From Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Anya Taylor-Joy to Florence Pugh, and Anne Hathaway, these women exemplify that being an ‘It’ girl is more than just about looks—it’s about character, talent, and determination.
When you think of Hollywood’s “It” girls, certain names immediately come to mind. But what exactly defines an “It” girl? It’s not just about fame; it’s about talent, charisma, and the ability to inspire others.
These women captivate young girls who dream of emulating them and serve as fashion icons for women everywhere.
Curious about how today’s “It” girls made their mark in Hollywood? Read on to discover the inspiring journeys of these hardworking women.
READ ALSO: Seeing Double: 4 Celebrities You Never Knew Had Twins
Zendaya
Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, known professionally as Zendaya, was born on September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California, according to Business Insider.
Her acting journey began with a memorable experience at her school play, James and the Giant Peach. Despite not landing the lead role, she embraced her part as the silkworm and delivered a standout performance, as shared in a 2016 interview with W magazine.
Capital FM notes Zendaya’s rise to fame as a Disney star during her teenage years. She made her debut on the teen sitcom Shake It Up in 2010, alongside her friend Bella Thorne, and continued until the show’s conclusion in 2013. This platform also launched her music career, with several soundtracks and singles released as part of the show.
Zendaya’s Disney journey continued with her role in K.C. Undercover, which she also produced, running for three seasons until she was 21.
Outside of Disney, Zendaya made waves in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starring as Michelle, or MJ, in Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017, alongside roles in other major films like The Greatest Showman.
In 2018, Zendaya became a Lancôme ambassador, and in 2019, she collaborated with designer Tommy Hilfiger.
She continued her success with roles in Spider-Man: Far From Home and the lead role in the HBO series Euphoria in 2019, showcasing her versatility across music and acting.
Her role in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Dune in 2021 further solidified her status as a talented and multifaceted artist.
Zendaya’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed by her fans or the industry, with her activism and talent earning her a Barbie in her likeness and a strong following.
She truly embodies the essence of an “It” girl, someone who inspires and captivates audiences with her talent and authenticity.
Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Sweeney, known for her breakout role in HBO’s “Euphoria,” has been a frequent trending topic on social media.
Despite her recent rise to fame, Sweeney has been working in Hollywood for over a decade. At the age of 12, she created a five-year career plan, which she presented to her parents in a PowerPoint presentation to convince them to allow her to pursue acting, as revealed in a recent interview with British GQ.
According to CNBC, her family split their time between her hometown of Spokane, Washington, and Los Angeles for auditions. While she landed small roles in shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds, they weren’t the Emmy-worthy roles she had envisioned as a child.
During this time, Sweeney faced personal challenges as well, including her family’s financial difficulties leading to the loss of their house in Spokane and her parents’ divorce.
Sweeney’s realization that her career hadn’t unfolded as planned hit her on her 18th birthday when she didn’t have enough money to repurchase her parents’ old house, which she believed would bring her family back together.
However, her fortunes changed a few months later when she secured roles in Sharp Objects alongside Amy Adams and the ’90s comedy Everything Sucks!
Her role in Euphoria came after a single audition tape, marking a significant turning point in her career. She previously appeared in HBO’s White Lotus and has since starred in films like Anyone But You and Immaculate, as well as Madame Web alongside Dakota Johnson.
Spotlight on Sweeney
Sweeney once again found herself in the spotlight when Carol Baum criticized her acting abilities. Baum expressed her confusion over Sweeney’s popularity, particularly citing a film Sweeney starred in, Anyone but You, which she found difficult to watch.
Baum’s comments sparked a response from Sweeney, who expressed disappointment in Baum’s decision to criticize another woman in the industry. Sweeney’s representative released a statement to People, ““How sad that a woman in the position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman,” she said.
“If that’s what she’s learned in her decades in the industry and feels is appropriate to teach to her students, that’s shameful. To unjustly disparage a fellow female producer speaks volumes about Ms. Baum’s character,” she added.
As per People, Baum reportedly said she regrets her original comments and explained that she doesn’t typically speak negatively about an actor like that.
Sweeney’s success is attributed to her self-determination. In addition to acting, British GQ, also reports that she’s studying entertainment law at business school. She also runs her own production company, demonstrating her commitment to pursuing her goals and inspiring others to do the same.
Anya Taylor-Joy
Anya Taylor-Joy, known for her Golden Globe-winning role in the miniseries “The Queen’s Gambit” and films like “Split” and “The Menu,” has garnered worldwide attention for her exceptional acting skills.
According to Biography, Taylor-Joy, whose first language was Spanish, spent part of her childhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the age of 6, her family relocated to London for a more stable political environment.
Taylor-Joy, determined to return to Argentina, refused to speak English for two years. She eventually learned English by immersing herself in the Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling, considering the characters her first friends.
She initially trained as a dancer but left school at 16 to pursue acting. Her breakthrough came in the 2015 horror film The Witch, leading to three Golden Globe nominations and one Emmy nomination for her role in The Queen’s Gambit.
Taylor-Joy’s dedication to her craft has earned her recognition in Hollywood and the fashion industry. She was named Actress of the Year at the 2022 Women of the Year Award.
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Taylor-Joy emphasized the importance of self-confidence, stating that it must come from within and not rely on external validation. Her words resonate with many, inspiring others to believe in their worth.
Anya Taylor-Joy’s journey and talent are truly inspiring, making her a remarkable figure to admire and learn from.
Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh, known for her captivating performances in various films, was born on January 3, 1996, in Oxford, England, United Kingdom, according to Biography.
Raised in Oxford, Pugh’s family temporarily moved to Spain during her childhood to address her tracheomalacia. It’s a condition that affected her breathing and led to frequent hospital visits. She has described how the condition influenced her voice and laugh.
Even at a young age, Pugh demonstrated her ability to captivate an audience. In a nativity play at age 6, she impressed spectators by adopting a northern accent and joking about varicose veins.
This early experience on stage ignited her passion for performing, Pugh said in an interview with The Guardian. As a teenager, she showcased her musical talents on YouTube under the username “Flossie Rose.”
Coming from a theatrical family, Pugh embraced the spotlight. Her older brother, Toby Sebastian, appeared on Game of Thrones, while her older sister, Arabella Gibbins, pursued acting and music.
Vanity Fair reports that Pugh’s upbringing in a lively and dramatic household fueled her love for performance.
Pugh’s acting career began at 17, and she later received a nomination for a British Academy of Film and Television Arts Rising Star Award.
Her diverse roles have spanned genres, from period dramas to horror films to Marvel blockbusters. Notable performances include roles in Midsommar, Black Widow, and The Little Drummer Girl miniseries.
Pugh earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Amy March in the 2019 adaptation of Little Women. She currently stars as Jean Tatlock in Christopher Nolan’s biopic Oppenheimer.
With her talent and versatility, Pugh has become a prominent figure in Hollywood, inspiring confidence in women.
She gained attention for her bold fashion choices, including a sheer Valentino dress that sparked conversation.
Pugh has been vocal about body positivity, emphasizing her choice to embrace her body and reject societal pressures.
Florence Pugh embodies the essence of an “It” girl, unafraid to speak her mind and stay true to herself.
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway has recently reclaimed the spotlight with a series of prominent roles. According to Britannica, her father, Gerald, was a lawyer, while her mother, Kate McCauley, was a stage actress.
Hathaway’s exposure to theater at a young age, touring with her mother during a production of Les Misérables, inspired her pursuit of a theatrical career.
She honed her skills at New York’s esteemed Barrow Group and made her television debut at 16 on the family drama Get Real (1999–2000).
Variety notes that Hathaway’s career took off in 2001. This is with the success of Disney’s The Princess Diaries, which she filmed as a teenager.
She continued to impress with roles in films like Ella Enchanted and the Oscar-nominated Brokeback Mountain.
In 2012, Hathaway portrayed Fantine in the film adaptation of Les Misérables. This is a role she had witnessed her mother perform onstage. Her performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Hathaway reflects on her journey, acknowledging the challenges women face in Hollywood. She has defied expectations. She continues to flourish in her career at 41 years old. This is contrary to the warnings she received as a young actor.
She finds great honor in providing comfort through her performances. She noted the enduring impact of her projects beyond their initial release.
Hathaway’s ability to defy stereotypes and resonate with audiences solidifies her status as an enduring figure in Hollywood. She is beloved by both old and younger generations.
Her journey proves that she has been, is, and will remain an “It” girl in the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood.
Banner photo via Instagram @annehathaway.
