Jenna Ortega’s Parents: The Supportive Figures Behind the Rising Star
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Jenna Ortega, the talented ‘Wednesday’ star, owes much of her success to her parents, Edward and Natalie Ortega. While on screen she may portray the iconic character raised by Morticia and Gomez Addams, in real life, she was born into a loving family with Edward and Natalie as her pillars of support. Let’s delve into the story of the Ortega family and how they have been instrumental in Jenna’s blossoming career.
The Ortega family’s journey began when Natalie and Edward welcomed their first child, Isaac, in 1998, followed by Mariah in 1999, Mia in 2000, Jenna in 2002, and twins Aliyah and Markus in 2004. Despite the challenges of raising six children, the family prioritised Jenna’s passion for acting. Growing up near Palm Springs, California, Jenna’s mother, Natalie, would make the arduous drive to Los Angeles for her daughter’s auditions, demonstrating unwavering dedication to nurturing Jenna’s talent from a young age.
The sacrifices made by Natalie and Edward paid off when Jenna landed her first roles as early as the age of 12, appearing on popular shows like Jane the Virgin and Stuck in the Middle. Their unwavering support and encouragement propelled Jenna’s career forward, culminating in her appearance at the London premiere of Wednesday season 2 in July 2025, where Edward and Natalie proudly walked the red carpet alongside their daughter.
Jenna, the fourth of six siblings, has always spoken highly of her family dynamics. She once shared, “I’m the fourth kid. We all have scattered schedules… but when we do get to spend time with each other, we try to do that.” The Ortega household fostered an environment of support and camaraderie, where sibling banter and goofiness were balanced with unwavering encouragement for each other’s endeavours.
Living in Coachella Valley near Palm Springs, the Ortega family embraced their heritage, with Edward being Mexican American and Natalie of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent. Family traditions, such as celebrating birthdays with pinatas and making tamales at Christmas, were integral to their upbringing. Jenna fondly reminisced about her parents’ culinary skills, with her father’s tacos and carne asada and her mother’s homemade beans being family favourites.
Natalie played a crucial role in kickstarting Jenna’s Hollywood journey. By posting a video of Jenna on Facebook, a chain of events unfolded that eventually led to Jenna being discovered by a casting agent. Jenna herself acknowledged the pivotal role her mother played in launching her career, highlighting how a simple video post ignited a chain of events that shaped her future as an actress.
Despite Jenna’s rapid rise to fame, her parents, Natalie, an emergency room nurse, and Edward, a businessman, instilled in her the value of hard work and humility. Jenna reflected on her parents’ lack of interest in the entertainment industry, noting that they maintained a grounded approach, prioritising chores and academics over celebrity encounters.
The Ortegas’ pride in Jenna’s accomplishments was palpable when she hosted Saturday Night Live in 2023. In her opening monologue, Jenna thanked her parents for their unwavering support, recounting a childhood visit to the SNL building where they had planted the seed of her hosting the show one day. Their pride extended beyond Jenna’s achievements, with Natalie publicly expressing her admiration for both Jenna’s red carpet glamour and her sibling Mia’s career in healthcare.
As Jenna continues to soar in her career, her parents remain her pillars of strength and guidance. In a world where the perils of child stardom are well-documented, Natalie and Edward’s vigilant protection of Jenna on set and insistence on academic excellence serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to their daughter’s well-being above all else.
In conclusion, Jenna Ortega’s journey from a budding actress to a rising star has been underpinned by the unwavering love and support of her parents, Edward and Natalie Ortega. Their sacrifices, values, and unyielding encouragement have not only shaped Jenna’s career but also instilled in her the importance of family, humility, and hard work as she navigates the complexities of Hollywood’s spotlight.