Jenna Ortega, the star of the popular series ‘Wednesday,’ has opened up about her experiences as a child actor, revealing the lengths to which she went to avoid inconveniencing others on set. During an interview with *Esquire*, the 23-year-old actress expressed her dedication to her craft and the sacrifices she made early in her career.
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Reflecting on her early days in the industry, Ortega recounted feeling an overwhelming desire to impress those around her. “I was so grateful and so excited to be there that my game face was on,” she stated when asked if she had made any rookie mistakes on her first set. The actress, who began her career at the tender age of nine, disclosed that she often went long stretches without eating or drinking. “I wanted so badly to not be in the way of anybody… Maybe that was my mistake, was not actually looking after myself,” she admitted.
Ortega’s rise to fame began with a role in the 2012 sitcom *Rob*. She soon secured notable roles in movies such as *Insidious: Chapter 2* and *Iron Man 3*. Her breakout television role came as the younger version of Gina Rodriguez’s character in *Jane the Virgin* from 2014 to 2019. Additionally, she portrayed Harley Diaz in the Disney Channel sitcom *Stuck in the Middle* from 2016 to 2018, further establishing her presence in the industry.
The actress acknowledged the realities of the child acting industry when asked about stereotypes associated with it. “Is it wrong to say that a lot of them are true? And do with that what you will,” she replied, hinting at the challenges many young performers face. Reflecting on her own transition into acting, Ortega shared that she felt an urge to pursue the profession at just seven years old, despite her parents’ initial skepticism. “My parents laughed at me when I told them that I wanted to do it, and then that kind of was the root of everything,” she said, attributing her tenacity to her stubbornness.
Ortega also revealed her admiration for fellow child star Dakota Fanning, whom she viewed as a source of inspiration during her formative years. “As a young girl, to see a young girl with so much, it felt like wisdom,” Ortega noted, explaining how Fanning influenced her understanding of acting from a young age.
Looking ahead, Jenna Ortega is set to play a role in Taika Waititi’s upcoming film *Klara and the Sun*, an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed novel. Earlier this year, she contemplated stepping away from acting but ultimately found renewed motivation through her casting in the Netflix series *You*, where she portrayed Ellie Alves alongside Penn Badgley.
Describing her experience on *You*, Ortega reflected on a pivotal moment in her career. After finishing a children’s series, she faced uncertainty about her future in acting. “It just felt like a good time to call it quits if I was going to,” she recalled, discussing her thoughts of stepping back as she transitioned into high school. However, the excitement from filming *You* reignited her passion for acting. “I thought, ‘Yeah, there’s no way I could let this go,’” she affirmed.
With her performance in *Wednesday* as the iconic Wednesday Addams contributing to her popularity, the series has been greenlit for a third season set to air in 2025, even before the second season debuts. Ortega’s journey, marked by early determination and a commitment to her craft, continues to gain momentum as she navigates the complexities of Hollywood stardom.
As Ortega prepares for her upcoming projects and reflects on her past, she remains an influential figure in the entertainment industry, demonstrating that with dedication and passion, it is possible to overcome initial challenges and carve out a successful career. Her story serves as a reminder of the realities faced by young actors and highlights the importance of self-care and balance in the pursuit of one’s dreams.