How Zendaya’s Quiet Approach and Sydney Sweeney’s Bold Moves Shape Hollywood Success
Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, both Euphoria standouts, have taken strikingly different routes to stardom. Discover how their contrasting strategies have defined their careers and public images.
Two of the most recognisable faces from Euphoria, Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, have each carved out a distinct path in the entertainment world. Both began acting early, with Zendaya first gaining attention on Disney’s Shake It Up, while Sweeney’s initial forays included a string of television appearances as a youngster. Their breakout roles in Euphoria marked a turning point, setting them on divergent journeys within the industry.
Zendaya: Selective Choices and Artistic Focus
Zendaya’s reputation rests on her careful selection of roles and her commitment to the craft. She’s been lauded for her natural presence and understated humour in parts such as MJ, as well as the emotional depth she brought to Euphoria. Rather than accepting every offer, she’s chosen projects that challenge her, moving from Disney beginnings to more nuanced work in The OA and Euphoria.
Her versatility extends to music, as seen in The Greatest Showman, and she’s taken on a variety of genres, from the romantic drama Malcolm & Marie to the science fiction epic Dune. In 2024, she returned to the big screen with the Dune sequel and the much-praised Challengers. Though she took a break in 2025, her 2026 schedule is packed, including collaborations with Tom Holland and a return to the Dune universe.
In an interview, Zendaya explained her preference for complex characters:
[I want to play characters] who are complicated… unlikable, unlovable, or irredeemable.
She cited Rue as an example, adding,
Remember that she’s human and she’s hurting, too.
Her early fascination with acting stemmed from watching stage performances at the California Shakespeare Theater, where her mother worked.
I learned about my love for acting from the stage. My mum worked at the California Shakespeare Theater since I was a kid. So I really fell in love with acting because of actors I got to see on stage every day since I was two. It was my life. And I just was obsessed with what they were doing. I didn’t really understand it. All that said, this felt like a full-circle moment for me.
Zendaya’s choices reflect a dedication to the art itself, rather than a pursuit of box office records.
Sydney Sweeney: Relentless Drive and Media Savvy
Sweeney’s career, by contrast, is marked by a relentless work ethic and a knack for generating publicity. 2025 brought its share of controversy, from her bathwater soap stunt to a divisive advertising campaign, both of which, despite criticism, proved lucrative. Her approach to career-building is rooted in creating buzz and ensuring her projects remain in the public eye.
Before the setbacks of films like Americana and Christy, Sweeney enjoyed considerable success, particularly with Euphoria and Anyone But You. She’s also appeared in a range of television series, including Criminal Minds and Grey’s Anatomy, before her breakthrough in Everything Sucks! Her portrayal of Cassie Howard in Euphoria earned her an Emmy nomination, but her journey was not without obstacles. She once shared,
A casting director told me once that I will never be on a TV show.
Despite such setbacks, she persisted, auditioning tirelessly and eventually finding her place in the industry.
Her recent film, The Housemaid, co-starring Amanda Seyfried, has been described as
fun, trashy, gaslit Hallmark porn in the best way.
This playful, audience-friendly energy typifies many of Sweeney’s choices, which often lean towards the bold and attention-grabbing.
Comparing Fortunes: Earnings and Influence
Despite sharing the screen in Euphoria, Zendaya and Sweeney’s pay cheques have differed significantly. Zendaya, already established through her work in Spider-Man, reportedly earned $500,000 per episode for Euphoria, while Sweeney’s total for the series was $350,000 across 13 episodes. Zendaya’s subsequent roles in major films like Dune and Challengers have seen her command eight-figure salaries, with her net worth estimated at £24 million.
Sweeney, meanwhile, has expanded her influence by taking on executive producer roles in projects such as Anyone But You and Immaculate. Her pay for Anyone But You reached $2.25 million, with additional earnings from her producer credit. Her role in The Housemaid reportedly brought in £6 million. Sweeney’s net worth is now estimated at £32 million, reflecting her ability to turn controversy and hustle into financial success.
Both actresses have demonstrated that there’s more than one way to thrive in the spotlight, whether through quiet dedication to the craft or a bold, entrepreneurial spirit.