Zendaya Shares Painful Experience Playing Rue In Euphoria

Is there a single episode of Euphoria that doesn't have some kind of intense and dramatic through line? Not at all and this made working through it all an extra challenge for the actors, especially Zendaya who goes to incredibly dark places and violent places. We’re covering how she made it through it all, and the toll it took on her physical and mental health!
Going from being known as the Disney kid to a daring, dramatic actor portraying a drug addict was quite the jump, but it’s one the actress made effortlessly. While she was able to pull out the performance, Zendaya was pretty intimidated, wanting to make sure her performance lived up to expectations.
The content discussed and portrayed in Euphoria is intense- so living through it at work each day while already struggling with general anxiety made the work days tricky, but worth it in the end luckily. As if working all those hours weren’t exhausting enough, spending hours crying or going through something painful on a completely whacked-out schedule is downright impossible - but Z’s schedule demanded it.
It wasn’t easy, but the support of an amazing cast and crew made playing Rue a safe and secure experience. Zendaya goes through the pain for the cameras, but behind the scenes, all the people around her on set are usually feeling the emotions with her and shedding tears.
It’s a major challenge, but Zendaya has risen to the occasion - she didn't earn that Emmy for nothing! Thank goodness for a trustworthy and supportive team that can help to make it all possible.
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Chapters:
00:00 INTRO
00:17 An Intimidating Journey
00:48 Struggling With Anxiety
01:13 Emotional Preparation
01:49 Volatile Rue
02:16 Exhausting Schedule
02:45 A More Challenging Season
03:29 Difficult Content
04:10 Support Team
04:58 Collective Emotion
05:30 The Intervention
06:19 Unique Prep Work
06:56 Stepping Away
07:30 A Changed Actress
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Written by: Thalia GK
Narrated by: Serena L
Edited by: Maite Cambra
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[@marwastar]

Very emotional to see zendaya like from a young Disney star to a very popular actress

[@TheThings]

Couldn’t agree more ❤️

[@marwastar]

@@TheThings thanks for the pin 💜

[@frogygacha5123]

Yp

[@Dale_Blackburn]

Imagine the casting couches and sexual abuse she went through then

[@abigailharris2168]

Best move for her and her fans

[@lillymurray8408]

As a former addict. She got every symptom down. Even the yawning. That was her first symptom I noticed immediately. She deserves every damn award for both of those episodes. I’ve never seen it portrayed correctly in any show. The creator is a former addict, and rue is based off of his life experiences. But the yawning, restless legs, tremors, tears in the eyes. All of it. So so accurate & withdrawl is extremely painful. I have a daughter now and I’d prefer to give birth 500 times in a row than ever go through withdrawl. Maybe I’m biased bc birth was easy for me… withdrawl is painful on every level.

[@francescafrancesca3554]

@みち Same. May all the best come their way.

[@makayla2880]

Same, I'm an addict in recovery. I noticed the restless leg and yawning and I really appreciate they portrayed what withdrawal actually looks and feels like. I've never seen actors portray those symptoms under these circumstances in any other show or movie I've watched. Everyone involved is so so talented.

[@panamera53]

Man I damn near cried during season 2. I felt her pain because I'm a recovering alcoholic. Two years and change of sobriety. Withdrawal sucks and staying sober is worse. I'm glad I stopped drinking because I definitely would've ended up like Rue buy instead of drugs, alcohol.

[@1hcc994]

@@panamera53 same I became a violent unruly person using alcohol and drugs. I’m sober now been for three months the first three weeks were the worst of my life. A sickness I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

[@edgarallanhoe8838]

@@1hcc994 I hope you are doing much, much better now. Love and best wishes to you❤️

[@yxxng1z943]

she def deserves another emmy, specially after episode 5

[@pinkieboo98]

ESPECIALLY!!!!!

[@yxxng1z943]

@@pinkieboo98 idk if you trynna correct my grammar or agreeing with me lol

[@pinkieboo98]

@@yxxng1z943 lmaooo I was agreeing with you

[@Livviegirlie]

@@pinkieboo98 don't u mean "exactly" ?

[@pinkieboo98]

@@Livviegirlie no I meant especially

[@Fandomonium456]

I’m not even a big Zendaya fan…but this season of euphoria especially episode 5 and 6 she honestly blew me away. She had all the mannerisms of a seeking addict, an addict in withdrawal…down to the tremors, yawning, lacrimation, chills, and “crazy eyes”, like it shocked me

[@melissagiajo88]

Seriously. I’m a recovering opiate addict and most shows/movies don’t get withdrawals right. The yawning and constant tears especially!

[@ortegaalex13]

SAME

[@lillymurray8408]

@@melissagiajo88 YES! I’m 8 years clean. Opiates as well. I was like omg! She’s yawning! I’ve never seen it portrayed accurately either.. I saw her knock on fez’s door and yawn and I was like ooop! The yawns🥴 and the restless legs made me cringe. They’re so painful. All of it is so so painful.

[@sarahcimbat]

Sameee! I’m a big fan now!

[@shellzbespazin]

@@lillymurray8408 congratulations on your sobriety! That's amazing ❤

[@angelaharris9714]

Sometimes I worry about actors who actually go through stuff like this to portray a character. What kind of state of mind does Zendaya has to put herself in to pull of these scenes? I keep thinking about the guy who played the joker and committed suicide not long after. I hear his method of acting kind of put him over the edge. It would be interesting for someone to do a study on the damaging effects of certain acting methods and how it can effect actors mentally and physically.

[@vladicgrabot6019]

i’m sure they can separate their mental state from the actual project. and heath ledger didn’t commit suicide, his doctor accidentally prescribed him two drugs that are lethal if taken together.

[@nataliekubinkova4507]

@@vladicgrabot6019 as Z and many actors said - if you want to act like that you have to feel it. And your body doesnt know it. And that fact about Heath is really true? I havent heard about it :(

[@minky5466]

@@vladicgrabot6019 is the doctor in jail

[@murdahmammiez]

He didnt commit suicide

[@angelaharris9714]

@@murdahmammiez really, I thought he committed suicide. Well I hope the doctor went to prison.

[@mikaylatillett4427]

this show made me realize how fantastic of an actress zendaya is. i’ve gone thru basically everything rue has since i went thru addiction myself. sometimes i’ll question if zendaya has gone thru those things just because of how well she can portray it😂

[@gothic56796]

Sameeee

[@samanthaemery9598]

Dude yes, I see soooo much of myself in Rue and it's hard to believe Zendaya hasn't lived that life because she's so good at what she does.

[@RicanReinvented]

Goes to show what an incredible actress she is.

[@RicanReinvented]

This season was so intense. Just give Z several emmy's. Along with the rest of the cast. Such an amazing group of talented individuals. Love them all.

[@KringoGG]

She is insanely convincing, it blows my mind that anyone can act like that. She is something else!

[@Pr33ka]

Z is such an incredible actor . She’s literally a queen !!!

[@dcny69]

Literally? Idiot

[@bripage438]

OMGGGG THIS PART MADE ME SOB AND HAVE GOOSEBUMPS IN THE SHOW !!! as someone who is struggling with opiate addiction I felt that fucking yawn and her struggling to accomplish the smallest thing. ADDICTION IS NO JOKE !!! IT CAN FUCKING CONTROL YOU AND CAN MAKE YOU DO SHIT YOU SAID YOUD NEVER DO . UGHHH SOOO DEEP I HAVE NO WORDS

[@mikaylatillett4427]

seriously! i was an opiod & fentanyl addict myself & zendaya is so good at showing how it feels to be in intense withdrawls, the desperation & willingness to do things that go against your own morals just to get a fix, & the hopeless feeling of thinking sobriety isnt in the cards for her

[@AndyTHC4me]

We are part of a club that we don’t wish anyone else to be apart of. We have to be strange and make a change for ourselves. I’ve learned this…I’m still going through it. I’m not as bad as I was but ten years of using will do that, I was basically at deaths door step thank god I chose life. Everyday is a struggle I’m going on 2 months being “clean”. I’m still so tired and have no motivation. My body still wants it an is in shock like watching her use was hard for me because I’m right back there. But I felt like I needed to see it to really put my life back in perspective. I’m in the lower percent of people who quit on their own with just will power and now that I don’t get sick everyday I don’t have opiates it’s seriously the best thing ever. Not having to worry about coming up with all that damn money every damn day! I’m sure it’s why I’m still tired I worked my ass off everyday just to note getting sick. For anyone going through this shit if I did it so can you. You have to fully want it for yourself and commit tho or it ain’t happening as you know. Like I sed it’s still hard af for me I’m not out of the water yet. Pray for me my doods.

[@bripage438]

@@AndyTHC4me wow man good for you for recognizing this for yourself. You are so strong, I believe in you !! You are definitely not alone !!! Keep up the dedication, one step at a time. Thank you for sharing part of your story 🙌🙌💕💕

[@hollyrussell6599]

My god the intervention scene killed me. I don't struggle with drugs or alcohol, but I struggle with anorexia and the fights and the emotion all were too relatable. I don't cry much, but damn this episode made me sob

[@lunamoth7044]

As someone who's struggled with both drug addiction and anorexia, that scene triggered a lot of strong emotions for me as well. Interventions are almost always intense and they actually did a great job at portraying that intensity.

[@drianak8175]

She is insanely talented. UNBELIEVABLE 🌟❤️❤️ Congratulations for her performance. She has shocked everybody. GIVE HER ANOTHER EMMY ALREADY 😍😍

[@rabia7012]

And she plays rue amazingly

[@jbrown5359]

All I can say is every since I seen Zendaya on Disney, I knew she was going to be a true Star 🌟! That feeling when you see an actor or actress for the first time and you have a feeling, that's warm and Genuine. I already for Rocky Blu was going to be flower that blooms like rue. Congratulations, Zendaya. Disney ain't got nothing on you, huney!!

[@cheray1243]

The “Disney kid” thing is so old. We grew up just like she did

[@dearlynn]

her performance in ep 5 s2 always gives me the chills

[@telmanunes7740]

Zendaya, growing and trying to disconnect herself from Disney in a proper way... Bring the Emmy, that 5th episode is the best acting I've seen in a long time

[@kearamcdonagh9912]

She came a LONG way from Disney Channel, amazing actress

[@erikaevansdavis]

Her dancing alone deserves an award. Best scene hands down

[@lordvenjix3757]

Zendaya is an experienced and skilled actress in her own right.

[@divyamalhotra7726]

She was so real … If an actor can evolves to such a diverse extent , they are limitless .. her performance will stay with me somewhere ✨

[@brooklinrain3821]

I just started watching this show yesterday and I’m still watching it today 9 episodes so far only on season one!!!!! Keep going!!!!!

[@piyush2465]

I think she did an amazing job at playing an addict. The pain is just as much mental (if not more) than physical

[@The105uk]

Zendaya is my role model I love all the shows including Casey undercover and shake it up I hope you have A great acting business.

[@mayadoesntknow]

zendaya is incredible and we don’t deserve her

[@coriswrld2122]

it makes the show even better knowing the producers and crew are just as involved as the actors 🥇❤️

[@adyaapoorva8417]

I've recently started the watching the series... And I'm so damn obsessed with it... She's a true Goddess ❤️

[@mahuexvii]

I didn’t grow up watching her on Disney. I was in them Hannah days. Glad it didn’t influence my thoughts but she’s always been in the back of my mind as an actress that would move on well from Disney considering a handful of them don’t.

[@karalynspeaks4267]

I grew up watching her on Disney and it didn’t bother me at all in fact it seemed fitting for her

[@choosedecency8965]

It's not easy to tell exactly why her dignity took a route to hell in 2019. She was a very decent person before serving the youth this obscenity disaster show, or "deeply satisfying entertainment", as their developing minds tend to call it.

[@amberdyet8059]

Right up to the intervention itself is when all addicts are in the middle of the process of being at their worst. I lived with an old friend and let me tell you that he knocked out my teeth and broke my jaws in the fight. Then as he knelt down on my chest I had 2 heart attacks, a year later after that I had a stroke. I have video of the beginning of the fight. I'll always have PTSD traumas from it too. I'll never be able to get married. Or even be able to feel safe enough around a guy either. Not after that. David Silveria yelling expletives at me was almost nothing but just added 1 more thing & 1 more time to all the abuse I've been through by guys my whole life. Then again I made the mistake of listening to bands like KoRn so I guess I got what I deserved, right? At least that's what AA said.

[@nore4186]

No you do not deserve to be treated in a horrible way. You are strong and I pray your mind and heart heal from the trauma. No one should have to go through something like that. Sending prayers your way🙏 you deserve to be loved and deserve to receive love.

[@Camille_Anderson]

@@nore4186 true talk!! we all deserve respect & love.

[@Camille_Anderson]

Amber please know you are worth far more than this!!! give yourself credit, take to for yourself & build on your confidence. you clearly are strong! look how much you have survived!! 💯❤️🙏🥇

[@ObsidianCrocodile]

She’s amazing 🤩 I really enjoy watching her

[@jazzyluv8404]

I love her. She's so amazing at everything she does😍

[@soffaerie]

Her performance was impeccable and soooo intense 👏

[@destineepool4708]

Coming from someone who has an opioid addiction. She definitely deserves every award 👏 there are no words to explain her performance.

[@lozz856]

I love Zendaya so much she’s my idol.

[@whoissbrayy]

She so pretty i feel bad for her that she had to do that

[@victoriacoppler5859]

I find it Interesting that when they do an emotional scene, they have to separate from it, that is very healthy.💖 And Wow! They have long hours on set, and little sleep, and have to do dramatic scenes that are Emotionaly Traumatizing 😰 but they support each other, and the crew cries with You in support, and that's so remarkable ❤️

[@tianacastro5579]

Since she first posted the season 1 Euphoria trailer on Instagram I knew it was going to be something special

[@GwenDoll]

She did such a great job honestly like yes

[@hawkins5821]

I love the way she does her thing especially her life 🥰

[@calzone94]

I love Rue and Zendaya, S2 was crazy! She definitely deserves emmys x

[@1991punkrocker]

Well that happens in shows movies like this it takes a toll and you come out differently. But it’s entertaining and emotional 😭 zen rocks forever 😍

[@lucyy7392]

The scene where she's dancing alone is haunting me to this Day

[@bcshabnamfan]

talented

[@becca2046]

Zendaya is such an amazing actress 🥺

[@knekitshi1145]

I feel something good when the notification says someone liked your comment 🙂🙂

[@kianndra01]

Dopamine

[@orlandorizzo5780]

Every Alcoholic , drug addict, anyone who is addicted to anything. Has cried to her performance , because the outside world always SAYS ITS SOOOOO EASY , just STOP! This shows just shows , she wants to but being SOBER sucks. Not because of life's tribulations. But because life is so repetitive, it feels good to bring some more excitement to it and DRUGS does that. To everyone in the Struggle, this battle is between you and you , GET GOD John 3:16 , that's the only DOOR we have. Mankind doesnt understand , Jesus does he came to heal us to show us a better way. Give it a shot , even when your high PRAY!

[@princeyem2684]

At this point Euphoria is a whole genre itself.

[@Friendlyfire97]

I think Disney kids that are grown up are very talented. No doubt

[@brandi2883]

Sounds like a good show

[@palsethi386]

She deserves every effin award❤❤

[@indigostar7914]

This is the dangerous part of acting.. Too much attachment to the role and an intense mental impact..

[@TheOrochiMain]

Nice 👍🏻 vid

[@Lnyc14]

The show was amazing and zendaya did it so well.

[@deividchg]

Girl, every single person on the plant has anxiety.

[@fionayork3127]

Zendaya is doing a hell of a job in her role.

[@atiratilghman3339]

I feel like she literally grew with her audience if that make sense

[@choosedecency8965]

It was more like she literally changed over night and turned into someone who she is not, if that makes any sense.

[@ecokidsgreenclub-]

Wow 😳...

[@lauranagy8988]

There was a step inbetween: the greatest showman!

[@SadBeauty]

I wish I could talk to zendaya and ask her how she felt playing that role bc she doesn't do none of that 💕

[@dcny69]

Awww poor thing, such a struggle for that $5M paycheck

[@an.dr.16561]

I'm.on e. 5 she deserves every award she is great

[@lorrainesteele5826]

These are very dark scenes she is playing and playing them with 110%. Various shows in the past where characters played dark roles have often been discussed after the show ended. In particular if anyone watched Six Feet Under the character NATE FISHER gave great interviews after the show ended how it affected him to be constant dark scenes. Much like Michael C. Hall who playing the nortorious serial killer *DEXTER*. Those shows managed to put out at least 6 seasons. We will see Rue grow through her high school years, but after watching the two actors I noted above, I am curious to how Zendaya who is so young and beautiful, an amazing actress,but those dark scenes do affect the actor playing them.

[@danielcain9885]

U rock rue Zendaya

[@bipolaryx]

the only disney kid who can really act. respect

[@whosarisa8468]

Zendaya played rue flawlessly

[@MegaMan-bs3oy]

Her anxiety pacing legit gets mine to flair up watching this show sometimes. I have never touched drugs. I know If I started it would be the end of me. But I legit see the depression and anxiety and self esteem issues every time I watch this show. Its crazy to watch her work.

[@mollymademe]

People don’t understand that she played as a korky character in a way in Spiderman somewhat similar but way less mature.

[@dog6830]

She is my idol if I don't want to be a doctor I want to be a actress like her

[@darlenelohr8317]

Bruhh ok you guys had to of peeped dude In the back taking so many looks at Zendaya's butt in that first stand up interview LMAO like boy she is taken

[@ecokidsgreenclub-]

IM EARLY!

[@angels-lift1902]

I really enjoyed watching Zendaya play the role as Rue. She executed her persona very well. Hats off to her 🎩

[@krys4013]

Reason I searched this up and was wondering why Zendaya plays this so well, is because I’m going through the same shit and she also did amazing in “The greatest showman”….I don’t know man, think it’s weird she did suck a great job in that show, and yes, I’ve only seen the first minute of this vid

[@euphoriascenes6061]

✨

[@Lyndsayarielle]

It's no wonder all these Hollywood types are nuts.

[@srijala_bhujel]

Well people don’t realise that every Disney actor do have that capability to go out from the Disney character they have proved every time

[@augustocesar1498]

wait wait wait... THe scene she runs in the middle of the street, at the intervenion,...those was REAL DRIVERS? IMNOT understanding. XOXOs from Brazil

[@madisonmonroe6415]

she was in that netflix movie that showed a different character besides disney, I beleive it was Malcolm or something

[@Doodlecream]

For these reasons I could not be an actress. I can barely handle my own baggage let alone take on a multi faceted character with more baggage

[@brinley8057]

In some ways this could make you a better actress (connection with the character) but I understand not being able to handle the mental part in reality

[@Malikk5251]

When they do the Jennifer Lopez movie they definitely need to call her.

[@mariamarquisesmith4470]

This is a dark comparison if anybody remembers Heath ledger then you will know this is not a safe route he could never come out of his character he was obsessed with it which I believe some people wanted him to just die but I think he was killed it made it seem like a cover-up because it would get less media attention

[@zai4344]

Did anybody else notice Tom in the video?

[@horuslupercal9936]

She's Amaze-balls!

[@slicknick5387]

‘She’s gone thru trauma’…no, the people that really go thru what they are ‘play acting’ are the ones who go thru drama. She’s a disney character living a high financed easy ass life. HUGE difference..

[@kevintollefson935]

If it’s painful playi a drug addicted character, imagine how painful it is to actually be a drug addict. My husband (this is his account) and I got sober 03/03/18.

[@ozymandiasnullifidian5590]

In that white dress, she kinda looks like a young Jennifer Lopez. I think the facial structure has similarities.

[@TheThings]

Yep and the hairstyle!

[@QueenNaimah]

Omg finally someone say it! 🙌🏾 I been thinking they favor for years!

[@drkaryeroe]

@@QueenNaimah same girl same 😆

[@mahejensen7131]

I feel bad for her if she didn’t act in any scene

[@Worththeprice]

🙏✨️❤️‍🔥

[@noob._.hooman6994]

After Euphoria : Who Zendaya? I know Rue only!

[@africankaleab360]

Jesus is Lord. God bless. He loves and Forgives. God isn't someone who waits for your downfall, but your redemption through His Son Jesus. Repent. This may seem uncalled for but just trust the Lord. Give God a chance, not being religious but have a relationship with God. Call out to Him and try and hear His voice in your heart, He doesn’t go against His Word, the Bible. If you reject it, ay your choice, God gives free will. Just got to say, He has plans to prosper you not to harm you. Again ain't saying be religious, but give God a chance. God bless you

[@lilybelle568]

I'm trying to learn to do just this.

[@LostJediJC]

dude at 1:20 lmfao

[@jasharamitchell6332]

♥️

[@georgiaiscool7280]

I thing most scenes were awful I think jules and nates dad would have been quite hard to film especially fot a person who has had to rise against belittling all their life.

[@andjelomiskic4063]

Jesus loves youuu❤🙏💙

[@Joshua-tn5se]

Too early

[@andraegarcia5104]

When your bigger than big is the caption everyone is laughing at me for well here’s what I gotta say I was just being nice cause she’s obviously 5’5

[@Hi-qb4bs]

Annoying that we see Tom in this video

[@atrsoo_]

Not really but I guess

[@mannybruhh9969]

I liked season 1 more then season 2 i didnt like the play scene

[@John-fr6wo]

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.(John 3:16)✝️

[@jnelletrim1478]

Remember God loves you!!♥️ John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. Please turn your life around and repent. the clock is ticking......

[@cruxhex8222]

no

[@mollyjohnston1429]

++