Happy Birthday Zendaya: Revisiting Her 10 Best Roles As Actress Turns 28

As a die-hard fan of Zendaya since her days on Disney’s Shake It Off, I can confidently say that the actress has come a long way and continues to impress us with her remarkable performances. From her early roles like Zoey Stevens in Zapped to her latest role as Chani in Dune: Part Two, Zendaya has shown us time and again that she’s here to slay.


Today marks Zendaya’s 28th birthday, making it an ideal moment to look back at some outstanding performances that have contributed significantly to her thriving career. Her journey began as a child actress on the Disney channel, and she has since climbed the ladder of fame to become one of today’s most in-demand celebrities. From playing Rocky Blue on Disney’s Shake It Off to her recent role as Chani in Dune, Zendaya has demonstrated an impressive range of acting skills across various roles, and there’s no doubt that this is just the start.

On her 28th birthday today, let’s honor this special day by looking back at some of her most memorable performances, her standout roles.

10. Zoey Stevens in Zapped (2014)

One of Zendaya’s initial roles in her career was as Zoey. While this role isn’t one of her most famous, it’s undeniable that her portrayal of the character was both cool and charismatic. In the series, Zoey’s character gains the ability to manipulate boys through an app on her smartphone.

Zendaya’s depiction of Zoey was delightful, endearing, and genuinely amusing, indicating that the actress was on track for a promising future in the industry.

9. MJ in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

In the third film of the Tom Holland-led Spider-Man series titled “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Zendaya portrayed MJ. Her character was known for her sarcasm, wit, and added a touch of human relatability amidst the supernatural power displays and conflicts.

Cherry on the top was her incredible chemistry with Tom Holland, that gave way to a sweet and strong romantic relationship between the two in real-life.

8. Marie in Malcolm and Marie (2021)

Among Zendaya’s roles, her portrayal of Marie stands out as underappreciated yet powerful. Her performance was intense, emotional, and exposed a deep vulnerability. The film focuses on just two actors: Zendaya and John David Washington, and revolves around an intense late-night dispute between their characters. In the story, Zendaya’s character, Marie, is Malcom’s girlfriend, portrayed by John David Washington. This role undoubtedly ranks among her most demanding and authentic in her acting career.

7. MJ in Spider-Man : Homecoming (2017)

In the initial installment of the Spider-Man series, titled “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” Zendaya made her entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe by portraying the character MJ.

Despite being only a supporting character, she shined with her witty humour, charming persona, and of course, her top-notch chemistry with Tom Holland. This was the role that proved Zendaya was definitely here to stay and also, slay. 

6. Tashi Duncan in Challengers (2024)

In her latest movie titled “Challengers,” Zendaya’s performance and style were both critically acclaimed and fashionably on point, contributing significantly to the film’s overall success. The manner in which she carried herself during promotional events left an indelible mark, enhancing the movie’s popularity. In this film, Zendaya portrayed Tashi Duncan, a former tennis player who mentors her husband from being an average player into a globally recognized tennis champion.

In the movie “Challengers,” Zendaya delivers arguably one of her finest performances, showcasing the significant growth and improvement she’s made in her acting career throughout the years.

5. Anne Wheeler in The Greatest Showman (2017)

In the critically-acclaimed musical film, Zendaya took on the role of Anne Wheeler, a circus acrobat in a dramatized version of P.T. Barnum’s circus. She found herself smitten with Phillip Carlyle, portrayed by Zac Efron, who was Barnum’s associate. Facing prejudice due to her skin color, Anne’s love story was captivating. Her on-screen chemistry with Efron was electric, and her performance in this role differed remarkably from any previous roles she had played.

Beyond that, I must add that she showcased her exceptional singing ability in the film, most notably during the duet “Rewrite The Stars,” where her voice was beautifully intertwined with Efron’s.

4. Chani in Dune: Part One (2021)

In “Dune: Part One,” although Zendaya may not have had a lot of screen time, she made an indelible impact through her impressive acting abilities. Primarily appearing within Timothee Chalamet’s character Paul’s dreams, Zendaya’s character, Chani, managed to convey great depth in the brief moments she was present. Her performance generated excitement among fans for the sequel, where her role becomes more substantial. In essence, with a smaller part, Zendaya demonstrated that sometimes less can indeed be more impactful.

3. MJ in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

In “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” Zendaya’s character, MJ, takes center stage more than in the other Spider-Man movies. This is because she joins Peter Parker and his classmates on their European trip and assists him in uncovering Mysterio’s deception. Moreover, the romantic aspect between MJ and Peter Parker is significantly developed in this film, unlike in the previous one.

2. Rue Bennett in Euphoria (2019)

Without fail, any rundown of Zendaya’s Memorable Roles should include Rue Bennett from Euphoria. In this series, Rue, a complex teenager struggling with drug addiction, comes to life through her performance. Her depiction was authentic, unvarnished, and deeply moving. The way she breathed life into the character with such honesty and emotional richness is truly remarkable.

Zendaya’s exceptional portrayal of Rue Bennett earned her an Emmy Award, further emphasizing just how remarkable her performance was in that role.

1. Chani in Dune: Part Two (2024)

In “Dune: Part Two,” Zendaya assumes a more prominent part than in the initial film. Instead of merely being a mysterious girl who appears in Paul’s dreams, Chani becomes the main character, instructing Paul about her people, teaching him how to wield a crysknife and ride a sandworm on screen.

In this segment, my heart flutters as I find myself deeply drawn into the intricate relationship between Chani and Paul, a connection that seems to add layers upon layers to the captivating portrayal of Zendaya’s character.

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2024-09-01 03:38