From left: Claire Stoermer, Zendaya and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman attend the Essence Black Women in Music event at Avalon on Feb. 11, 2016, in Hollywood, Calif.Photo:Earl Gibson III/Getty Images
Earl Gibson III/Getty Images
Zendaya’s parents have been theEuphoriastar’s biggest fans since she was born in Oakland, Calif., on Sept. 1, 1996.
When they aren’t accompanying Zendaya on set or supporting her at events (including the 2020Emmy Awardswhen shetook home her first win), her mom Claire Stoermer and dad Kazembe Ajamu Coleman have cheered their daughter on from afar, posting sweet tributes to heron Instagram.
One of her family’s homes also served as the setting whenTom Holland proposed to Zendayain December 2024, according toTMZ. Weeks before their engagement news broke, Holland mentioned that he’d be spending Christmas with his “girlfriend’s family” while on theDishpodcast.
So, who are Zendaya’s parents? Here’s everything to know about Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman.
Stoermer is a teacher
Michael Kovac/Getty Images
Aside from being Zendaya’s mom, Stoermer is also a school teacher. Because of this, the actress always had an extra appreciation for education. When she was young, she often looked up to her mom as a role model due to her passion for helping others.
“Growing up, I watched my mom teach in the heart of Oakland, Calif., at inner-city schools that were always underfunded,” ZendayatoldTeen Voguein 2016. “My mom went above and beyond, working constantly to open her students' eyes to an education that could lift them far beyond their current circumstances.”
Zendaya continued, “She would introduce them to the arts, guide them through the language of Shakespeare, and show them the wonders of nature outside city life — all things that they wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.”
TheChallengersstar also noted that if she weren’t an actress, she’d be “a teacher in a heartbeat — guaranteed!”
Kazembe was a teacher before becoming Zendaya’s manager
Kazembe Ajamu Coleman (left) and Zendaya celebrating at the 2020 Emmy Awards.Instagram/kazembeajamu
Instagram/kazembeajamu
Like Stoermer, Kazembe was also a teacher but has worked with Zendaya as a manager in recent years. Given her parents' professions, the actresstoldUs Weeklyin 2014 that she “always had to take school very seriously” growing up.
She also shared that “in 2nd grade [she] failed some spelling tests and got in a lot of trouble!”
They keep her grounded
Zendaya poses with father Kazembe Ajamu Coleman (left) and mother Claire Stoermer (right) at the Q102 Performance Theater Oct. 17, 2013, in Bala Cynwyd, Pa.Getty Images
Getty Images
Amid the prestigious awards received and critical acclaim amassed, the Emmy winner has remained humble throughout her success and attributed her mom and dad for keeping her grounded.
“I gotta give it up to my parents,” Zendaya said during a 2016appearance onThe Ellen DeGeneres Show. “I’m really lucky to have the parents that I have. They just have always instilled in me those core values that I think I have to carry with me through everything. I give it up to them, I give it up to my family.”
Zendaya embraces natural beauty, thanks to her mom
Candid photo of Claire Stoermer (left) and Zendaya shared on Instagram on Mother’s Day 2018.Instagram/claire_maree64
Instagram/claire_maree64
While Zendaya has gotten glammed up for award shows, red carpets and photoshoots, she is a huge advocate for embracing her natural beauty, something she has credited her mom for.
“My beauty icons are the women in my life. My mom didn’t wear makeup; I don’t think she knew that to me, it was empowering that she didn’t care,” ZendayatoldVanity Fairin 2019.
However, when they indulge in glam, they have fun in the process!
Stoermer has her own jewelry line
Zendaya at the ‘Dune’ premiere during the 78th Venice International Film Festival in Italy on Sept. 3, 2021.David Fisher/Shutterstock
Zendaya’s mom also has her own jewelry line,Kizzmet Jewelry, made from crystals such as amethysts, hematites and chrysocollas.
In addition to donning her mom’s designs, Zendaya has also posted about her work online.
“So my mom’s a dope ass jewelry designer/maker and also slays my line,” the actress sharedon X(formerly Twitter) in 2016 in support of her mom’s business.
Zendaya is the only child of Stoermer and Kazembe
Zendaya with her siblings in a family photo posted on Instagram.Instagram/Zendaya
Instagram/Zendaya
Zendaya is the only child her parents share, but she hasfive older stepsiblingsfrom her father’s previous marriage. She has three older sisters, Katianna, Annabella and Kaylee, and two older brothers, Austin and Julien.
“I look up to my big sister and realize the influence she’s had on me and making me a better person,” ZendayatoldTIMEin a 2015 interview. “Having such a big, grounded family, I realized as you get older how important that is.”
She alsorevealed toComplexthat she’s an aunt as well.
“Honestly, I think about my little nieces and my little nephews first,” she told the outlet in 2015. “Because one day they’re going to have Twitter and they’re going to have Instagram, and I’m going to be like, ‘This is how you handle it, kids.’ "
Kazembe is very protective of his daughter
Zendaya and father Kazembe Ajamu Coleman (left) at Paris Fashion Week in 2019.Instagram/kazembeajamu
As the youngest of a big family, Zendaya admitted that her dad is very protective of her when it comes to her love life.
“My dad is going to vet any guy that even looks at me,” Zendaya said while attendingEssence’s Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon in 2016 (via PEOPLE).
She added, “If I decide to have my dad around to make sure dad vets them out and makes sure they are cool, they better go through dad first!”
It’s fair to assume the actress sought her father’s wisdom and approval when she starteddating her formerSpider-Mancostar,Tom Holland, who she is now engaged to.
They were not prepared for Zendaya’s spicy scenes inChallengers
Zendaya attends the L.A. premiere of Amazon MGM Studios' ‘Challengers’ afterparty at Funke on April 16, 2024.Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios
Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios
During a 2024 appearance onJimmy Kimmel Live!, Zendaya told hostJimmy Kimmelthat she found her family’s reaction to the sexy scenes in the filmChallengers"hilarious.”
“Well, they know it’s a Rated-R movie, okay, so I was like, you know, walking into this, ‘If you can’t handle the heat, get out the kitchen,’ " said the actress, who also served as producer. “But I forewarned them. It was honestly my favorite part of the night. ‘Cause I’ve seen the movie many times.”
She added, “I know when the scenes are coming so when those scenes were happening, I just was watching my family because they were behind me, so I just watched them the whole time;it was hilarious.”
Zendaya and her mother alsodisagreed onChallengers’ ending, adding to the discourse surrounding thepsychological drama’s open conclusion.
source: people.com
