What You Need to Know
• Jenna Ortega, the star of “Wednesday,” revealed she often went without food or water as a child actor.
• Ortega learned to be unobtrusive on set, prioritizing others’ needs over her own well-being.
• Starting her career at age 7, Ortega became famous for roles in “Stuck in the Middle” and “Jane the Virgin.”
Jenna Ortega, an actress known for her role in the Netflix series “Wednesday,” disclosed the pressures she encountered growing up in Hollywood during an interview with Esquire. Ortega shared that as a child actor, she sometimes spent entire days without asking for food or water, fearing she would be “in the way” of others. She acknowledged that this mindset, which prioritized being unobtrusive, negatively impacted her self-care. Ortega began her acting career at the age of 7 and expressed that her early experiences shaped her perfectionism, making her feel grateful and excited to be on set. She also addressed the stereotypes surrounding child stars, suggesting that some of them hold truth.
Why It Matters
Jenna Ortega’s experiences highlight the challenges faced by child actors in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding mental health and self-care. Her career began at a young age, reflecting a common trajectory for many child stars who often struggle with the pressures of fame. The acknowledgment of these pressures is significant as it sheds light on the need for better support systems for young performers. Ortega’s insights contribute to ongoing discussions about the well-being of child actors and the stereotypes that surround them.
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