LOS ANGELES — Zendaya has starred in two hit series for the Disney Channel, finished second in “Dancing With the Stars,” launched her own clothing line, found success as a recording artist and was the host of the “2015 Radio Disney Music Awards.”
She’s accomplished all of that and hasn’t turned 19.
The fact the Oakland native has racked up more success at such a young age than most people accomplish in a lifetime doesn’t worry Zendaya.
“It’s the opposite. I think I’m behind, and I need to get with it. I have so much yet to do,” Zendaya said during a break in the filming of her TV series “K.C. Undercover.”
She plays a high school student being trained to follow in the footsteps of her spy parents (Kadeem Hardison and Tammy Townsend).
As if starring in the series wasn’t enough, Zendaya is a co-producer on the family comedy.
Zendaya said she doesn’t like to look back; she looks forward to new possibilities. As long as she feels positive about what she’s doing, she’s happy. She’s very happy with “K.C. Undercover.”
The tale of a teenage spy couldn’t be a bigger change.
“I was also looking for something I could sink my teeth into, and put my own personality and flavor on,” Zendaya said. Being a co-producer has given her the kind of voice in the decisions that she wanted.
Starring in “K.C. Undercover” also gives Zendaya a chance to play a character who is a little older than the one she portrayed on “Shake It Up.” It’s a way to allow her fans to grow with her.
Fans are seeing her new character as a symbol of strength.
“I don’t want her to be so perfect that she never makes mistakes,” Zendaya said. “She’s awkward. She’s a regular teenager who goes through the same thing other teenagers are going through.
“She also finds her power and strength through being a spy. I think everyone has that one thing — their version of spying — that makes them special or a little less awkward.”
Dancing was a big part of “Shake It Up,” and she used those skills in her run on “Dancing With the Stars.” Those moves have helped her with all of the stunt choreography on her new show, too.
“It’s kind of like dancing in that you learn it in sequence. It’s choreography at the end of the day,” Zendaya said. “It definitely helps me remember certain things and know how to work with somebody. The fight scenes feel like ballroom dancing except the objective in ballroom dancing is not to hit each other.”
The fight scenes have been tough. She’s having to make constant trips to the chiropractor because of the physical demands.
Zendaya took a break to host the 2015 Radio Disney Music Awards on Sunday. This was her third appearance at the awards, having attended as a winning nominee and performer.
