Zendaya Net Worth 2026, Age, Movies, Income & Biography

Zendaya has an estimated net worth of $30 million as of 2026, according to Celebrity Net Worth and multiple industry sources. This impressive fortune has been built over more than 15 years in entertainment, starting as a Disney Channel star and evolving into one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses. Her wealth comes from blockbuster movie salaries, her Emmy-winning television work, lucrative endorsement deals with luxury fashion houses, producing credits, and music royalties from her earlier career.

Her yearly income varies significantly based on projects. For Euphoria Season 3, she reportedly negotiated a salary close to $1 million per episode, making her one of the highest-paid actresses on television. From the Spider-Man franchise alone, she's earned at least $10 million in bonuses according to Puck News. For major films like Dune and upcoming projects with Christopher Nolan, she commands $10-15 million per movie. Her endorsement deals with Louis Vuitton and Bulgari generate hundreds of millions in "Earned Media Value" for those brands, making her one of the most valuable celebrity ambassadors globally. These partnerships reportedly pay her millions annually. In peak years with multiple blockbusters, her income easily exceeds $15 million.

Zendaya was born in Oakland, California. Her name derives from the Shona name "Tendai" meaning "to give thanks" in the Zimbabwean language. Both of her parents were teachers—her father Kazembe Ajamu Coleman is African-American with Nigerian ancestry, while her mother Claire Stoermer has German and Scottish heritage. She has five older half-siblings from her father's previous relationships. Growing up, she spent significant time at the California Shakespeare Theater in Orinda where her mother worked as House Manager, sparking her love for performing arts.

Her zodiac sign Virgo perfectly matches her perfectionist, hardworking personality. Virgos are known for being detail-oriented, intelligent, and dedicated—all traits Zendaya embodies in her career. At 5'10", she has the statuesque presence of a runway model, which has served her fashion career beautifully. Despite her enormous fame, she remains grounded and close to her family, particularly her parents who still manage aspects of her career. Her father serves as her manager, keeping her connected to her roots while navigating Hollywood's complexities. She often credits her parents' careers as educators for instilling in her a strong work ethic and appreciation for learning.

Zendaya grew up in Oakland, California, in a creative and education-focused household. Her mother Claire worked as House Manager at the California Shakespeare Theater in Orinda, so young Zendaya spent countless hours backstage watching rehearsals and performances. She helped her mother run errands and absorbed theatrical culture from a young age. This early exposure to professional theater planted seeds for her future career. She also trained in various dance styles, studying with Future Shock Oakland, a hip-hop dance troupe, and practicing hula with the Academy of Hawaiian Arts.

She attended Oakland School for the Arts, a public charter school specializing in performing arts education. She studied at the Cal Shakes Conservatory Program in Orinda and the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, receiving rigorous classical training. She also briefly attended Oak Park High School. Unlike many child actors who sacrifice education for career, Zendaya balanced both, with her parents insisting on academic excellence alongside performance training. She appeared in stage productions at California Shakespeare Theater including "Richard III," "Twelfth Night," and "As You Like It" as a young girl. This classical foundation gave her versatility that many Disney stars lack, allowing her eventual transition to serious dramatic roles.

Zendaya's professional career began as a child model, appearing in advertisements for Macy's, Old Navy, and iCarly merchandise. She also worked as a backup dancer in commercials and music videos, including Kidz Bop and Sears commercials. These early gigs taught her professionalism and camera presence while she was still in elementary school. Her parents carefully managed her early career, ensuring she had normal childhood experiences alongside professional opportunities.

Her first major acting role came at age 13 when she was cast in the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up! (2010-2013). She played Rocky Blue, a talented dancer who lands a spot on a local dance show alongside her best friend. The series ran for three seasons and made Zendaya a household name among young audiences. During this period, she also launched a music career, releasing singles through Walt Disney Records. Her debut single "Replay" peaked at #40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2013. She released her self-titled debut album "Zendaya" in 2013, showcasing her R&B and pop influences beyond Disney's typical sound. She also competed on Season 16 of Dancing with the Stars in 2013, finishing as runner-up and demonstrating her exceptional dance skills to a broader audience.

Zendaya's breakthrough into adult stardom came in 2017 when she was cast as Michelle "MJ" Jones in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Playing the love interest of Tom Holland's Peter Parker, she brought intelligence, wit, and relatability to what could have been a generic girlfriend role. The film earned $880 million worldwide and established her as a bankable movie star capable of anchoring major franchises. Her chemistry with Holland was palpable on-screen, and their real-life romance would blossom years later.

However, her true career-defining breakthrough came in 2019 when she was cast as Rue Bennett in HBO's Euphoria. Playing a 17-year-old struggling with drug addiction and mental health issues, Zendaya delivered a raw, devastating performance that shocked audiences who only knew her from Disney. The role required her to portray addiction, relapse, and suicidal ideation with unflinching honesty. Critics were stunned by her transformation, and in 2020, at just 24 years old, she became the youngest actress ever to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She won the Emmy again in 2022, cementing her status as one of her generation's finest dramatic actresses. Euphoria's cultural impact was massive, making Zendaya not just a star but a voice for Gen Z's struggles with mental health, identity, and trauma.

After Euphoria established her dramatic credibility, Zendaya's film career exploded. She reprised her role as MJ in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), which grossed $1.13 billion worldwide, and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), which became one of the highest-grossing films ever at $1.92 billion globally. Her performance in the latter film, particularly the emotional climax where MJ forgets Peter entirely, showcased her ability to deliver heartbreak in blockbuster contexts.

In 2021, she starred as Chani in Denis Villeneuve's Dune, a sci-fi epic that earned $407 million worldwide and won six Academy Awards. Though her role was relatively small in Part One, she returned for a much larger role in Dune: Part Two (2024), which grossed over $714 million globally. As Chani, she played a fierce Fremen warrior and Paul Atreides' love interest, bringing strength and vulnerability to the role. She'll return for Dune: Part Three scheduled for 2026.

In 2024, she starred in Challengers, a tennis drama directed by Luca Guadagnino. Playing Tashi, a former tennis prodigy turned coach navigating a complex relationship triangle, Zendaya delivered a career-best performance. The film earned $96 million globally and cemented her ability to carry adult dramas. She reportedly earned $11 million for the role, her highest single film payday. The film showcased her range, sexuality, and commanding screen presence in ways her previous work hadn't. Other notable films include The Greatest Showman (2017), where she played trapeze artist Anne Wheeler and sang the hit duet "Rewrite the Stars," and voicing Lola Bunny in Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021).

Zendaya started her television career on Disney Channel with Shake It Up! (2010-2013), which launched her to fame among young audiences. She followed that with her own Disney Channel series K.C. Undercover (2015-2018), where she played a teenage spy. She wasn't just the star—she also served as producer, making her one of the youngest producers in television at age 19. The show ran for three seasons and showcased her growing creative control and business acumen.

Her career transformed completely with HBO's Euphoria (2019-present). The gritty teen drama created by Sam Levinson tackles addiction, trauma, sexuality, and mental health with unflinching honesty. Zendaya's performance as Rue Bennett earned universal acclaim and two Emmy Awards—in 2020 and 2022—making her the youngest two-time Emmy winner for acting. She also serves as executive producer on the series. Season 3 is scheduled to begin filming in 2026, though production has faced multiple delays. She reportedly negotiated a salary close to $1 million per episode for Season 3, making her one of TV's highest-paid actresses. The show's cultural impact has been enormous, influencing fashion, makeup trends, and conversations about mental health among young people globally.

Zendaya is a two-time Primetime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Euphoria, winning in 2020 and 2022. Her first win at age 24 made her the youngest actress ever to win in that category, breaking the record previously held by Jodie Comer. These Emmy wins transformed industry perception of her from Disney star to serious dramatic actress. She's the only actress to win multiple Emmys for the same role while under 30 years old.

Beyond the Emmys, she's won numerous other accolades. She won a Critics Choice Television Award and Satellite Award for Euphoria. She's received multiple Teen Choice Awards, Kids' Choice Awards, and MTV Movie & TV Awards throughout her career. In 2020, she was included in Time magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2023, she received the CFDA Fashion Icon Award, recognizing her impact on global fashion. She's been nominated for Golden Globe Awards, SAG Awards, and NAACP Image Awards. Her influence extends beyond acting—she's been recognized by Forbes as one of the world's highest-paid actresses and most powerful young celebrities multiple times.

Movie salaries represent Zendaya's largest income source. She now commands $10-15 million per major film. For Challengers, she earned $11 million, her highest single film payday. From the Spider-Man franchise alone, she's made at least $10 million in bonus payments according to Puck News, separate from her base salary. For blockbusters like Dune and Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, she earns similar eight-figure sums. These backend deals and profit-sharing arrangements significantly boost her total film earnings beyond base salaries.

Television work has become equally lucrative. For Euphoria Season 3, she negotiated a salary close to $1 million per episode, making her one of TV's highest-paid actresses. With typically 8-10 episodes per season, that's $8-10 million per season of Euphoria alone. As executive producer, she also earns additional producing fees and profit participation. Her endorsement deals are extraordinarily valuable—she's a house ambassador for Louis Vuitton (since 2023) and Bulgari jewelry. Industry analysis shows her "Earned Media Value" for Louis Vuitton runs into hundreds of millions, meaning her social media posts and public appearances generate massive brand exposure. These partnerships reportedly pay her millions annually in cash plus product and perks.

She also earns from producing credits through her production company launched in recent years. Music royalties from her earlier albums and singles provide passive income. Her massive social media following—over 180 million Instagram followers—makes her one of the world's most followed celebrities, allowing selective sponsored content deals worth millions. She's financially savvy, investing in real estate and diversifying her portfolio beyond entertainment income. Her father manages her finances conservatively, ensuring long-term wealth preservation rather than flashy spending.

Zendaya's highest single movie payday was $11 million for Challengers (2024), according to industry reports. This marked a significant milestone as her first lead role commanding an eight-figure salary. The film's success—both critically and commercially—proved she could open movies independently rather than just supporting franchises. Her performance elevated the entire project and justified her hefty paycheck.

For the Spider-Man films, she earned escalating salaries. While exact figures aren't publicly disclosed, industry insiders estimate she made $2-3 million for Spider-Man: Homecoming, $4-5 million for Far From Home, and $5-7 million for No Way Home. Additionally, Puck News reported she earned at least $10 million in bonus payments from the franchise's massive box office success, bringing her total Spider-Man earnings to $20+ million across all three films. For the Dune franchise, she reportedly earned $300,000 for the first film (a supporting role) but negotiated upwards of $5-7 million for Dune: Part Two where she had substantially more screen time. She'll likely earn similar amounts for Dune: Part Three.

For Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey releasing in July 2026, industry speculation suggests she's earning $10-12 million. Nolan films are prestigious and offer strong backend deals with profit participation. For the upcoming A24 films The Drama with Robert Pattinson and the Ronnie Spector biopic Be My Baby, her salaries likely range $5-8 million each given A24's typically lower budgets. Her Euphoria salary of nearly $1 million per episode means she's earning $8-10 million per season, potentially more than most of her films when accounting for producing fees.

Zendaya's most prominent endorsement partnership is with Louis Vuitton, where she became a house ambassador in 2023. She's the face of their Capucines handbag line and appears in major campaigns shot by legendary photographers. Her 2025 Resort campaign featured surreal imagery of her towering over Italian coastal landscapes, generating massive social media buzz. Industry analysis shows her "Earned Media Value" for Louis Vuitton runs into hundreds of millions annually—meaning her posts, appearances, and press coverage wearing LV generate brand exposure worth more than traditional advertising could buy. This partnership reportedly pays her several million dollars per year plus unlimited access to haute couture pieces.

She's also a global ambassador for Bulgari jewelry, appearing in campaigns alongside Anne Hathaway and Priyanka Chopra. The Italian luxury house values her young, diverse audience and her ability to make fine jewelry feel modern and accessible. She's worked with cosmetics brands including Lancôme in the past. She launched her own fashion line called "Daya" through Macy's in 2016, though it's no longer active. She's been selective about endorsements, turning down deals that don't align with her values or aesthetic. Her stylist Law Roach (who "retired" in 2023 but continues working with her) has carefully curated her fashion image, making every brand association feel intentional and elevated. This selectivity has actually increased her value—when Zendaya endorses something, it carries genuine weight and authenticity.

Zendaya has launched her own production company to develop film and television projects. She serves as executive producer on Euphoria and is increasingly involved in selecting and developing her own projects rather than just starring in others' visions. This gives her creative control and additional profit participation beyond acting fees. Industry insiders expect her to produce more projects in coming years, following the path of actresses like Reese Witherspoon who built production empires.

She previously launched "Daya by Zendaya," a fashion line sold through Macy's from 2016-2017. The line featured clothing, shoes, and accessories designed to be inclusive and affordable. While the line is no longer active, it demonstrated her interest in fashion beyond just wearing designer clothes. She's made strategic real estate investments, though she keeps details private. Her father Kazembe Coleman manages her finances conservatively, focusing on wealth preservation and smart investments rather than risky ventures.

Unlike many celebrities who launch dozens of businesses, Zendaya has remained focused primarily on entertainment while building strategic partnerships with established luxury brands. Her "business" is essentially being Zendaya—her image, talent, and influence are the products. She's been smart about leveraging her fame for maximum compensation rather than diluting her brand with too many ventures. She's also actively involved in activism and charitable work, particularly around education access and representation in media, though these aren't for-profit endeavors. Her approach is quality over quantity—fewer projects, higher compensation, greater creative control.

🏠 Properties

Zendaya owns multiple properties but keeps real estate details extremely private. She reportedly owns a home in Los Angeles where she lives when working in California. She's been spotted in various Los Angeles neighborhoods but hasn't publicly disclosed property addresses for security and privacy reasons. Unlike many young stars who immediately buy flashy mansions, Zendaya has been relatively conservative with real estate, making strategic purchases managed by her father rather than collecting trophy properties.

Zendaya got engaged to actor Tom Holland in January 2025, with Tom proposing at one of Zendaya's family homes over the holidays. Both are 28 years old. They met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016 and dated briefly but kept it extremely private. They were first photographed kissing in July 2021, finally confirming years of speculation about their relationship. In September 2021, Tom made their relationship Instagram official, posting a photo for Zendaya's 25th birthday and calling her "my MJ." Their relationship has been characterized by mutual respect, support, and fierce privacy protection.

According to People magazine, "everyone close to them knew an engagement was happening" though the timing was kept secret. Tom had been wanting to propose "for a while" and considers Zendaya "the one." A source told People: "He's always been crazy about her. He always knew she was the one. They have something very special." The couple plans to take their time planning the wedding and won't rush. "They will just enjoy things for now and won't rush a wedding. They are both busy with work projects," the source added. Zendaya showcased her engagement ring at the 2025 Golden Globes, sparking immediate speculation before official confirmation.

Before Tom, Zendaya was extremely private about relationships. She was linked to her Euphoria co-star Jacob Elordi in 2019 but never confirmed the relationship. She's spoken about how her parents taught her to keep personal life separate from public image. She's fiercely protective of her privacy, rarely discussing her relationship publicly beyond occasional Instagram posts. She's very close to her family, particularly her parents Claire and Kazembe, who remain actively involved in her life and career. She has five older half-siblings from her father's previous relationships and maintains close bonds with them. Her upbringing in Oakland with two teachers as parents grounded her in education, hard work, and staying true to herself despite fame.

Zendaya's 2026 is incredibly packed with major projects. First up is Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, releasing July 17, 2026. While her exact character hasn't been revealed, speculation suggests she's playing either a siren or Circe in this epic adaptation of Homer's classic. She stars alongside Tom Holland (as Telemachus), Matt Damon, Lupita Nyong'o, and Anne Hathaway. This marks her first Nolan film and represents a massive prestige project that could position her for Oscar consideration.

Two weeks later on July 31, 2026, Spider-Man 4 (officially titled "Spider-Man: Brand New Day") releases. Zendaya reprises her role as MJ, with the complication that MJ has forgotten Peter Parker entirely following the events of No Way Home. This creates an emotional "will they or won't they" dynamic. Filming alongside her real-life fiancé Tom Holland, fans are expecting the promotional tour to be massive. Also in 2026, Dune: Part Three is expected around the holidays, with Zendaya returning as Chani opposite Timothée Chalamet.

She's also set to star in The Drama, an A24 romantic thriller with Robert Pattinson directed by Kristoffer Borgli. The film centers on a couple whose wedding plans derail when unexpected revelations surface. She'll voice a character in the next Shrek movie releasing in 2026. Perhaps most exciting is her casting in Barry Jenkins' Be My Baby, where she'll play music icon Ronnie Spector in a biopic about the 1960s girl group The Ronnettes. This role could be Oscar bait, combining her acting and singing talents. Finally, Euphoria Season 3 is expected to begin filming in 2026, though HBO hasn't announced an air date. Fans are calling 2026 "the Zendaya-ssance" given her absolutely packed schedule dominating cinema that year.

Zendaya has a massive social media presence with over 180 million followers on Instagram (@zendaya), making her one of the most-followed actresses globally. She posts regularly but strategically—promoting her work, sharing fashion moments from events and photoshoots, and occasional personal glimpses while maintaining strict privacy boundaries. She rarely posts about her relationship with Tom Holland, preferring to keep that part of her life sacred. Her Instagram aesthetic is polished and curated, reflecting her fashion icon status.

She's relatively quiet on Twitter/X compared to Instagram but maintains a presence there. She's not particularly active on TikTok personally, though fan accounts dedicated to her have millions of followers and her Euphoria scenes go massively viral on the platform. Her social media strategy is carefully managed—she uses it to control her narrative, promote projects, and connect with fans on her own terms rather than letting tabloids define her image. Her posts generate millions of likes and comments instantly, and when she wears or promotes anything, it creates measurable commercial impact. Brands value her "Earned Media Value"—the exposure her posts generate—in the hundreds of millions. Despite this massive following, she's avoided most social media controversies by staying authentic, thoughtful, and avoiding oversharing personal details. She's spoken about social media's impact on mental health and maintains boundaries to protect her wellbeing.