Zendaya and Hunter Schafer are actresses, fashion figures, and co-stars best known for their work together in HBO’s Euphoria. Zendaya plays Rue Bennett, while Hunter portrays Jules Vaughn, two characters whose complicated relationship became central to the series. Their convincing on-screen chemistry has also made viewers curious about their connection away from the cameras.
In real life, Zendaya and Hunter Schafer are not sisters or relatives. Instead, they developed a close friendship while working together. Hunter has publicly described Zendaya as one of her best friends, while Zendaya has spoken about wanting to support Hunter like an older sister when they first began Euphoria.
Zendaya and Hunter Schafer Profile Overview
| Detail | Zendaya | Hunter Schafer |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman | Hunter Schafer |
| Date of Birth | September 1, 1996 | December 31, 1998 |
| Age | 30 years old | 27 years old |
| Birthplace | Oakland, California | Trenton, New Jersey |
| Nationality | American | American |
| Profession | Actress, Producer, Singer | Actress, Model, Artist |
| Height | Around 5 ft 10 in | Around 5 ft 10 in |
| Mother | Claire Stoermer | Katy Schafer |
| Father | Kazembe Ajamu Coleman | Mac Schafer |
| Siblings | Five older half-siblings | Three younger siblings |
| Euphoria Role | Rue Bennett | Jules Vaughn |
| Known For | Euphoria, Dune, Spider-Man | Euphoria, Cuckoo, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes |
Are Zendaya and Hunter Schafer Related?
No known family relationship exists between Zendaya and Hunter Schafer. They were born into different families and met through their professional lives.
The confusion is understandable because they have described their friendship in sister-like terms. Zendaya told Harper’s Bazaar that she wanted to be like a big sister to Hunter when they started working together. Hunter later described Zendaya as one of her best friends in the world.
Their Friendship Through Euphoria
Euphoria brought Zendaya and Hunter together when the series premiered in 2019. Their characters, Rue and Jules, develop a close but emotionally complicated relationship that became one of the show’s defining storylines.
Working on such personal and demanding scenes required considerable trust between the actresses. Hunter has discussed feeling comfortable working with Zendaya, while their friendship grew beyond their professional relationship. Their connection therefore became more than simply two actors sharing scenes.
Zendaya’s Age and Family
Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California. She turned 30 in 2026. Her parents are Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, who both worked as teachers.
Zendaya is the only child her parents share, although she has five older half-siblings through her father. She has frequently kept her wider family away from excessive public attention despite becoming internationally famous at a young age.
Hunter Schafer’s Age and Family
Hunter Schafer was born on December 31, 1998, in Trenton, New Jersey. She is 27 years old in 2026 and spent part of her childhood in North Carolina.
Her parents are Katy and Mac Schafer, and she grew up with three younger siblings. Before becoming an actress, Hunter developed a strong interest in visual art and later entered the fashion industry as a professional model.
Their Different Career Journeys
Zendaya entered entertainment as a child and became widely recognized through Disney Channel’s Shake It Up. She successfully transitioned into adult roles, with Euphoria becoming a major turning point. She later expanded her film career through the Spider-Man and Dune franchises.
Hunter followed a different path. She established herself in fashion before acting, working as a model for major brands and designers. Remarkably, Jules in Euphoria became her first major acting role. She later appeared in projects including Cuckoo and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
Zendaya and Hunter Schafer’s Height
The two actresses are very similar in height. Zendaya and Hunter Schafer are both generally listed at around 5 feet 10 inches tall.
Their height and distinctive personal styles have also helped both establish strong connections with fashion. Zendaya is particularly known for her red-carpet collaborations with stylist Law Roach, while Hunter’s connection with fashion began professionally through modeling.
Fashion and Lifestyle
Fashion plays a significant role in both women’s public careers. Zendaya has appeared in campaigns and at major international fashion events, while her red-carpet looks regularly receive extensive media coverage.
Hunter’s background as a professional model gives fashion an equally important place in her career. However, public appearances provide only a limited picture of either woman’s everyday lifestyle. Both tend to keep substantial parts of their private lives outside interviews and social media.
Net Worth
Several celebrity-finance websites publish estimated net worth figures for both actresses. However, neither Zendaya nor Hunter Schafer has publicly released complete financial records confirming an exact personal net worth.
For this reason, online figures should be treated as third-party estimates rather than established facts. Their acting, modeling, producing and endorsement work provides clearer evidence of their professional success than speculative calculations of personal wealth.
Social Media Presence
Both actresses have built substantial online audiences, particularly through Instagram. Their social platforms include career-related content, fashion appearances and selected personal updates.
Hunter has also discussed taking a cautious approach to social media and its effects. Similarly, neither actress uses her online presence as a complete record of her private life, making verified interviews more reliable for personal information.
Final Thoughts
Zendaya and Hunter Schafer are not related, but Euphoria helped them develop a meaningful friendship away from the screen. Their portrayal of Rue and Jules required trust, while their real-life relationship grew into a close connection that both have discussed publicly.
Their careers remain distinct. Zendaya moved from Disney television into award-winning performances and major films, while Hunter transitioned from modeling and art into acting. Together, their friendship and Euphoria connection remain an important part of the story surrounding both stars.
Read More: Austin Butler and Timothée Chalamet: Their Friendship and Careers
FAQs
Are Zendaya and Hunter Schafer friends in real life?
Yes. Zendaya and Hunter Schafer developed a close friendship while working together on Euphoria. Hunter has publicly described Zendaya as one of her best friends.
Are Zendaya and Hunter Schafer related?
No. Zendaya and Hunter Schafer are not sisters or relatives. Their close connection developed through their work together on Euphoria.
What are Zendaya and Hunter Schafer’s roles in Euphoria?
Zendaya plays Rue Bennett, while Hunter Schafer plays Jules Vaughn. Their characters’ complicated relationship is a major part of the series.
Who is older, Zendaya or Hunter Schafer?
Zendaya is older. She was born on September 1, 1996, while Hunter Schafer was born on December 31, 1998.
How tall are Zendaya and Hunter Schafer?
Zendaya and Hunter Schafer are both generally listed at approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall.


