Halle Berry has been rooting for Zendaya for years. Now, the Oscar winner is sharing more about their relationship off camera.
Berry opened up about Zendaya while attending a Create & Cultivate event in Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 20. The event focused on menopause, aging and women’s health. While speaking with People, Berry revealed that her connection with Zendaya goes beyond public praise.
“I do speak to her and I have to say she is the sweetest and my little sweetheart,” Berry said.
Berry also revealed that she hopes the two actresses eventually get an opportunity to work together.
“I would love to find something to do with her someday,” she said.
The comments arrived days after Zendaya turned heads at the 78th Emmy Awards. The “Euphoria” star stepped onto the carpet in a custom silver Prada gown covered in sequins. She completed the look with a short pixie cut.
Both elements drew comparisons to Berry’s style during the early 2000s. Zendaya’s look specifically referenced Berry’s appearance at the 2002 premiere of “Die Another Day.”
Zendaya’s longtime stylist, Law Roach, confirmed Berry was an inspiration behind the look. Berry later shared side-by-side images of the actresses on Instagram Stories. She also praised Zendaya’s appearance, writing, “She murdered the night!”
Berry has supported Zendaya for years
Berry’s reaction was more than approval of a red carpet tribute. The 60-year-old actress has publicly championed Zendaya throughout the younger star’s career.
“I love everything she’s doing,” Berry told People during her latest interview.
Berry said she believes Zendaya is helping reshape opportunities and expectations for younger performers in Hollywood. The actresses have crossed paths publicly before. They were photographed together at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles in 2017.
Berry’s praise became particularly notable in 2021. During a Sundance Film Festival panel, Berry discussed progress for Black women working in Hollywood. At the time, she pointed toward Zendaya’s career as evidence of how opportunities were changing.
Berry highlighted Zendaya’s ability to develop ideas while maintaining creative influence over her work.
“You are proof positive that things are changing, and I couldn’t be prouder,” Berry told her.
Zendaya has also previously acknowledged the women who helped make her opportunities possible.
“Had it not been for the women before me, I wouldn’t be in this position,” she said during the 2021 discussion.
Could Berry and Zendaya finally share the screen?
Berry already has an idea for how a collaboration between the pair could work. During a February appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” Berry was asked which performer she wanted to work with. Her answer was Zendaya.
“There’s an actress that I love with every fiber of my being,” Berry said. “I love her and I would love to play her mother. Zendaya.”
Berry even joked that she could convincingly take on the role.
“I could play her mom 100%,” she added.
No project starring the two actresses has been announced. Still, Berry’s latest comments show her interest has not faded. Zendaya’s Emmy tribute appears to have brought their yearslong mutual admiration back into the spotlight.