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From Wondery.
I'm Rach Jackson, and this is Who's Amazing Start, a special mini episode of Who's Amazing Life.
You've heard of people who changed the course of history, but this episode is about someone who's making history right now.
Just like you, they're still getting their start in life.
Their journey is just beginning.
On this episode, you will be that person everyone knows.
You might be a musician, or an athlete, a scientist, or a painter.
There will be clues, so pay attention.
And this is a mini episode, so it moves fast.
Listen to the end to find out who you are.
So sit back and imagine your amazing life as The Performer.
Imagine you're eight years old and you're standing on the side of a vast theater behind heavy velvet curtains that drape down both sides of the stage.
From a small gap in the curtain, you see the audience watching every move the performers make.
Your eyes slowly grow wide as you take it all in with the lights and the costumes and the makeup and the sets.
It's as though a wondrous new world is being created right before you.
You can hardly believe your mother gets to work here every night as the house manager.
Performers are lining up, waiting for their entrance.
You move to give them space to pass, and as you do, you hear someone whisper.
Psst, it's all pretty cool, isn't it?
What do you think of the show so far?
You can hardly believe it.
One of the leads in the show is talking to you.
Yeah, it's incredible.
If you like watching the show, you should feel what it's like to be on stage.
Isn't it scary?
It can be, but feeling scared is normal.
I used to get so overwhelmed at the thought of speaking in front of big crowds.
But I took some acting classes and the more I practiced the less scary it became.
The actor jogs out onto the stage to wild applause from the audience.
From behind the curtain, you start to wonder if that really could be you on stage one day.
Your hands nervously twist themselves into knots.
You've always been incredibly shy.
When you first started school, you even had to repeat kindergarten because you were so quiet.
Could you ever find the courage to put yourself out there in front of so many people?
With encouragement from your parents, you start taking acting classes through your local theater program.
And they are really fun.
You fall in love with acting and you notice your confidence starts to build.
When you feel ready, you audition for some local theater productions and our cast and musicals in Shakespeare plays.
You're in sixth grade, and you're standing in the middle of your cozy living room.
In your hand, you clutch a script, but it's not for a play or a musical.
It's for a new TV show, and you have an audition.
Acting has helped you blossom out of your comfort zone, but this is the first time you are aiming for something like this.
It's a huge role, but you're ready for it.
You've been working hard, and you know you have the acting skills to take it on.
But as the audition date creeps closer, a familiar knot begins to form in your stomach.
And you wonder, can I really do this?
What if I mess up?
You've worked so hard to overcome your shyness and anxiety, but even after all these years, the doubt still creeps in.
Adding to your worries.
While you often feel inspired by other performers, Lately you've noticed there aren't very many role models who look like you.
You find yourself thinking, what if they don't like me?
What if I don't get the role?
Should I even try?
Is there even room for someone like me in Hollywood?
A few years later, you are on the set of a TV show.
There are bright lights and cameras everywhere.
That first TV show you auditioned for, you got the role.
You've been acting steadily since then in music videos and TV movies.
And now, you are starring in your very own show.
Not only are you the show's lead actor, you even insisted on being named a co-producer in order to have more say in the show and your character.
It felt intimidating at first, but you found the confidence to advocate for what you wanted.
Initially, producers wanted your character to strictly focus on singing and dancing, but you told them there are other things a girl can be.
You also insisted that the show feature a Black family, because you know how important it is for kids to see themselves reflected on screen.
And you know what?
They listened.
Your success has inspired you to put yourself out there and pursue what matters to you, even if other people don't initially understand your vision.
As you sit in your dressing room reading over your next scene, there's a knock on the door.
It's your theatrical manager.
Hey, I see you're interested in auditioning for the new superhero movie?
I am.
It sounds like fun, and I think I'd be a really good fit.
I also think it would be great for you, but it's for a franchise film that's part of a huge series.
People all over the globe know and love these characters, but the main characters have rarely been played by Black actors.
I know, but I'm tired of letting amazing roles pass me by because casting directors aren't looking for people like me.
It's not fair.
I hear you.
So what do you want to do?
I want to audition.
It can't hurt to try.
You know this is a great role for you.
But sometimes, when you audition, casting directors will tell you that they're looking for people with a different look than yours.
You know what they really mean is someone who looks less ethnic.
It's frustrating, but you are determined to forge ahead.
You have the skill set, you have the talent and you've worked hard to build your confidence and courage.
But will that be enough?
Your hard work, preparation, and courage were all worth it.
You've auditioned for lots of things before, but as you leave this audition, something feels different.
You dial up your manager.
How'd the audition go?
I nailed it.
And it turns out they were looking to cast this film with a more diverse and inclusive cast than they have with any of their other films.
They loved me.
Oh, wow.
That's great news.
So what did they say?
What's next?
Well, they kind of offered me the job.
And I really want to take it.
Congratulations.
You're gonna be amazing.
Five years later, you are exactly where you were meant to be walking the red carpet at the premiere of your latest blockbuster movie.
All eyes are on you as you strut down the carpet in sparkly black heels, wearing a long, slinky gown covered in intricate black spiderwebs.
You've worked incredibly hard at pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Even though you're still struggling with anxiety and shyness, you've been bold and taken risks.
Now, you are one of the lead actors in Spider-Man.
As you walk down the red carpet, your hair pulled back in eight neat cornrows, you can't help but smile.
And as flashbulbs blind your eyes, You think back to that little girl watching from the wings, wondering if she would ever have the courage to stand in the spotlight.
That little girl never would have guessed she would become one of the biggest young actresses in Hollywood.
But here you are.
You have fans across the globe.
Your face is on magazine covers.
But things aren't always perfect.
Despite all of the glitter of Hollywood and your great success, sometimes the anxiety returns.
You know that no one is perfect, and that's okay.
So you open up and talk about your struggles to balance your mental health within the entertainment industry.
Fans love how open you are, and your loved ones continue to surround you with support.
You go on to win awards for your acting and you even become the youngest woman ever to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress.
As you stand on stage to accept the Emmy Award, you are filled with gratitude.
I'm so honored to be beside you.
Thank you to my friends and family, some of which are here tonight.
Thank you for believing in me, and even in moments where I didn't believe in myself.
I'm so grateful for your stories and I carry them with me.
So thank you so much.
You are Zendaya.
If you like, Whose Amazing Life.
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From Wondery, this is Who's Amazing Start.
This episode contains reenactments and dramatized details.
I'm your host, Rach Jackson.
This episode was written by Olivia Rashard.
This episode was sound designed by Jamie Cooper.
Audio assistance by Sergio Enriquez.
Our producers are Jennifer Klein and Olivia Brachard.
Our coordinating producer is Desi Blaylock, and Matt Gant is our managing producer.
Tanja Thigpen is our senior managing producer.
Jenny Bloom and Megan Begala are our senior producers.
Executive producers are Jenny Lauer-Beckman, Stephanie Jens, and Marshall Louis for Wondery.
