Zendaya

 

Of Zendaya's many admirable qualities, the one I am most struck by is her unapologetic self-assurance.

I have no doubt she's aware of how much she gets dragged for her choices of film and television projects (and that she works so much), her wealth, her choice of mates, her fashionista sensibilities, her feminist independence, and maybe even her biracialism, and she doesn't seem to care.

From where I'm sitting, she is as grounded and level-headed as a Hollywood A-lister can be. She knows the depth and breadth of her abilities and her appeal, she projects keen audience awareness and genuine generosity; her philanthropy for a 30-year-old is especially impressive.

She's a brand -- and a very high-dollar one -- but she also presents as an authentic entertainer, a solid performer and truly decent human being.

I'm a fan.