Wednesday actress Jenna Ortega reveals challenges of child acting and passion for cinema
Jenna Ortega, the 22-year-old star known for her role in Wednesday, opened up about the challenges of starting her acting career as a child, highlighting the need to convince her family to support her. In an interview conducted in October 2022 in Atlanta alongside Christina Ricci, the actress shared details of her journey, from her first steps in acting to memorable moments in the Netflix series. The conversation, published by Interview magazine, shed light on her childhood memories, her passion for The Addams Family films, and the difficulties faced on international sets, such as in Romania. Ortega’s story reflects not only her determination but also the weight of growing up in the Hollywood spotlight.
At age 9, the actress was already taking her first steps in the entertainment industry, facing initial resistance from her parents. Despite their hesitations, she persisted, driven by a genuine passion for acting. Her mother, a nurse who closely monitored her filming, played a crucial role in protecting her from the pitfalls of child stardom. This support was essential for Ortega to navigate an often challenging environment for young talents.
- Early challenges: Convincing her family to allow her entry into the acting world.
- Maternal support: Her mother was present on sets, ensuring protection and balance.
- Early passion: Her love for films like The Addams Family inspired her career.
Ortega’s journey is marked by a blend of talent, determination, and a family environment that, despite initial doubts, became her greatest support. The interview with Ricci, who also played Wednesday Addams in films, highlighted the bond between the two actresses, united by shared experiences in the same fictional universe.
Early career and family resistance
Jenna Ortega’s path to stardom was not without obstacles. Raised in Coachella Valley, California, in a family of six children, she had to prove early on that her desire to act was more than a childish whim. Her mother, a nurse who drove long hours to take her to auditions in Los Angeles, initially questioned whether exposing a child to Hollywood’s adult environment was the right choice. Ortega recalls needing to argue convincingly to gain her parents’ trust, promising to balance studies and work.
This family resistance was not unfounded. The entertainment industry is known for its challenges, especially for child actors. However, the young actress saw acting as a form of expression and personal fulfillment. Her persistence eventually won over her parents, who set clear rules: she could only work if she maintained good grades and prioritized her education and well-being. This family structure was vital for Ortega to grow without losing sight of her childhood.
Maternal protection in a challenging environment
The constant presence of Ortega’s mother on film sets was a key factor in her experience as a child actress. In an interview with The New York Times, the young star highlighted how this care shielded her from situations of abuse or misconduct, which are unfortunately reported by other child actors. After watching the documentary Quiet on Set, which exposed issues behind the scenes of Nickelodeon’s children’s productions, her mother expressed relief for having closely monitored her daughter but also empathy for other children who lacked such protection.
The documentary revealed a dark side of the industry, with allegations of sexism, racism, and inappropriate dynamics involving minors. Ortega, who worked on shows like Stuck in the Middle on Disney Channel, acknowledges that her experience was privileged thanks to her mother’s vigilance. She emphasizes that without this support, her journey could have been very different, especially in an environment where children are often treated as adults.
- Constant vigilance: Ortega’s mother attended shootings and auditions, ensuring safety.
- Documentary impact: Quiet on Set sparked reflections on protecting young actors.
- Acknowledged privilege: The actress values the family support that set her apart.
- Family rules: Good grades and adequate sleep were conditions for continuing to act.
Passion for The Addams Family and connection with Christina Ricci
The interview with Christina Ricci was a special moment for Ortega, who grew up admiring The Addams Family films. The chance to play Wednesday, a character immortalized by Ricci in the 1990s, was a milestone in her career. During the conversation, the two shared experiences about the challenges of bringing such an iconic figure to life, as well as reflecting on their own journeys as child actresses. For Ortega, working on the Netflix series was a way to honor a universe that inspired her since childhood.
Filmed in Romania, the production of Wednesday brought new challenges. The cold climate and long shooting hours tested the young actress’s resilience but also reinforced her dedication. She fondly recalls watching Tim Burton’s films, the series’ director, and how they shaped her love for gothic cinema. The connection with Ricci, who also faced the pressure of growing up in the spotlight, added authenticity to the interview, with the two exchanging stories about their careers and the weight of early fame.
Growing up in the spotlight
At 22, Jenna Ortega already has over a decade of experience in Hollywood. Her first appearances, in 2012, were in series like Rob and CSI: New York, followed by small roles in films such as Iron Man 3 and Insidious: Chapter 2. These early projects, though modest, opened doors to bigger roles, culminating in her rise as Wednesday Addams. However, constant exposure brought unique challenges, like the pressure to maintain a flawless public image and handle intense fan attention.
Ortega has previously shared that the fame brought by Wednesday was not always easy to manage. As an introverted person, she struggled with media attention, especially after the series became a global phenomenon. Despite this, the actress maintains a reserved stance on her personal life, avoiding fueling rumors and focusing on her work. Her ability to balance vulnerability and professionalism has made her a respected figure among both audiences and industry peers.
Lessons from a childhood on set
Ortega’s experience as a child actress shaped not only her career but also her worldview. In interviews, she often highlights how the set environment made her more mature than other children her age. Interacting with adults, memorizing lines, and the pressure to deliver consistent performances created what she calls a “secret language” shared by child actors. This early maturity, however, came at a cost: the feeling of missing out on a traditional childhood.
Despite the challenges, Ortega wouldn’t change her journey. She values the lessons learned on sets, such as familiarity with film terminology and the ability to connect with directors and crews. This expertise makes her feel confident and comfortable in her work environment, a rarity for someone so young. Her gratitude for her family’s sacrifices, especially her mother’s, is evident in every account, underscoring the importance of family support in her path.
- Early maturity: Interacting with adults on sets accelerated her development.
- Technical knowledge: Ortega masters cinema terms and roles, like a gaffer’s work.
- Family gratitude: The actress acknowledges her mother’s crucial role in her career.
Challenges of filming Wednesday in Romania
The production of Wednesday took Ortega to a completely new environment: Romania. Filming in harsh weather conditions demanded quick adaptation. The Romanian winter, with strong winds, made even simple tasks difficult, like avoiding blinking during scenes — a stylistic choice recommended by Tim Burton to enhance Wednesday’s cold demeanor. The actress had to train to keep her eyes open, restarting takes whenever she failed.
Beyond technical challenges, the Romanian experience was enriching. Ortega immersed herself in the local culture and connected even more with the series’ gothic aesthetic. Learning the cello, required for some scenes, was another challenge she embraced with dedication, starting to study the instrument two months before filming. These efforts reflect her commitment to the authenticity of her performance, something fans recognized and celebrated.
A rising career
Today, Jenna Ortega is one of Hollywood’s most promising young actresses. Beyond Wednesday, she shone in horror films like Scream (2022) and X, establishing herself as a new-generation “scream queen.” Her role in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2025), directed by Tim Burton, reinforces her versatility, playing the daughter of Winona Ryder’s character. Despite her success, Ortega faces criticism for some projects, like Miller’s Girl (2024), which divided opinions due to its controversial theme.
The actress also stands out off-screen. As an activist, she supports causes like AIDS prevention through UNAIDS and immigrant rights, reflecting her Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage. Her visit to Brazil during CCXP 2022 revealed a special connection with the country, where she declared her admiration for singer Gal Costa. These moments showcase a multifaceted artist who balances talent, activism, and a genuine bond with her fans.
Curiosities about Ortega’s journey
Jenna Ortega’s career is filled with details that highlight her unique personality and dedication to her craft. As a child, she showed unusual curiosity, like performing “autopsies” on dead lizards found in her backyard — a habit she describes as part of her “weird” nature. This eccentricity, combined with an impeccable work ethic, helped her stand out in a competitive industry.
- First book: At 18, she published It’s All Love, a collection of personal reflections.
- Activism: Ortega advocates for immigrant rights and AIDS prevention.
- Brazil connection: Her admiration for Gal Costa was shared during CCXP 2022.
- Temporary veganism: While filming in Romania, she resumed eating fish.
Preparation for Wednesday season 2
The second season of Wednesday, still without a confirmed release date, promises to raise the series’ bar. Ortega, now also an executive producer, revealed that the production is darker and visually striking, with an increased budget from Netflix. A scene involving her brother in the plot, Pugsley Addams, was described as “bizarre” and compared to Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket. Expectations are high that the series will dive deeper into horror, addressing criticisms of the first season’s lack of depth in the genre.
Ortega is directly involved in creative decisions, from script adjustments to choosing visual elements. Her influence as a producer reflects her growth not only as an actress but as a professional aiming to leave her mark on the industry. Her dedication to the series, combined with her ability to learn from past experiences, suggests that Wednesday season 2 will be a milestone in her career.
