LOS ANGELES: Zendaya’s 30th birthday marked more than a new decade Tuesday, bringing a nostalgic look at her childhood as the actor enters a busy new chapter in Hollywood.
Zendaya celebrated the milestone on Instagram with a throwback photo of herself as a child, thanking fans for making the final year of her 20s special.
“I can’t thank ya’ll enough for making the last year of my twenties so beautiful, I have so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to, with love as always….here’s to 30!!!!!” she wrote.
Her mother, Claire Stoermer, also marked the occasion with a rare childhood photo of Zendaya and a loving birthday message. Stoermer noted that her daughter is no longer active on social media, joking that Zendaya would not see the post, while adding that they had just spoken on FaceTime.
Stoermer has been an important influence in Zendaya’s life. Zendaya has previously spoken about watching her mother work as a teacher in Oakland, California, and how her mother’s commitment to education and hard work shaped her.
The birthday comes after a major year for Zendaya, who has continued to expand her career across television, film and fashion. She has appeared in major projects including “The Drama,” Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” “Dune: Part Three” is also scheduled for release Dec. 18.
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From Disney star to fashion force
Zendaya has also undergone a striking transformation in the fashion world, evolving from a teenage Disney star into one of Hollywood’s most closely watched red-carpet figures.
Her relationship with stylist Law Roach played a major role in that evolution. Together, they developed an approach that treated each major appearance as an opportunity to experiment with designers, historical references and different fashion personas.
Rather than settling on a single signature style, Zendaya has become known for committing fully to the theme of an event. Her red-carpet appearances have included elaborate couture, archival designs and looks inspired by the characters and films she was promoting.
Among her most memorable moments are her illuminated Cinderella-inspired gown at the 2019 Met Gala and her medieval-inspired Versace look at the 2018 event. Her fashion appearances have helped establish her as more than an actor on a red carpet she has become a style figure in her own right.
A quieter life away from cameras
Despite her bold public image, Zendaya has maintained a relatively private life away from Hollywood events.
She has also spoken about taking breaks from social media when it became overwhelming. Her decision to limit her online presence has made her occasional personal posts more notable, including the birthday message she shared Tuesday.
Now entering her 30s, Zendaya has a career that spans television, blockbuster franchises, acclaimed dramas and fashion, with several major projects still ahead.
Her birthday celebration offered a glimpse of the person behind the carefully constructed public image a daughter looking back at where she started, while preparing for what comes next.
