Zendaya Parents |work| →

Zendaya’s mother, Claire, worked as a teacher at the Shakespearean theater in Oakland, California, and later as a house manager. But her influence goes far beyond a job title. Claire instilled in Zendaya a love for the arts, discipline, and education. She also made sure her daughter understood the value of humility. Growing up, Zendaya didn’t live a Hollywood-adjacent childhood; she attended a public arts school where Claire taught. Her mother’s insistence on normalcy—chores, respect, and hard work—kept Zendaya rooted even as fame arrived.

Coleman was a teacher before becoming Zendaya's manager Kazembe Ajamu Coleman (left) and Zendaya celebrating at the 2020 Emmy Awar... Show all Name & Heritage: Originally born Samuel David Coleman, he legally changed his name to Kazembe Ajamu to honor his Nigerian ancestry discovered through a DNA test. Managerial Role: Like Claire , Kazembe was a teacher, but he transitioned into acting as Zendaya's manager and bodyguard to help navigate her early career. Protective Instincts: He is known for being highly protective. Zendaya has joked that he "vets" any potential partners, including her longtime partner zendaya parents

Zendaya was born to two educators in Oakland, California. This background in teaching significantly influenced her worldview and appreciation for education. Zendaya’s mother, Claire, worked as a teacher at

Zendaya attributes her success and grounded nature directly to her parents: She also made sure her daughter understood the

While Zendaya’s parents officially divorced in 2016, the separation was amicable and had occurred long before the legal filing. The family remains a tight-knit unit, often seen together at major events or during quiet moments in Oakland.