Breaking Free
Vogue|June 2019

With her lead role in HBO’s provocative new series Euphoria, Zendaya has put her Disney past behind her once and for all. The star opens up about taking risks, speaking out—and making your voice heard.

Maya Singer
Breaking Free

For months, it’s been raining in L.A. But the first day of spring dawns bright and clear. As I make my way to Zendaya’s house in the San Fernando Valley, wildflowers, nourished by the downpour, sprout along the roadside in fistfuls of orange and purple, and everyone—everyone—seems to be leaning out of their car windows to snap shots. It’s a moment for stopping and smelling the roses, so to speak, and I’m expecting to find Zendaya doing some version of that. It’s her first day off after a season of breakneck work, toggling between the splashy debut of her TommyxZendaya collection in Paris, photo shoots for Lancôme—the 22-year-old recently became the brand’s youngest global ambassador—and filming HBO’s gritty new series Euphoria, in which “Z,” as everyone involved with the show calls her, plays the lead role of Rue, a recovering and relapsing young drug addict. Surely Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman will be lazing about, maybe soaking up rays by the side of her pool.

This story is from the June 2019 edition of Vogue.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 2019 edition of Vogue.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM VOGUEView All
Yes, Ayo!
Vogue US

Yes, Ayo!

There are worse places that a rising star can find themselves than at loose ends in Europe in July.

time-read
7 mins  |
April 2024
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
Vogue US

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

With the upcoming Netflix series Ripley, Andrew Scott furthers his ascent, proving himself one of the most chameleonic and charming actors around.

time-read
7 mins  |
April 2024
Life Is a Cabaret
Vogue US

Life Is a Cabaret

Three years after the West End production made major waves, the storied musical arrives on Broadway. Adrienne Miller goes behind the scenes at the Kit Kat Club.

time-read
10+ mins  |
April 2024
Chasing Perfection
Vogue US

Chasing Perfection

Coco Gauff is as famous for her poise as she is for her tennis, and in person she cuts a regal figure. The Friday before last season's finals began in Cancún, Mexico, in late October, she and other top players attended a gala at the palatial Kempinski Hotel.

time-read
10+ mins  |
April 2024
By the Sea
Vogue US

By the Sea

Refurbished mainstays bring fresh shine to the Golden State's coast.

time-read
1 min  |
April 2024
Taking the Waters
Vogue US

Taking the Waters

Water sommeliers, five-figure bottles the market for old-fashioned H2O has never been stronger. Tamar Adler investigates.

time-read
6 mins  |
April 2024
Porcelain Petals
Vogue US

Porcelain Petals

Korean American artist Se Oh brings botany and personal history to their work.

time-read
1 min  |
April 2024
Fertile Territory
Vogue US

Fertile Territory

An abundance of gardening books offers springtime inspiration.

time-read
1 min  |
April 2024
Girl on Fire
Vogue US

Girl on Fire

Grammy-winning Tyla is making music for Africa, and beyond.

time-read
1 min  |
April 2024
La Dolce & Gabbana Vita
Vogue US

La Dolce & Gabbana Vita

A new exhibition by the design duo celebrates Italy in style. By Tiziana Cardini.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2024