Zendaya to make history as highest paid black actress in television
She will allegedly earn a staggering R19,500,000 per episode for the upcoming season.
This achievement will mark her as the highest-paid Black actress in television history per episode. Zendaya's journey in the entertainment industry has been nothing short of inspirational.
Starting on the Disney Channel, she has evolved into a global superstar.
Her new contract for Euphoria not only cements her status as a top-tier actress but also shatters long-standing pay gaps in Hollywood.
This milestone is significant, as for years, Black actresses have fought for equal recognition and compensation.
Zendaya will not just be an act on the show but will also be an executive producer on the show, according to IMDB .
This dual role gives her more influence and control over her work, setting a new standard for others to follow.
Euphoria has a strong following in South Africa. The show's raw portrayal of youth, addiction, and identity resonates with many young South Africans.
Zendaya's historic deal is a beacon of possibility for aspiring actors. Her journey shows that with talent, hard work, and determination, boundaries can be broken.
Zendaya remains humble despite her success. She once said, 'I want to show that you don't have to be older to live your dreams; you can do it at any age'.
She also encourages others to take risks: 'If you don't try things and take risks, you don't grow and figure out what you want'.
On her role in Euphoria , Zendaya shared, 'It's been very, very special.
The most special thing is when people come up and say: 'Hey, I really needed that,' or 'That was my story and I just want to say thank you'.
Zendaya's record-breaking deal is a cultural moment. She is setting new standards for representation, pay, and creative control.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
7 minutes ago
- IOL News
Tyla joins The Weeknd and Shakira at the 2025 Global Citizen Festival
Global star Tyla Seethal is set to light up the 2025 Global Citizen Festival alongside international icons The Weeknd and Shakira. Scheduled for September 27, 2025 on the iconic Great Lawn of Central Park, this year's festival promises a lineup filled with electrifying performances, including contributions from Ayra Starr and Mariah the Scientist. Just days after delivering the inaugural halftime show for the FIFA Club World Cup, Global Citizen unveiled this star-studded lineup. The festival is more than just a celebration of music; it aims to tackle pressing global issues through concerted efforts from artists, advocates, and the public alike. Hosted by esteemed Global Citizen ambassador Hugh Jackman, the event will once again draw attention to pivotal humanitarian campaigns. The 2025 festival will focus on four key initiatives: providing energy access for one million people across Africa, ensuring 30 000 children worldwide gain access to quality education, mobilising $200 million to protect 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest, and registering 40 000 New Yorkers for community volunteering efforts. 'I'm honoured to headline the incredible Global Citizen Festival in Central Park this September. Music has always been my way of connecting with people and leaving a mark on the world. I can't wait to perform, unite, and inspire action,' expressed Shakira, underlining her fervour for music as a catalyst for change. This will mark Hugh Jackman's eleventh year as host. 'I'm thrilled by the progress we've made over the years,' he remarked. 'The growing impact of the Global Citizen movement touches every corner of the world, and I'm eager to advocate alongside my fellow ambassadors, performers, world leaders, and private sector executives to leave the world better than we found it.' The festival is backed by numerous major partners, including Cisco, Authentic Brands Group, Bridgewater Associates, Delta Air Lines, PayPal, Venmo, and Procter & Gamble. The production is spearheaded by Emmy Award-winning companies Done+Dusted and Diversified Production Services, ensuring a world-class experience. Hugh Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen, stressed the urgency of the festival's mission: 'Ending extreme poverty is within our reach — but only if we come together to ensure governments and corporations deliver on their promises.' He highlighted the importance of renewable energy, Amazon protection, and investment in future education as critical areas for action. Cisco's Fran Katsoudas, EVP and Chief People, Policy and Purpose Officer, echoed commitment to these goals: 'Solving the complex problems of our world requires bold partners, daily action, and the influence of young innovators and activators. We're proud to support Global Citizen's international movement and flagship festivals to accelerate our impact while inspiring new generations to lead.' Saturday Star
IOL News
37 minutes ago
- IOL News
Shalate Sekhabi says goodbye to Shoki: a bittersweet exit from 'House of Zwide'
Shalate Sekhabi's emotional goodbye to Shoki marks the end of an era in 'House of Zwide'. Image: Instagram In a heartfelt Instagram post, actress Shalate Sekhabi bid an emotional farewell to her beloved character Shoki from the popular show 'House of Zwide'. Sekhabi expressed her appreciation to the entire crew and fans who supported her throughout her four-year journey as Shoki, with a mix of sadness and gratitude. 'My heart is filled with so much gratitude. Farewell Shoki! Thank you so much to everyone who has embraced and loved Shoki over the years. It's because of this character that I've become a household name and got my start in this industry. 'Shoki has changed my life beyond anything I could have ever imagined, and the love from all the viewers online and in person is the most amazing thing to come out of all of this. 'It's very bittersweet for me because I will miss playing Shoki,' Sekhabi confessed, acknowledging the profound impact the character had on her life and career. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Shoki became synonymous with Sekhabi's name, and she credited the role for making her a household name. In the show, Sekhabi's character was initially introduced as the close friend of Ona Molapo, played by Nefisa Mkhabela, and she later became the wife of Nkosi Zwide. She also extended her gratitude to the production team, including Bomb Productions, Thabo Boom, and Zwabheka, for believing in her and providing her with this life-changing opportunity. She also thanked the loyal viewers who embraced Shoki and showered her with love and support. Friends and industry peers flooded Sekhabi's comment section with warm messages. Rorisang Mohapi commented: 'You're amazing, mama, keep shining!' While on-screen husband Wanda Zuma reminisced on how Shoki's character was brought to life. The actress was overwhelmed by the outpouring of messages she received from fans, with many expressing their sadness about her character's departure and even pleading with her not to leave the show. As she closes the chapter on Shoki, the 24-year-old actress and musician looks forward to new projects and opportunities, promising to share more of her work with fans in the future. She ended her post with a nod to the show's ongoing drama, asking viewers to continue watching 'House of Zwide' for the unfolding storylines between the remaining characters. The young actress has been with the show since its first season. She's also known for her recurring debut role of Millicent in the 1Magic soapie 'The River', first appearing in season three. Meanwhile, 'House of Zwide' has been renewed for a fifth season and will continue to keep viewers glued to their screens with its captivating storylines.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Next-gen icons: Tyla, Finn Wolfhard and Sam Nivola take the spotlight at ‘Power of Young Hollywood' 2025
Celebrating the brightest young talents in entertainment, the 2025 'Power of Young Hollywood' party is set to honour Grammy Award-winning singer Tyla, 'Stranger Things' star Finn Wolfhard and rising actor Sam Nivola. Image: Instagram Grammy Award-winning South African singer Tyla, 'Stranger Things' actor Finn Wolfhard and "The White Lotus" star Sam Nivola are set to be honoured at the 2025 'Power of Young Hollywood' party on August 7. According to "Variety", this young and promising talent will be celebrated for their outstanding influence and talent. The annual 'Power of Young Hollywood' night of celebration recognises the most promising, influential and upcoming young stars. This year's honourees include singer Tyla, Wolfhard and Nivola. These talented creatives have each made significant moves in their respective fields, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact on pop culture. Courtesy of Sandisk, the 'Power of Young Hollywood' party aims to shine a spotlight on the brightest stars in the industry, highlighting their achievements and contributions to film, television, music and beyond. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Tyla To kick off the celebrations, here's a closer look at Tyla, a remarkable artist who has been a force to be reckoned with ever since her hit single 'Water' launched her into the music scene. She has been breaking records globally with her self-titled debut album, which has been topping musical charts, and her ability to blend multiple genres into her own unique sound has made her one of the most celebrated and influential artists. Her unique sound also earned her a Grammy Award early in her career, and she has managed to push boundaries ever since. Finn Wolfhard Following Tyla's impressive achievements, we turn our attention to Wolfhard, who has made a significant impact in the entertainment world as a talented actor, musician and director. The 22-year-old actor is best known for his breakout role as Mike Wheeler in the hit series 'Stranger Things', among other shows. As the show premiered on Netflix in 2016, Wolfard's character was a household name and his on screen presence was impressive. Additionally, due to its intriguing storytelling and memorable characters, the show's impact extended beyond the screen, influencing the dedicated fanbase and pop culture as a whole while also inspiring countless fan art, cosplay and fan fiction. Sam Nivola In addition to Wolfhard, another rising star in the industry is Nivola, known for his gripping performances in the critically acclaimed HBO series 'The White Lotus', which he joined in season three. With his portrayal of Lochlan Ratliff, Nivola showcased his range and talent, which added him to the list of one of the most exciting young actors in the industry. As reported by "Variety", the 21-year-old American-British actor was named one of the magazine's '10 Actors to Watch' in 2022. Comedian Alec Flynn will host the evening's festivities, while Sandisk, the presenting sponsor, will reportedly host a playful activation featuring claw machines with branded blind box prizes.
