All About Zendaya's Parents, Mom Claire Stoermer and Dad Kazembe Ajamu Coleman

Zendaya's parents were both teachers, with her father later becoming her manager.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:03pm

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Zendaya was born in 1996 to parents Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, who were both school teachers at the time. Her parents divorced in 2016, but they remain close and supportive of Zendaya's acting career. Stoermer has her own jewelry line called Kizzmet Jewelry, which Zendaya has worn and promoted. Despite Zendaya's global fame, her parents have worked to keep her grounded.

Why it matters

Zendaya's parents have played a significant role in shaping her values and career trajectory. Their backgrounds as teachers and their continued involvement in Zendaya's life provide insight into how the actress has maintained her humility and advocacy for education despite her immense success.

The details

Zendaya is the only child of Stoermer and Coleman, but she has five older stepsiblings from her father's previous marriage. Both of her parents were teachers, with Stoermer continuing to teach in inner-city Oakland schools and Coleman later becoming Zendaya's manager. The family's focus on education and the arts influenced Zendaya's worldview and career aspirations. After her parents divorced in 2016, Zendaya has remained close with both of them, even posting about her mother's jewelry line on social media.

  • Zendaya was born on September 1, 1996.
  • Zendaya's parents divorced in August 2016 after 8 years of marriage.
  • In December 2024, Tom Holland reportedly proposed to Zendaya at one of her family's homes.
  • In early 2026, Zendaya's stylist Law Roach claimed the couple had already tied the knot.

The players

Claire Stoermer

Zendaya's mother, who is a school teacher. She has her own jewelry line called Kizzmet Jewelry.

Kazembe Ajamu Coleman

Zendaya's father, who was also a teacher but has since become his daughter's manager.

Zendaya

A global superstar actress known for roles in shows like Euphoria and films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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What they’re saying

“Growing up, I watched my mom teach in the heart of Oakland, Calif., at inner-city schools that were always underfunded. My mom went above and beyond, working constantly to open her students' eyes to an education that could lift them far beyond their current circumstances.”

— Zendaya

“Honestly, I think about my little nieces and my little nephews first. Because one day they're going to have Twitter and they're going to have Instagram, and I'm going to be like, 'This is how you handle it, kids.'”

— Zendaya

What’s next

The couple has not confirmed whether they have already tied the knot, so further updates on Zendaya and Tom Holland's relationship status are expected.

The takeaway

Zendaya's parents, despite their divorce, have played a crucial role in keeping the actress grounded and instilling in her the importance of education and community. Their influence has shaped Zendaya's values and advocacy, even as she has achieved global fame.