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Disney and the Making of a Performer Before becoming a television star, Zendaya worked as a child fashion model for Macy’s, Mervyn’s and Old Navy. She also appeared as a backup dancer in a Sears commercial featuring Selena Gomez and was featured in a Kidz Bop video. In 2009, she auditioned for Disney Channel’s Shake It Up. She originally tried for the role of CeCe Jones, which went to Bella Thorne, while Zendaya was cast as Rocky Blue. The series premiered in 2010 and quickly became one of Disney Channel’s major hits, giving Zendaya her first significant television platform. She did not remain confined to acting. In 2011, she released music, including “Swag It Out” and “Watch Me,” a collaboration with Bella Thorne. She later signed with Hollywood Records and released her self-titled debut album in 2013. Its single “Replay” reached No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. At 16, she also competed on Dancing with the Stars, becoming the youngest contestant in the show’s history at that time. She finished as runner-up. Her next Disney series, K.C. Undercover, marked an important shift. Zendaya did not simply accept the role as it was presented. She influenced the character’s name, the title of the series and several aspects of K.C. Cooper’s personality. The show premiered in 2015, with Zendaya also serving as a producer. That willingness to have a say in the work would become increasingly important as her career developed. Zendaya wore Ashi Studio SS26 Couture and Chopard jewelry, styled by Law Roach, at the Los Angeles Premiere Of HBO’s ‘Euphoria’ Season 3 held at the TCL Chinese Theatre. Photo, Press Agency/DepositPhotos