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Zendaya’s Journey: From Child Star Breadwinner to Reflective Adult

In a candid and revealing interview with Vogue, Zendaya, the 27-year-old actress and former child star, opened up about her experiences of growing up under the scrutiny of the public eye, her regrets about not attending high school, and her concerns about the impact of fame on young people. The Spider-Man: No Way Home star spoke about the pressure she felt to be “this perfect being” and to live up to everyone’s expectations, which often left her feeling stressed and unable to enjoy her success.

At the young age of 13, Zendaya began her Hollywood career, quickly becoming the breadwinner for her family. This early rise to stardom forced her into an adult role, necessitating a maturity beyond her years. As she reflects on her experiences, Zendaya now realizes that her teenage years were marked by the absence of normal teenage experiences, saying, “I’m almost going through my angsty teenager phase now, because I didn’t really have the time to do it before.”

Although Zendaya appreciates the opportunities her career has afforded her, she also regrets her missed high school experience. She shared, “I have complicated feelings about kids and fame… I was thrust into a very adult position [as a teen star]: I was becoming the breadwinner of my family very early, and there was a lot of role-reversal happening, and just kind of becoming grown, really.” This admission highlights the challenges she faced growing up in the spotlight, but also her resilience and strength in navigating these difficult circumstances.

As she has grown into adulthood, Zendaya has become increasingly aware of the expectations and pressures that come with fame. She explains, “Now, when I have these moments in my career—like, my first time leading a film that’s actually going to be in a theater—I feel like I shrink, and I can’t enjoy all the things that are happening to me, because I’m like this…I’m very tense.” Zendaya recognizes that her childhood experiences in the limelight have contributed to these anxieties, and she wishes she had had the chance to simply be a teenager, stating, “I wish I went to school.”

Despite her earlier eagerness to fulfill her perceived obligations to fans and the public, Zendaya has learned the art of setting boundaries. She explained, “I think growing up, I always felt like when someone asks for a picture, I have to do it, all the time… You have to say yes, because you need to be grateful that you’re here. And while I still feel that way, I also have learned that I can say no, and I can say kindly that I’m having a day off…”

Zendaya has also contemplated how her experiences with fame might affect her future, particularly when it comes to the potential impact on her future children. She expressed concern about her children having to face the same pressures she endured.

When asked about her “perfect future,” Zendaya envisions a life where she can make things, pop out when necessary, and enjoy a protected private life with her family. She hopes for a future in which she doesn’t have to worry about constantly delivering or giving, knowing that everything will not disappear if she takes a step back.

Zendaya’s reflections on her childhood stardom offer a unique and powerful perspective on the costs and benefits of growing up in the public eye. As an advocate for self-care, boundaries, and mental health, Zendaya’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration for those navigating the worlds of fame and celebrity. Her journey from breadwinner child star to thoughtful, introspective adult is a testament to her strength and resilience, and she continues to make an indelible mark on Hollywood and beyond.