Zendaya has reportedly negotiated a groundbreaking new contract with HBO, securing $1 million per episode for her role as Rue Bennett in the hit series “Euphoria.” This landmark deal substantially increases Zendaya’s net worth, placing the 26-year-old star among Hollywood’s highest-paid television actors and potentially making her the youngest, highest-paid Black female actor in television history.
How Zendaya’s New Salary Impacts Her Overall Net Worth
The Emmy and Golden Globe winner’s financial portfolio now includes this elite-level television salary, significantly boosting her earning power. Before this contract, Zendaya had already built impressive wealth through:
- Previous “Euphoria” seasons
- Major film roles in the Spider-Man franchise
- Fashion endorsements and her clothing line
- Production credits
This $1 million per episode deal represents a major leap in her television earnings and overall net worth.
Zendaya Joins TV’s Highest-Paid Elite
With this new contract, Zendaya joins an exclusive club of television performers commanding seven-figure per-episode salaries, including:
- The lead cast of “Friends” in their final season
- Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon for “Big Little Lies”
- Elisabeth Moss for Apple’s “Shining Girls”
Previously, Angela Bassett held the record for highest-earning Black female actor on network television at $450,000 per episode for “9-1-1,” making Zendaya’s achievement even more significant for her net worth.
Emmy Success Driving Zendaya’s Financial Value
Zendaya’s wealth accumulation follows her historic Emmy achievements. In 2020, at age 24, she became the youngest actor ever to win Best Lead Actress in a Drama. She made history again in 2022 as the first Black woman to win two Emmy Awards in this category, both for her portrayal of Rue in “Euphoria.”
Changing Economics of Acting Careers
This substantial increase in Zendaya’s net worth highlights the evolving economics of acting careers. Her “Euphoria” co-star Sydney Sweeney previously discussed financial concerns, noting: “They don’t pay actors like they used to, and with streamers, you no longer get residuals. The established stars still get paid, but I have to give 5 percent to my lawyer, 10 percent to my agents, 3 percent to my business manager.”
Zendaya’s Cultural Impact and Financial Success
During her 2022 Emmy acceptance speech, Zendaya emphasized the deeper meaning behind her work: “My greatest wish for Euphoria was that it could help heal people.”
This historic contract not only enhances Zendaya’s net worth but also signals a positive shift in Hollywood’s financial recognition of diverse talent. As “Euphoria” continues to capture critical acclaim and audience attention, Zendaya’s groundbreaking deal sets a new precedent for compensation in the television industry.