As Zendaya turns 28 today, it’s time to take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of her best performances that have shaped her successful career. Starting off as a child artiste on Disney Channel, she has come a long way to become one of the most loved celebrities today. From starring in Disney’s show Rocky Blue shake it off From her latest role as Chani in Dune to her breakout role, Zendaya has proven her remarkable acting ability with a variety of roles throughout her career, and needless to say, this is only the beginning.
Today as the actress celebrates her 28th birthday, let’s take a look at some of her most iconic roles on the occasion.
10. Zoey Stevens Zapped (2014)
Zoey is one of the earliest roles in Zendaya’s career. Although it is not one of her most popular roles, it cannot be denied that her performance in the show was very impressive and charismatic. In the show, her character, Zoey, gets the power to control the boys around her using an app on her phone.
The character of Zoey, played by Zendaya, was charming, sweet, and fun, showing that the actress has a bright career ahead of her.
9. MJ Inn Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Zendaya played MJ in the third film in the Spider-Man series starring Tom Holland. Spider-Man: No Way HomeHer character, MJ, was sarcastic, funny and brought much-needed humanity to a show full of supernatural powers and battles.
The best part was that her chemistry with Tom Holland was incredible, which led to a sweet and strong romantic relationship between the two in real life.
8. Mary’s Inn Malcolm and Marie (2021)
Probably one of her most underrated roles, Zendaya’s portrayal of Marie was raw, emotional, and vulnerable. There are only two actors in the entire film: Zendaya and John David Washington, and it focuses on a late-night argument between their characters. Zendaya’s character, Marie, is the girlfriend of Washington’s character, Malcolm. This is definitely one of the most challenging and realistic roles of her career.
7. MJ Inn Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Zendaya entered the world of the MCU with the role of MJ in the first film of the Spider-Man franchise. Spider-Man: Homecoming,
Despite being only a supporting character, she shone with her witty humor, charming personality, and of course, her great chemistry with Tom Holland. This was the role that proved that Zendaya was definitely here to stay and rock it, too.
6. Tashi Duncan Challengers (2024)
Zendaya’s most recent movie Challengers The film was a success not only cinematically but also in terms of fashion. Her fashion sense throughout the promos became a signature statement that added to the success of the film. Zendaya played Tashi Duncan in the film, a former tennis player turned coach who transforms her husband from a mediocre player to a world-renowned tennis champion.
Zendaya’s role in The Challengers is undoubtedly one of her best roles to date, showing just how much she has grown as an actress over the years.
5. Anne Wheeler The Greatest Showman (2017)
In this award-winning musical film, Zendaya played Anne Wheeler, an acrobat in a fictionalized version of PT Barnum’s circus who falls in love with Barnum’s associate Philip Carlyle (Zac Efron) as she battles prejudices against her skin color. Her chemistry with Efron was dynamic and her portrayal was different from any role she had played before.
Notably, she also showcased her remarkable singing talent in the film, particularly evident in the song “Rewrite the Stars” featuring her and Efron.
4. Chani Dune: Part One (2021)
Despite not getting enough screen time in the film, Zendaya made her mark Dune: Part One Through her excellent acting skills. She mostly appears in the dreams of Timothée Chalamet’s character Paul, but the weight of her character can be felt in the few scenes where she appears. Her performance has made fans eagerly wait for the sequel, where her role is comparatively more important. Through the character of Chansey, Zendaya truly proved that sometimes less is more.
3. MJ Inn Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
Although Zendaya’s portrayal of MJ was impressive in all the Spider-Man movies, she stood out in this movie. Spider-Man: Far From HomeBecause she plays a more central and active role in this installment. In this film, she accompanies Peter and his classmates on their trip to Europe and helps him discover the truth behind Mysterio’s betrayal. MJ’s romance with Peter Parker also becomes a major focus of this film compared to the previous film.
2. Rue Bennett glee (2019)
Any list of Zendaya’s iconic performances is incomplete without mentioning Rue Bennett. glee. Her character in the show, Rue, is a troubled teenager who is seen battling addiction. Her portrayal was raw, unfiltered and heartbreaking. The way she played the character with such honesty and emotional depth is nothing short of extraordinary.
Zendaya even won an Emmy Award for the role, which only further cemented how amazing she was as Rue Bennett.
1. Chana Dune: Part Two (2024)
Dune: Part Two Zendaya plays a more prominent role than in the first film. Chani is no longer just a mysterious girl in Paul’s dreams, but she plays a central role in the film, telling Paul about her people and teaching him how to fight the Crisknife and ride a sandworm.
The complicated romance between Chani and Paul also begins to blossom in this part, giving Zendaya’s character more depth.
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