Zendaya Says Actors Need to Do 2 Things ‘To Get Great’
Despite her young age, Zendaya has accomplished a great deal. After her stint on the Disney Channel, the multi-talented creative took her career to new heights. In 2020, the actor became the youngest person to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. In addition to that, she was also only the second Black woman to win in that category.
But how has Zendaya managed to accomplish so much? Between acting, producing, modeling, singing, and being a fashion icon, she has more than proven herself as a powerhouse creative. Over the years, she’s expressed that she’s found it helpful to trust her own instincts. Rather than following the status quo, she goes for what she wants even if it doesn’t make sense to others.
Zendaya gets candid on what it takes to be a great actor
Throughout her journey, Zendaya has also learned the importance of being vulnerable and taking risks. In a recent conversation with Interview Magazine, the “Rewrite the Stars” singer got candid about what it takes to be great. According to the actor, without two important things, greatness is impossible to achieve.
“I think something that many actors have, which is something you learn, is that you can’t be afraid to look stupid, you can’t be afraid to mess up, you can’t be afraid of anything,” Zendaya shared. “I’m trying to apply that to other parts of my life, because I’m always afraid to do things in fear of not being great. But the only way to get great is to be fearless and try.”
The ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ actor struggled when she first started woking on ‘Euphoria’
Of course, being fearless is easier said than done. Zendaya herself even struggled to fully be fearless with her emotions during the first season of Euphoria. Obviously, she eventually found her way, but it was certainly a challenge for her in the beginning. In an interview with GQ, Sam Levinson (Euphoria’s writer, director, and creator) reflected on his early days working with Zendaya.
“If I’m gonna be 100 percent honest when we first started working together on Euphoria, the thing she struggled the most with was giving herself permission to be emotionally vulnerable in a scene,” Levinson revealed about Zendaya. “I don’t fault her for that. When you get to the level she’s at in her career, you have to simultaneously have thick skin as an individual while also being emotionally open as an actor. It’s a real mindf***, and I don’t envy it.”
Zendaya was able to push through her struggles and give amzing performances
Eventually, Zendaya found her stride and was able to give fantastic performances as Rue. Clearly, the actor isn’t letting fear hold her back. And since she’s considering directing in the future, it’s clear that she’s willing to try things out. Hopefully, other actors who look up to her will be able to take her advice in stride. Either way, we’re sure fans are looking forward to seeing where her fearlessness leads her next.
