Inside the Lives of Gen Z Hollywood Celebrities in 2025

The Generation Z age range includes those born between 1997 and 2012, giving rise to a whole new generation of social media influencers who later become Hollywood stars. The 2020’s was the best time for small creators who used their platforms to display their authentic raw talent that later paid off. 

In 2025, these young stars are not just dominating screens but using their platforms for better causes, and in turn reimagining hollywood stardom. This does not only set a new standard for upcoming celebrities but also for the old timers, challenging them to take up more diverse projects. 

This article gives fans short vignettes into these celebrities' lives, careers, personal passions, and cultural impact. 

Why Gen Z Stars Are Hollywood’s New Powerhouse

Gen Z celebrities are tech savvy geniuses, with 56% preferring social media over traditional movies and TV, as per  Deloitte’s 2025 Digital Media Trends report. Their increasingly massive social media followings, like Hollywood's favourite star – Zendaya’s 126 million Instagram fans, amplifies this influence. 

These stars are not one to stick to only acting – combining their new beauty campaigns, and activism for social causes, all while staying relatable. From red carpets to TikTok, here are 10 Gen Z Hollywood celebrities whose lives are captivating the world in 2025.

1. Zendaya ( Birth Date: 1996 ) 

Career: Emmy-winning star of Euphoria and Dune: Part Two.

Life in 2025: At 29, Zendaya is Hollywood’s most unproblematic queen, starring in a new A24 titled ‘Challengers’-- A romantic film of sorts produced via her company, ZC Productions. Her relationship with recurrent Spider-Man superhero Tom Holland fuels X buzz, with fans dissecting their private lives and minimal outside sightings. 

Off-Screen: An outspoken mental health advocate, she partners with brands such as Headspace, sharing mindfulness tips on Instagram. Only sighted in sustainable fashion choices, like vintage Valentino, she sets the standard for multiple lookbooks and trendy reels on various social media platforms. 

Zendaya’s account handles on both X and Instagram are @Zendaya. She is active on both platforms. 

2. Timothée Chalamet ( Birth Date: 1995)

Career: Timothée Chalamet blessed screens with his oscar nominated role in Call Me By Your Name (2017) and went on to star in many popular films and tv shows ever since like Bones And All ( 2022) and The Dune Series 

Life in 2025: Chalamet, now 29, balances his time between Indie films and mainstream blockbusters, starring alongside many A list celebrities in multiple films. X posts praise his method acting and loverboy status being pictured numerous times next to famous reality tv show star Kylie Jenner. He lives between NYC and LA, often spotted at Knicks games.

Off-Screen: He is a huge advocate for climate change activism, donating the proceedings from his 2023 hit Wonka to Greenpeace. His minimalist fashion has gotten both praise, and hate which Chalamat does not conform to.

Timothée Chalamet’s social media handle is @RealChalamet on X and @tchalamet on Instagram. 

3. Jenna Ortega ( Birth Date: 2002)

Career: Disney’s favourite child star in Stuck in the Middle to starring in Indie films like Death of a Unicorn 

Life in 2025: At 22, Ortega does not shy away from quirky projects such as A24’s Death of A Unicorn to starring in 2022’s new Scream adaptation. Although, the disney star was first recognised by mainstream audiences through her role as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s reboot of The Addams Family films (1999) . Her quirky charm and gothic fashion dominate X, with fans recreating her Met Gala gown. She splits time between LA and London.

Off-Screen: Ortega proudly champions Latinx representation, mentoring young actors via her nonprofit, JOY. She shares skincare routines on TikTok, boosting her 40 million followers.

Jenna Ortega’s social media handle is @JennaOrtega on both X and Instagram
 

4. Florence Pugh ( Birth Date: 1996)

Career: Oscar-nominated for Little Women, starring in We Live in Time. 

Life in 2025: Pugh, 29, shines in Thunderbolts as Yelena Belova, her first Marvel appearance as Black Widow’s little sister, with X buzzing over her behind the scenes action sequences. She’s based in London, often cooking for friends or filming impromptu reels (her Instagram cooking videos go viral).

Off-Screen: A body positivity advocate, Pugh calls out Hollywood’s beauty standards in Vogue. Her maximalist style, bold prints, and chunky jewelry inspire Gen Z fashion.

Florence Pugh’s social media handle is @Florence_Pugh on X or watch her film, ‘We Live In Time’ on Amazon Prime or ‘Thunderbolts’ screening in Theatres.

5. Millie Bobby Brown ( Birth Date: 2004)

Career: Her Breakout role in Stranger Things ( 2016) to her recent Netflix series Enola Holmes

Life in 2025: At 21, Brown is a Hollywood favourite running her Florence by Mills brand and starring in a Netflix sci-fi epic. Married to Jake Bongiovi, she shares glimpses of their Atlanta home on Instagram. 

Despite gaining Hollywood A-lister status,  Brown has been caught in several controversies surrounding her marriage and her red carpet looks which made her look ‘older’ than she actually was. This then gave rise to many worldwide think pieces and discourse on how aging women are viewed in media and the general public. 

Off-Screen: A UNICEF ambassador, she funds girls’ education in Africa. Her style could generally be categorised as an off duty model which includes sneakers, hoodies and basics. 

Shop Florence by Mills  or follow her social media handle @MillieBBrown on X.
 

6. Cailee Spaeny ( Birth Date: 1998)

Career: Star of real life star Priscilla Presley’s Biopic Priscilla and Alien: Resurrection.

Life in 2025: Spaeny, 26, is a rising star, filming Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy with Renée Zellweger. X praises her versatility, from indie to sci-fi. She’s based in LA, often hiking with her dog.

Off-Screen: A Miu Miu ambassador, her red-carpet looks spark trends. She supports animal shelters, sharing rescue stories on Instagram.

Cailee Spaeny’s social media handle is @CaileeSpaeny on X.

7. Yara Shahidi ( Birth Date: 2000)

Career: Black-ish alum, starring in Sitting in Bars with Cake.

Life in 2025: At 25, Shahidi balances acting and producing, with a new Amazon rom-com. X admires her Harvard-educated poise. She lives in NYC, hosting book clubs with friends.

Off-Screen: Shahidi mentors young women of color via her 7th Sun Productions. Her eclectic fashion,vibrant prints, oversized blazers,sets Gen Z trends.

Follow @YaraShahidi on X or stream Grown-ish on Hulu. Read her book club picks for 2025’s must-reads here. 

8. Finn Wolfhard ( Birth Date: 2002)

Career: Stranger Things star, now in It: Welcome to Derry.

Life in 2025: Wolfhard, 22, juggles acting and music with his band, The Aubreys. Based in Vancouver, he’s often skateboarding or filming TikTok. X fans love his retro vibe and shaggy hair.

Off-Screen: He supports mental health charities, sharing coping tips online. His thrifted style,vintage tees, corduroy, define Gen Z fashion.

Stream Stranger Things on Netflix or follow @FinnSkata on X.. Listen to The Aubreys’ 2025 EP for indie rock vibes.

9. Olivia Rodrigo ( Birth Date: 2003)

Career: Grammy-winning singer-songwriter for her album: Sour, particularly her song titled Drivers License which went internet viral in 2021.

Life in 2025: At 22, Rodrigo tours her 2025 album, exploring self-discovery. Though music-focused, she’s rumored for a 2025 film cameo. X buzzes over her LA lifestyle, coffee runs, and vintage shopping.
Off-Screen: A mental health advocate, she funds youth therapy programs. Her Y2K fashion, plaid skirts, and chunky boots are a Gen Z staple.

Follow @OliviaRodrigo on X or stream her album on Spotify. Try her winged eyeliner look for a 2025 trend.

10. Jharrel Jerome ( Birth Date: 1997)

Career: Emmy-winner for a drama miniseries titled When They See Us, currently starring in I’m a Virgo.

Life in 2025: Jerome, 27, films a new Ava DuVernay drama, living between NYC and LA. X praises his emotional depth and streetwear style,think Nike collabs, bold jackets.

Off-Screen: He advocates for racial justice, partnering with the Innocence Project. His podcast, Bronx Voices, spotlights local artists.

Watch When They See Us on Netflix or follow @JharrelJerome on X. Check his 2025 Sundance film for awards buzz.

Inside Their World: What Defines Gen Z Stars in 2025

Multifaceted Careers: These celebrities don’t just stick to acting but everything that encompassed their careers as producers, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Brown’s beauty brand and Shahidi’s production company exemplify their hustle.

Digital Dominance: With 6.9 hours daily on media, Gen Z stars connect via TikTok and Instagram, sharing unfiltered moments. Ortega’s livestreams and Rodrigo’s tour vlogs keep fans hooked.

Social Impact: Mental health, diversity, and climate are priorities. Zendaya and Jerome use their platforms for systemic change, resonating with 62% of Gen Z who value inclusion.

Relatable Style: From Chalamet’s minimalism to Pugh’s maximalism, their fashion reflects Gen Z’s individuality, per a 2025 GWI report.

Balanced Lives: Despite fame, they prioritize normalcy, Wolfhard skates, Spaeny hikes, and Rodrigo shops at thrift. Their authenticity shines on X.

Conclusion 

In 2025, Gen Z Hollywood celebrities like Zendaya, Jenna Ortega, and Timothée Chalamet are more than just Hollywood stars; they are cultural architects. Their passion for their work shows up in the kind of projects they sign onto and the activism that they do not shy away from. Diversity is no longer just another box to be filled, but is done with respect to the work and in collaboration with marginalized communities. 

What are your thoughts about Gen Z stars? Drop your favourite in the comments below and get ready for ( healthy) discourse!