7 Shocking Facts About Zendaya’s Parents: Claire Stoermer And Kazembe Ajamu Coleman’s Unconventional Influence
Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, known globally by her mononym, has become one of Hollywood's most influential figures, seamlessly transitioning from a Disney Channel star to a two-time Emmy-winning actress and fashion icon. Behind the glamour and record-breaking success of films like Dune and the HBO series Euphoria, lies a remarkably grounded foundation built by her two incredibly supportive, yet famously low-key, parents. As of December 2025, the world continues to look to her parents, Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, for the secret to her success and level-headedness.
The names of Zendaya's parents—Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman—are the cornerstone of her personal story, representing a blend of educational roots, African heritage, and an unconventional co-parenting success story. Their unique approach to raising a child star in the spotlight has been instrumental in shaping the actress's highly regarded character and career trajectory, proving that a strong family unit, even a non-traditional one, is the ultimate secret weapon in the entertainment industry.
The Complete Biography and Profile of Zendaya's Parents
Zendaya's parents, Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, come from distinctly different backgrounds but share a powerful commitment to education, which was the central theme of their early lives together in Oakland, California.
- Mother: Claire Marie Stoermer
- Father: Kazembe Ajamu Coleman (Born: Samuel David Coleman)
- Zendaya’s Birth Date: September 1, 1996
- Zendaya’s Birthplace: Oakland, California, U.S.
- Mother’s Profession (Former): Elementary School Teacher
- Mother’s Current Venture: Owner and Creator of Kizzmet Jewellery
- Father’s Profession (Former): Teacher (Gym Teacher)
- Father’s Current Role: Zendaya’s Manager and sometimes Bodyguard
- Marital Status: Divorced (Claire filed in 2015, but they maintain a close co-parenting relationship)
- Siblings: Zendaya is their only biological child, but she has five older half-siblings (Katianna, Annabella, Kaylee, Austin, and Julien) from her father's previous relationship.
- Key Influence: Claire's work at the California Shakespeare Theatre sparked Zendaya’s initial interest in the performing arts.
Claire Stoermer: The Jewelry Designer and Champion of Natural Beauty
While many know Claire Stoermer as Zendaya's mother, her personal history and current endeavors paint a picture of a creative, grounded woman who instilled a powerful sense of self-worth in her daughter. Claire was a long-time elementary school teacher in Oakland, California, where she dedicated her life to educating young minds.
From Classroom to California Shakespeare Theatre
Claire’s educational background was complemented by a deep connection to the arts. She worked for a time as a house manager at the prestigious California Shakespeare Theatre in Orinda, California. It was this exposure to the world of performance that served as an early, crucial spark for Zendaya’s own passion for acting and the stage. Zendaya has often credited her mother's work in the theater for inspiring her career path, making the arts a natural part of her childhood.
The Surprising Launch of Kizzmet Jewellery
In a move away from teaching, Claire Stoermer launched her own successful, handmade jewelry line called Kizzmet Jewellery. This is a significant and unique detail about her current life, demonstrating her creative side. The brand focuses on custom, crystal-based pieces, often incorporating natural stones like amethysts, hematites, and chrysocollas. Zendaya herself is occasionally seen sporting her mother's designs, a subtle but powerful endorsement of her mother's entrepreneurial spirit and artistic talent.
Instilling a Grounded Sense of Self
Claire's influence extends far beyond career inspiration; she is famously credited with teaching Zendaya the importance of natural beauty and being comfortable in her own skin. Zendaya has shared that her mother’s decision to never wear makeup had a profound impact on her, contributing to the star’s famously grounded and authentic public persona.
Kazembe Ajamu Coleman: The Manager, Bodyguard, and Name Changer
Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, Zendaya's father, is a figure of immense importance in her professional life. His transition from an educator to a full-time manager and bodyguard for his superstar daughter is a testament to his dedication to her dreams and career.
A Name Change Rooted in Heritage
A little-known fact about Zendaya’s father is that his birth name was Samuel David Coleman. He changed his name to Kazembe Ajamu as a tribute to his African heritage. The name "Kazembe" has roots in African languages, and "Ajamu" is a Yoruba name meaning "he fights for what he wants." This choice underscores his strong connection to his roots and his role as a protector and advocate for his family.
The Full-Time Transition to Management
Like Claire, Kazembe was also a teacher, specifically a gym teacher. He made the pivotal decision to quit his teaching career to help Zendaya pursue her acting aspirations full-time when she was young. He took on the full-time role of her manager, a position he holds to this day, providing a constant, trustworthy, and familial presence in the often-turbulent world of Hollywood. His dual role sometimes extends to being her personal bodyguard, ensuring her safety and privacy at public events.
The Co-Parenting Success Story and Current Family Dynamics
Despite the couple filing for divorce in 2015, Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman have become a celebrated example of successful co-parenting in the celebrity sphere. Their relationship is characterized by a unified front of support for their daughter, prioritizing her well-being and career above all else.
A United Front at Every Event
Zendaya has consistently brought both parents, often together, to major red carpet events, including the 2020 Emmy Awards, demonstrating their continued close family bond. This public display of unity is a quiet but powerful statement that their family structure remains intact, albeit in a non-traditional way. Their ability to "band together" for their daughter’s career is frequently cited as a key reason for Zendaya’s remarkable stability and down-to-earth personality.
The Hilarious 'Challengers' Reaction (2024 Update)
In a very recent update that highlights their active involvement, Zendaya spoke publicly in 2024 about her parents’ reaction to the steamy scenes in her tennis drama film, Challengers. She mentioned their "hilarious reaction," which involved them watching the film and providing candid, parental feedback. This anecdote confirms that even as a global superstar, the actress still values and is influenced by her parents’ opinions, demonstrating a healthy and open family dynamic that remains current and relevant.
The Half-Siblings and Extended Family
Zendaya is the youngest of a large, blended family. She has five older half-siblings—three sisters (Katianna, Annabella, and Kaylee) and two brothers (Austin and Julien)—from her father’s previous relationships. Zendaya has often spoken warmly about her half-siblings, particularly crediting her big sister for helping to raise her and instilling a sense of maturity and empathy from a young age. This extended family network further solidifies her grounded nature, providing a large, supportive structure outside of the Hollywood bubble.
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