Zendaya is getting honest about living life in the spotlight and the pressure that comes with it.
Zendaya has been working non-stop in Hollywood since she landed a leading role in her first television series Shake It Up — a 2010 Disney Channel sitcom about the adventures of two best friends who dream of becoming professional dancers.
She opened up about her relationship with fame during a recent screening of Dune: Part Two in New York City and her hopes of being recognized as a “person” first and not just a celebrity.
During the event, Zendaya sat on a panel for a moderated conversation with director Denis Villeneuve and her co-stars Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler. Along with questions from moderator Erik Davis, the cast also answered questions from the audience including one that drew comparisons between warning of the Messianic cult followings depicted in the film and the current state of celebrity fandoms.
“I feel like, often, I am not cut out for that part of it,” Zendaya responded. “I do love my job. I’m so grateful. I love doing the work. I love being on set. I do love moments like this — don’t get me wrong — but I am terrified of that part of it, often.”
The Challengers star revealed she grew up as an introvert and was really quite “shy” as a kid, and that’s still who she is today. Despite working in Hollywood for so long, Zendaya added that being the center of attention “isn’t natural” for her.
Known for being one of the most stylish celebrities of our time, Zendaya confessed that the reason fashion became so important to her is because it “became like armor” for her as she does her job.
“So, I don’t know if I, either, can fully relate, but I definitely understand what you’re saying, and I think that’s what’s terrifying to me.”
“I would like to be a person and for people to see me as that first. I don’t necessarily know if I want or can handle all of that or want [that] — some people that’s part of it, they enjoy the power that comes from it, and I don’t know if that’s for me.”
