Zendaya is getting candid about the obligations she feels as a successful young Black woman in Hollywood.
In The Hollywood Reporter’s Drama Actress Roundtable, the Euphoria star admitted she feels a “heavy responsibility on shoulders” to be a good role model for fans as well as being an agent of change amid increased calls for inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
She explained during the conversation with Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Helena Bonham Carter, Rose Byrne, and Janelle Monáe:
“There’s a lot of good that I can do and I know who is watching. Now, more than ever, specifically with Black Lives Matter and everything, I feel an obligation to make sure that I’m aware and putting out the right things and in line with organizers and people who are on the ground.”
The 23-year-old went on to describe herself as her own “biggest critic,” admitting that the pressure to get everything perfect is a “constant thing” for her.
The Disney alum added:
“Being a young Disney actor, that’s one level, being a young Black woman is one level, and then being very hard on myself is another level. It’s also just a personal fear. I want to do a good job, and sometimes that can cause you to be fearful of things. But I will say that there’s something that happens when a special character comes along, for me at least, and those fears melt away.”
One of those special characters is Zendaya’s Euphoria character, Rue, who was based on show creator Sam Levinson’s experience as a white man struggling with addiction.
The actress noted her push for roles that aren’t written for actors of a particular race came from wanting to contribute to the inclusivity movement. She shared:
“I’m very grateful and hopefully I’ll be in a space like these ladies where I can create things and make space for women who look like me and women who don’t look like me. That’s the ultimate goal, to make room, for a lot of Black creatives, it’s not a lack of talent but a lack of opportunity.”
At the same time, Zendaya acknowledged she has a certain privilege in the industry being “light-skinned,” explaining:
“I also think it’s important being a light-skinned woman to recognize my privilege in that sense as well and make sure that I’m not taking up space where I don’t need to.”
As for how she plans to help create more space? The Spider-Man: Far From Home actress said she hopes to start her own production company down the line so she can “create” opportunities for other women and men like her.
We love it! But hopefully we don’t have to wait for Zendaya Productions to get more inclusivity in Hollywood.
Ch-ch-check out the video (below) for more of the conversation.
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