Jenna Ortega has become one of the most well-known young actors today. She started acting at age nine. Now 22, she looks back on her early career with mixed feelings. She recently shared her experiences as a child actor in Hollywood. Ortega said there were times when she felt she was not heard or respected. She explained that being a young woman who knows what she wants can be intense for many people. She stated that she never wants to be in that situation again.
Ortega grew up in the Coachella Valley as the fourth of six siblings. She booked her first acting job when she was nine years old. She became known for her roles on Disney Channel shows and later on the CW’s Jane the Virgin. But behind the success, she faced challenges. She often felt she could not express herself. For most of her career, she did not know how to speak up. She felt insecure about her place in the industry because she was very young and did not know much about how it worked.
“Being young and assertive is intense for a lot of people, as a woman. I’ve always known what it’s like to not have a voice, and that terrifies me.”
Ortega said that certain professional experiences in the past were more difficult. These experiences made her shut herself away. She became very insecure. She emphasized that she now makes sure to use her voice in the most professional, efficient, and kind way possible. This change has helped her transition into a mature performer. It has also shaped the roles she chooses as an adult.
The Strange World of Child Acting
Jenna Ortega has described child acting as strange. She understands why her parents were hesitant about it. Putting a child in an adult workplace is not normal. She believes children are supposed to be climbing trees, drawing, and going to school. She feels lucky that her parents made sure she had a normal childhood. They ensured she hung out with friends and attended public school. They would not allow her to work on a job unless she had straight A’s and prioritized her sleep and schoolwork.
“Child acting is strange. I see why my parents felt so hesitant about it, because youโre putting a child in an adult workplace.”
She acknowledged that being a child actor completely changed her way of thinking and going about life. She can instantly recognize other child actors because they share a unique understanding. It is like a secret little language that they all share. She also noted that there were times she realized some people did not have her best interests at heart. Learning that lesson so young was hard. It is especially hard when adults act in ways that can be harmful to a developing brain.
The Importance of Protective Parents
Jenna Ortega is thankful for her parents’ protection. Her mother went with her to every job and watched over her closely. She made sure nothing inappropriate happened. This likely shielded Ortega from the misconduct that some other child stars faced. Her mother recently watched the docuseries Quiet on Set, which explores problems at Nickelodeon. She emotionally called Ortega afterward. She was relieved that her daughter was okay and that she was always around for her. She also felt for other child stars who did not have the same support.
Ortega’s parents helped her pursue acting after she expressed interest over several years. But they always put her well-being first. They made sure her education and personal life were not affected. This balance helped her stay grounded. Despite the challenges, Ortega would not change her past. She is incredibly grateful for the lessons it taught her. Her experiences made her knowledgeable about the technical aspects of film and television. Now, when she goes on set, she feels safe, comfortable, and excited because it is familiar to her.
Lasting Impacts on Personal Life
Fame has influenced Ortega’s relationships with other people. She was a simple and homely girl but became more secretive about herself. She struggled with anxiety to the point that she once chewed through her Invisalign from grinding her teeth at night. She also found social media difficult to handle. It was turning her off, so she bought a flip phone to reduce her exposure. After Wednesday became a global hit in late 2022, she was so stunned that she did not process it. She still has not processed it. The fame felt overwhelming and unnatural.
“We used to live in villages and meet maybe 300 people in our lifetimes, and now we can travel all over the world and meet way too many people, and way too many people can be familiar with you.”
She tried to escape by planning a trip to an Icelandic farm. She wanted to learn to fish, make dinner, and help care for spring lambs. But she ended up shooting Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in London instead. She often feels treated like a child because of her small size. She related to Natalie Portman, who said people often treat her like a child forever because she is short. Ortega finds this patronizing. She said when you are short, people are already physically looking down on you.
Jenna Ortega is determined to have control over her life and career. She always knew she wanted to do films. But because she was doing well in commercials and TV, she felt pressured to stay in that lane. She chafed at being told what she could and couldn’t do. Now, she is branching out. She starred in the Netflix series Wednesday as the iconic Wednesday Addams. The role earned her a Golden Globe nomination and made her a global phenomenon. But she almost did not take the role because she wanted to focus on films.
She has also become known as a scream queen for her roles in horror films like Scream, X, and American Carnage. She is now choosing roles that are older, bolder, and different. She is also writing a screenplay and wants to direct. She is filming the second season of Wednesday, which premieres in August. She will also appear in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice as the daughter of Winona Ryder’s character. She has formed friendships with other actresses who survived the transition from child star to A-list actress, like Natalie Portman, Winona Ryder, and Natasha Lyonne. Their support has been beneficial and cozy for her.
Also Read: Wednesday Season 2 Trailer OUT: Jenna Ortegaโs Mission to Save Enid Sinclair from Tragic Fate
Credits: Harper’s BAZAAR, BuzzFeed
