supporter of various charities. She works with:
- The American Heart Association
- Donor's Choose
- Toys for Tots
- Friends for Change
- PETA
- Operation Smile
- Donate My Dress
- UNICEF
She also works at the local level helping children from her hometown of Oakland, California. Making sure that as many children as possible are provided with school backpacks and supplies.
You can also read:
Written by Allen Lee
Read more posts by Allen Lee
