Jenna Ortega Reveals the Heartbreaking Reason Being a Young Actress in Hollywood Terrifies Her
Behind the fame and red carpets lies a world of pressure, scrutiny, and impossible expectations that even a rising star like Jenna struggles to face. Her candid admission shines a light on the darker side of stardom that fans rarely see.

👉 Discover why the bright lights of Hollywood aren’t always what they seem.

Jenna Ortega, the actress who plays Wednesday, has opened up about the challenges of growing up in Hollywood, and the fears that have stayed with her.

The 22-year-old actress did a new interview for Vogue México and Latin America’s September issue, where she spoke about her journey in the entertainment industry.

Ortega shared that in the early years of her career, she often felt voiceless.

“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,” she said. “I don’t want to be in that situation again.”

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The actress said finding her “professional, efficient, and kind” voice has been key to navigating Hollywood.

 

“For most of my career, I didn’t know how to express myself,” she added. “I was very young, I didn’t know anything about the industry, perhaps because of certain professional experiences I’d had in the past that were a little more difficult. I shut myself away and became very insecure about my place.”

She didn’t reveal which TV shows made her feel like that, but said collaboration and collective creativity is needed on set.

Before Wednesday, Ortega was in Jane the Virgin, You (Season 2), Iron Man 3, Night of the Demon: Chapter 2, Richie Rich, and Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle.

Despite her rising fame, she revealed it has changed how she interacts with the world, making her more cautious and thoughtful.

“I used to be a very extroverted child, but I’ve become more reserved. It doesn’t mean something negative. It just means I choose my words carefully,” she said.

Ortega also spoke about her Latin heritage and the impact of growing up within a Spanish-speaking community. Her dad, Edward, is of Mexican descent, and mum Natalie is of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage.

“I think these kinds of things don’t go away or change. It’s just what I know,” she said.