Zendaya Reflects on Childhood Fame: “Complicated Feelings” About Being a Child Actor

Zendaya, renowned for her roles in Hollywood, shared candid reflections on her journey from child actor to adult stardom in a recent interview with Vogue. Despite her success, she revealed a complex mix of emotions about her early entry into the entertainment industry.

Having started her acting career at the tender age of 14 with Disney’s sitcom Shake It Up, alongside Bella Thorne, Zendaya quickly became a household name. However, she acknowledged feeling thrust into adulthood prematurely, becoming the primary financial support for her family. “I felt like I was thrust into a very adult position,” Zendaya expressed, describing the role reversal and accelerated maturity she experienced.

Zendaya confessed to having mixed feelings about her childhood acting career, suggesting she may not have had much choice in the matter. “I don’t know how much of a choice I had,” she admitted, highlighting the complexities and challenges of being a child actor in the spotlight. Reflecting on the impact of fame on young performers, she acknowledged the potential detrimental effects and complexities associated with early exposure to public scrutiny.

As she transitioned into adulthood, Zendaya began to realize the sacrifices she had made and the experiences she had missed out on. “I think only now, as an adult, am I starting to go, Oh, okay, wait a minute: I’ve only ever done what I’ve known, and this is all I’ve known,” she reflected.

Zendaya candidly shared her struggles with embracing her newfound adult roles and responsibilities, likening it to experiencing an “angsty teenager phase” later in life. Despite her success, she admitted feeling tense and unable to fully enjoy her achievements, longing for the opportunities to explore and experiment that she missed out on during her youth.

Expressing a desire for a more traditional upbringing, Zendaya lamented not having attended school and missing out on the chance to try new things. “And I wish I went to school,” she confessed, highlighting a longing for the normalcy and experiences that she believes could have enriched her life.