Zendaya reflects on Cicely Tyson's impact: 'Without her I wouldn't be able to be doing what I'm doing'
Zendaya is one of the many actors in Hollywood who are grateful for Cicely Tyson and the work she did for others throughout her momentous career.
During an appearance on "Good Morning America" on Monday, the 24-year-old actress reflected on Tyson's mark on the world, sharing that she was "always a fan" of the barrier-breaking film icon.
"I mean she's iconic, she's a trailblazer and I think without her I wouldn't be able to be doing what I'm doing," Zendaya said. "She means I think so much to a lot of us and specifically Black women, so we honor her and are so grateful for everything that she gave us."
"I think she is immortal in a lot ways, she'll continue to live on with us through her work and her art," she added. "It's tough but it's also one of those things where we just celebrate such a beautiful life."
The "Euphoria" actress was one of the many who paid tribute to Tyson on social media when Tyson's death was announced last week. She was 96.
Alongside a photo of Tyson, Zendaya wrote, "This one hurts, today we honor and celebrate the life of one of the greatest to ever do it. Thank you Cicely Tyson. Rest in great power."
During her "GMA" appearance, Zendaya also spoke about if she feels a responsibility to "lay the groundwork," like Tyson did, and continue transforming the landscape within the industry so other aspiring Black actors can also succeed.
The actress, who made history when she won her first Emmy in 2020, pointed out that "a lot of progress has been made, obviously, but there is still a lot more to do."
"I just hope that especially since I'm coming into this new kind of producorial world and figuring out how to make the things that I really want to see, I mean hopefully I can be a part of that change, hopefully be a part of making it easier for the next young woman who wants to make something," she shared. "It's our job to continue to keep those doors open that were broken open for us."
The actress stars, serves as a co-producer and is a financier of her new film, "Malcolm & Marie." She said the Sam Levinson-directed film, which also stars John David Washington, was something she "essentially asked to be made" during quarantine.
"It really is our baby in that way; we did it all together and did it the safest way possible and we all did it really as a family," she said about the film.
"It was such a collaborative experience -- something I've never really been able to be so in depth with a script and with the creation of something in that way, so I think that kind of closeness ... those conversations that we all shared while creating this thing, I think contributed heavily to that chemistry," she said of the on-screen spark with her co-star, Washington.
"Malcom & Marie" is out Feb. 5 on Netflix.
