Zendaya believes her character, Rue, is often seen dancing in her hit show, Euphoria, as a way of handling life. In an interview with Decider, the 25-year-old explains that dancing might be the only way Rue knows how to be happy.

"I think those moments remind us of why she does it in the first place," Zendaya said. "I think it's her way of dealing with life and coping with it and trying to stay above water and be happy in the only way she knows how. I think that is a moment for her when we live inside of her brain; that's joyous and beautiful until we zoom out and remember what's happening. There's a very harsh reality to what's happening to her."

In episode three of Season two of the HBO show, Euphoria, Zendaya's character Rue Bennett, a drug addict just out of rehab, is seen dancing in her bedroom to the tune of Frank Sinatra's "Call Me Irresponsible." Zendaya describes it as a "blissful moment" for the character.

"I think the whole idea when we get into the first episode is, let's give her everything that she thought she wanted, everything that she says that she wants to have, this perfect life, and let's see how that goes for her," Zendaya said. "I think we all know as audience members, as people who care about Rue, as people who have grown to know her and understand her, that this isn't going to last. This isn't going to go well. We just have the foresight to see that and I don't think she can quite get there yet."

Additionally, she explains that although her character appears to be getting everything she may think she might desire during this second season of the show, life will ultimately turn out badly for her.

“So, you know, as there are beautiful moments. Nothing in Euphoria is one-sided. Nothing in Euphoria is black or white. It’s all nuance," Zendaya said. "It’s all living in the gray, and it’s up for interpretation, and there’s always more to it. A decision is never made for one reason, there’s always something behind it, and there’s always usually pain, and these characters have grown to be the way they are for certain reasons.” 

Zendaya won her first Emmy in September 2020 for her role in Euphoria, which made her the youngest-ever winner of the best lead actress in a drama category. 

According to the New York Times, the 25-year-old former Disney actress beat out fellow leading ladies, including Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Oh, and others, breaking the record held by Jodie Comer. The latter won the award at age 26.

During her acceptance speech, the actor revealed she was influenced by others her age who were working to make a difference in the world, and she admires and thanks them for it.

"I just want to say that there is hope in the young people out there," Zendaya said. "And I just want to say to all our peers out there doing the work in the streets: I see you, I admire you, I thank you."

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