The Defining Voices of Generation Z
Our current media landscape is so saturated with celebrities, microcelebrities, influencers, and niche internet personalities that it can often seem like there are no defining voices of Gen Z.
It seems to us that in the 80s and 90s, there were a couple dozen breakout stars, young actors, musicians, and general heartthrobs that acted as the faces and voices of the era. Now, everyone likes something different, and there are corners of the internet for every opinion. There are millions of podcasts and TV production is higher than ever in history. There are, however, undeniably some stars that influence culture more than others. These are the stars that define a generation. This list is just a few of the celebrities that best define what Gen Z is all about.
Florence Pugh
Image: Liz Collins via Elle
Pugh, in addition to being one of the most talented actresses currently working in Hollywood, is incredibly bold and outspoken about the things that she believes in. She makes daring fashion and beauty choices, from her sheer hot pink Valentino dress in 2022 to shaving her head in 2023. To comments about the former, the star responded on social media by saying “Grow up. Respect people. Respect bodies. Respect all women,” which I think summarizes the values of Gen Z pretty well.
Lil Nas X
Image via Sony Music
The rapper and fashion connoisseur is another example of how the internet can create a mega star. Lil Nas X initially gained prominence when his song “Old Town Road” went viral on the internet. Since then, he has steadily released a litany of hit songs and turned heads with daring looks on various red carpets. The rapper is truly a defining force of this generation because he has shown a mastery of harnessing the power of the internet, curating countless viral moments and pulling a variety of stunts to announce new music and projects.
Emma Chamberlain
Image: Sebastian Mader via V Magazine
Emma Chamberlain started as a YouTube vlogger, and is now one of the biggest It Girls of Gen Z. She has transitioned into modeling and business. She has been on Time’s 25 Most Influential People on the Internet list, and Forbes 30 Under 30 in the social media category. Chamberlain perfectly represents Generation Z both because of who she is and how she rose to fame. She is a product of the internet, having risen to popularity through YouTube, a platform which perfectly encapsulates how Gen Z grew up. Additionally, her fans love her because of her perceived authenticity, which is becoming more and more valued.
Zendaya and Tom Holland
Image via Vogue UK
These might be the two most famous people in Hollywood right now, thanks to their being co-stars in Marvel’s Spiderman movies in addition to being one of the world’s favorite couples. Zendaya, who also stars in HBO’s Euphoria and the upcoming Dune: Part II, got her start on Disney Channel before transitioning to her current, much more adult roles. What can be more Gen Z than a Disney Channel Star? As a couple, however, Zendaya and Holland have gone viral multiple times for their apparent flouting of gender roles in their relationship. At the same time, they model a delightfully private relationship.
Timothee Chalamet
Image: Ruvén Afanador via Time
In terms of talent and range, Timothee Chalamet is at the top of the list as far as I am concerned. The star had his breakout role in the 2017 queer film Call Me By Your Name, proving from the get go that Chalamet is a fearless actor. His follow up films have shown a huge range, from period war dramas to Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women. Perhaps most importantly, Chalamet is staying true to the Gen Z notion that there is no one thing that defines masculinity, and makes his choices accordingly.
Harry Styles
Image: Tyler Mitchell via Vogue
Harry Styles has been a Gen Z darling since he was a teenager and part of the biggest boy band of all time, One Direction. Since the breakup of the band in 2016, Styles has gone on to release three hit solo albums. He is also redefining gender expression and masculinity, showing that stereotypical expressions of gender do not matter.