The 9 Texts That Changed Tom Holland’s Life — And the One From Zendaya That Stopped Him in His Tracks

Tom Holland has spent the last decade living a dream most young actors only imagine — but even superheroes need a reminder of who they are beyond the mask. Since debuting as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Homecoming, directed by Jon Watts, Holland has become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces. Yet behind the red carpets and blockbuster success, he admits there were moments when fame began to feel overwhelming.

In a recent interview, the 28-year-old actor revealed that a single text message from Zendaya — his Spider-Man co-star and longtime partner — became a turning point in how he sees himself.

“She reminded me I’m more than Spider-Man,” Holland said, reflecting on a period when the constant attention and pressure of celebrity life made him question his own identity. “It’s hard when people only see you as a character. You start to lose touch with the person underneath.”

A Quiet but Powerful Message

Holland described keeping nine particular text messages over the years — notes from people he loves and trusts that have helped him navigate the intense spotlight. But Zendaya’s message, he said, was the one that changed everything.

“It wasn’t dramatic,” Holland explained. “It was real. Honest. The kind of truth that stops you in your tracks.”

Though he didn’t reveal her exact words, the impact was profound. Fans have speculated whether it was a gentle push for him to slow down or a conversation about the cost of fame, but Holland said only that it helped him reclaim a sense of self beyond his superhero persona.

Stepping Away to Find Balance

That text, among other life shifts, influenced Holland’s decision to step back from acting in 2023 after finishing the Apple TV+ series The Crowded Room, a role he described as “mentally exhausting.” He took time to focus on family, privacy, and what he calls “normal life.”

“I love Spider-Man,” Holland said. “But Tom — the person, the son, the friend — deserves time too.”

Zendaya, who has faced her own meteoric rise through acclaimed work in Euphoria and Dune: Part Two, has often been credited by fans with helping Holland stay grounded. Together, the pair have become symbols of balance and perspective in an industry that rarely allows either.

A Reminder Beyond Stardom

Holland’s story resonates beyond celebrity culture — a reminder of how powerful the right words at the right moment can be. “Sometimes, one text can change everything,” he said. “Not because it tells you who you are — but because it helps you remember.”

For an actor whose on-screen life has been defined by saving the day, it’s a strikingly human revelation: sometimes, the hero you need is simply the person who reminds you to stay true to yourself.