Disney Star Zendaya Compares Herself to Tupac; Talks Miley Cyrus & Role Model Responsibilities

When celebrities begin to generate a little buzz in Hollywood and an even bigger fan base, it becomes easy for society to slap a "role model" title on them. While some celebrities like Rihanna & Miley Cyrus aren't fond of the title association, actress and singer Zendaya wears it like a badge of honor. The Disney star covers the December/January issue of Complex, discussing the responsibilities of being an industry role model and why she compares herself to Tupac.

Zendaya kicked off her professional acting career when she was chosen to star alongside Bella Thorne in the hit Disney series, Shake it Up, from 2010 to 2013. Since then, the 19-year-old has been featured in several other shows and TV movies, graced magazine covers, and broke into the music industry.

Off screen, the K.C. Undercover star is also known for her bold fashion choices and ability to rock any hairstyle, but her strength to fight against injustice is what really made her standout in the headlines. By staying true to who she is, Zendaya managed to become a role model without even trying.

"But like Tupac Shakur, I'm a real model," Zendaya told Complex. "Which means: I'm not pretending to be something that I'm not, because like he said, people are going to be disappointed when they find out who you are, because it's not going to be what you presented to the world."

While some people may only recognize Tupac Shakur by his rapper persona, the Harlem native was also known as a poet, activist, and actor. Like Tupac, Zendaya uses her celebrity leverage to produce positive messages through her actions and comments.

From firing back at E! News correspondent Giuliana Rancic with a history lesson about her "patchouli oil" dreadlocks to lending a helping hand in poverty-stricken areas, Zendaya has no problem addressing problems and taking action.

Growing up in the public eye can be difficult, especially when you're young and still figuring out who you are. As far as celebrities who have ventured off from Disney into other lanes, Zendaya believes they didn't get a chance to discover their true identities.

"A lot of them were forced into being role models and they had to pretend to be something that they didn't feel matched up with who they were," Zendaya told Complex. "And as soon as you figure it out, you've already been forced to become something that you didn't really know you signed up for."

Unlike popular Disney alum, Miley Cyrus, the Oakland, California native doesn't see herself going through a controversial stage or as the article called it: a "Miley moment." Cyrus ditched her Hannah Montana life and began embracing her love for being naked, smoking weed, and saying whatever comes to her mind.

Thanks to her childhood upbringing, Zendaya says she's been her true self since the beginning. She prides herself in ensuring young girls their voice matters and continues to encourage people of all ages to embrace their flaws.

To find out who influences her, famous producers she's collaborating with on her new album, and why Complex named her the "Woman of Next Year," read the full interview here.

Tags

Zendaya, Tupac Shakur, Miley Cyrus, Disney, 2Pac