Zendaya

'Zendaya' (qv) (which means "to give thanks" in the language of Shona) is an American actress and singer born in Oakland, California. She began her career appearing as a child model working for Macy's, Mervyns and Old Navy. She was a backup dancer before gaining prominence for her role as Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel sitcom _Shake It Up (2010)_ (qv) which also includes 'Bella Thorne' (qv), 'Kenton Duty' (qv) and 'Roshon Fegan' (qv). 'Zendaya' (qv) was a contestant on the sixteenth season of the competition series Dancing with the Stars. She went on to produce and star as K.C. Cooper in the Disney Channel sitcom _K.C. Undercover (2015)_ (qv) She made her film breakthrough in 2017, starring as Michelle "MJ" Jones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film _Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)_ (qv) and as Anne Wheeler in the musical drama film _The Greatest Showman (2017)_ (qv) alongside actors such as 'Tom Holland' (qv), 'Hugh Jackman' (qv) and 'Zac Efron' (qv). Besides acting, singing and dancing she is an ambassador for Convoy of Hope. She has written a book, launched her own clothing line (Daya by 'Zendaya' (qv)) and proved herself to be a great role model for young girls all around the world.::Mymble Ansdal