Zendaya’s parents, Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, are more than just the people who raised one of Hollywood’s brightest stars; they are the foundation that has kept her grounded amid the glitz and chaos of fame.
Born in Oakland, California, on September 1, 1996, Zendaya grew up surrounded by the unwavering support and love of her parents, who have been her biggest fans since day one. Whether cheering her on at the 2020 Emmy Awards, where she landed her first win, or posting heartfelt tributes on Instagram, Claire and Kazembe have always been in her corner.
Who Are Zendaya’s Parents? All About Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman
Zendaya’s parents, Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, were both educators, with her mother teaching in underfunded Oakland schools and her father later becoming her manager after leaving his teaching job. Though they married in 2008 and divorced in 2016, her family remains close-knit, with Zendaya being the only child they share, alongside five older siblings from her father’s previous marriage.
Claire Stoermer isn’t just Zendaya’s mom—she’s a dedicated educator who spent years teaching in the heart of Oakland’s inner-city schools, often underfunded and overlooked. Watching her mother’s passion for education profoundly impacted Zendaya. She’d often see Claire go above and beyond, introducing students to the arts, guiding them through Shakespeare’s language, and exposing them to the natural world beyond city limits.
This wasn’t just a job for Claire; it was a mission to lift her students beyond their circumstances. Zendaya once told Teen Vogue in 2016 that if she weren’t an actress, she’d be a teacher in a heartbeat—a testament to her mother’s influence.
Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, born Samuel David Coleman before reconnecting with his Nigerian roots and changing his name, also started his career as a teacher. But when Zendaya’s star began to rise, he switched gears to become her full-time manager. This wasn’t a small leap; it was a full-on dive into the unknown, driven by belief in his daughter’s talent and potential.
Moving to Los Angeles with Zendaya when she landed her first Disney Channel role at 13, Kazembe managed her budding career while they lived in a modest downtown L.A. apartment. His protective nature is well-known—Zendaya has joked that any guy interested in her would have to go through her dad first, a sentiment she shared at Essence’s Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon in 2016.
Though Claire and Kazembe were married in 2008, when Zendaya was 12, their marriage lasted only eight years. Claire filed for divorce in 2016, but by the time the news hit the public, the Euphoria star was quick to clarify on Twitter that her parents had been separated for a while, adding, “My parents ain’t been together for a long time, y’all didn’t know cause we private + they still homies.” Their amicable split reflects the strong family bond they’ve maintained, prioritizing Zendaya’s well-being above all else.
My parents ain’t been together for a long time, y’all didn’t know cause we private+they still homies😂 #lateassnews pic.twitter.com/8yOjQG39DM
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) August 30, 2016
Claire’s influence on Zendaya extends beyond education. Her mom’s natural approach to beauty left a lasting impression. Claire rarely wore makeup, something Zendaya found empowering. She once told Vanity Fair in 2019 that her mom’s indifference to makeup taught her the importance of self-confidence and embracing natural beauty. But when it comes to glam, the duo knows how to have fun, indulging in fashion and style when the moment calls for it.
Beyond teaching, Claire ventured into entrepreneurship with her jewelry line, Kizzmet Jewelry, creating pieces from crystals like amethyst, hematite, and chrysocolla. Zendaya proudly supports her mom’s work, often wearing Kizzmet designs and promoting the brand on social media. In 2016, she tweeted, “So my mom’s a dope a– jewelry designer/maker and also slays my line,” showcasing the tight bond they share.
Kazembe, on the other hand, is more than just a manager—he’s a protective father and a guiding force in Zendaya’s life. With five older children from a previous marriage—three daughters, Katianna, Annabella, and Kaylee, and two sons, Austin and Julien—Kazembe has always juggled family responsibilities. Zendaya, though the only child from his marriage with Claire, grew up with her half-siblings and speaks fondly of her big, grounded family. In a 2015 interview with TIME, she mentioned how much she looks up to her older sister, realizing the influence her family has had on shaping her into a better person.
Zendaya’s close-knit family dynamic extends to her role as an aunt. She’s openly expressed her love for her nieces and nephews, sharing in a 2015 Complex interview how she often thinks about them when navigating fame and social media. “Honestly, I think about my little nieces and my little nephews first,” she said. “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’”
Even as her career skyrocketed—from Disney Channel’s Shake It Up to critically acclaimed roles in Euphoria, Spider-Man, The Greatest Showman, and Dune—her parents remained her grounding force. She’s credited them for instilling core values that keep her humble despite her fame. On The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2016, she said, “I gotta give it up to my parents. They just have always instilled in me those core values that I think I have to carry with me through everything.”
The 28-year-old’s folks have been by her side for her biggest life moments, including her engagement to Spider-Man co-star Tom Holland in December 2024. According to TMZ, the proposal took place at one of her family’s homes, and Kazembe gave his blessing months before Holland popped the question. Despite Kazembe’s protective nature, it’s clear that Holland passed the dad test.
Through all the red carpets, awards, and blockbuster roles, Zendaya’s parents have been her anchor. Claire and Kazembe’s dedication to education, family, and staying true to oneself has shaped Zendaya into the grounded, talented, and compassionate individual she is today.
