Zendaya was “always” destined for stardom.
The 28-year-old actress has enjoyed huge success in recent years, and Trinitee Stokes – who previously appeared alongside Zendaya in the Disney series ‘K.C. Undercover‘ – isn’t at all surprised by what she’s managed to achieve. Industry experts estimate her current net worth at over $20 million, making her one of Hollywood’s most successful young performers. Her careful selection of roles has contributed to her meteoric rise in the industry.
Trinitee explained to PEOPLE: “She was always so driven, and she always had such bright ideas and such great perspective on the entertainment industry.” Her early promise on Disney Channel shows translated into a career that spans both television and blockbuster films, setting her apart from many of her Disney Channel contemporaries.
“We’re all very proud and excited to see her flourishing like she is.” The sentiment reflects Zendaya’s impact on the entertainment industry, where she’s become one of the most sought-after talents of her generation. Her work ethic and dedication to her craft have earned her respect from industry veterans.
Zendaya starred on the TV show between 2015 and 2018, and Trinitee has praised the versatility of her former co-star. During this period, ‘K.C. Undercover’ maintained impressive viewership numbers, averaging 2.5 million viewers per episode, making it one of Disney Channel’s most successful shows of that era.
The actress said: “She’s one of those people that is able to do comedy. She’s able to do drama. I think they had a couple episodes where she was dancing, and then she sings.” This versatility has been showcased in various roles, from her Emmy-winning performance in ‘Euphoria’ to appearances in major franchises like ‘Dune’ and ‘Spider-Man’. Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres has become her trademark.
Despite her success, Zendaya recently confessed to being a “very self-conscious person”. Her candid admissions about personal struggles have made her relatable to fans worldwide and have helped break down the barriers between celebrities and their audiences.
She told The Hollywood Reporter: “I’m a very self-conscious person. Everything I do, I’m very self-critical. And I find that being on a set is one of the few places that I don’t judge myself.” Her authenticity has earned her a following of over 184 million Instagram followers, making her one of social media’s most influential figures.
“I can just be super free. Because I’m like, ‘Wait, it’s not me.’ So I don’t mind watching myself. I don’t actually ever get weird about it until I go, ‘Oh, people are going to see this.'” This approach to her craft has helped her deliver consistently powerful performances that resonate with both critics and audiences.
“Once it’s time to promote something, I’m like, ‘Oh, now I’m self-conscious about the work that I just made.’ But up until this point, I was just in my little bubble of creative freedom. It’s not until you realise, ‘This won’t belong to just me forever,’ that my head starts going.” Her journey also includes breaking records as Disney Channel’s youngest producer during her time on ‘K.C. Undercover’, showcasing her business acumen at a young age.
Beyond acting, Zendaya has emerged as a significant influence in fashion and advocacy for diversity in entertainment. She has collaborated with major fashion houses and has been recognized as a style icon by numerous publications. Her red carpet appearances regularly make headlines and influence fashion trends worldwide.
Her transition from child star to respected adult performer represents a path rarely achieved in Hollywood, with her success inspiring a new generation of performers. She has maintained a scandal-free career while taking on increasingly challenging roles that push artistic boundaries.
Looking ahead, her project pipeline remains robust, with several high-profile roles in development. Industry analysts predict her influence will continue to grow, based on her track record of choosing challenging roles and delivering authentic performances that resonate with audiences worldwide. Her upcoming projects include ambitious adaptations of classic works and innovative original productions.
