Jenna Ortega on Hollywood's Harsh Reality: Her Fear as a Young Woman in the Industry
Jenna Ortega Unleashes Her Fury on Hollywood's Sexism and Culture
In a scathing exposé, 22-year-old actress Jenna Ortega spills the tea on her tumultuous journey in the cutthroat world of Hollywood. In an exclusive interview with Vogue México and Latin America, the Mexican-Puerto Rican starlet dishes out about her struggles with sexism, cultural identity, and the crippling pressure to conform.
As a child star who rose to fame after starring in Jane the Virgin and Disney Channel's Stuck in the Middle, Ortega reveals she was often silenced on set. "I used to be terrified of not having a voice," she confesses. "It feels like you're walking around with this invisible weight on your shoulders." The now-veteran actress recalls being young and assertive as an intense experience, especially for women in the industry.
But things took a drastic turn when her hit TV series Wednesday dropped. With newfound power comes great responsibility, and Ortega is determined to use her voice – but wisely. "I want to make sure I use my voice in the most professional, efficient, and kind way possible," she explains, striking a delicate balance between being assertive and diplomatic.
The actress also opens up about her experiences with fame, describing it as "very strange." She's had to adapt from being an outgoing child star to becoming more reserved and calculated in her words. When asked if the character that made her famous – Wednesday Addams – would enjoy her current level of fame, Ortega deadpans, "No way, she'd hate all this attention. Appearing on cereal boxes and T-shirts is so unusual for her."
Ortega's latest project, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024), has been met with both praise and criticism from the Latino community. When asked to comment on a viral moment where a Latina journalist told her, "You are Latina enough," Ortega responds with conviction: "I'll always be proud, always curious, and always learning." She acknowledges that her experience may not resonate with everyone, but she's committed to using her platform to amplify the voices of those who feel marginalized.
One aspect of Ortega's life that has been particularly challenging is navigating her cultural identity. Growing up in a Spanish community in Indio, California, the actress struggled with speaking fluent Spanish – a skill she wishes she possessed more fluently. "I'm very insecure when I speak Spanish," she admits. "Even though I feel proud and know who I am, my upbringing and story with my culture...it's difficult for me not being able to speak it fluently."
The pressure to meet the expectations of Latino audiences is palpable, Ortega notes, citing an instance where a young Chicana fan hugged her at a grocery store. "Sometimes it feels brutal, but then you go home and remember what it's about," she says, her voice filled with empathy.
Despite the obstacles she's faced, Ortega remains committed to using her platform for good. When asked about the glorification of celebrity culture, she quips, "The world of celebrity is very strange...it fascinates me, and I'm happy to question it anytime."
As one half of a close friendship with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ortega has gained insight into the complexities of Hollywood's inner workings. The dynamic duo shares a deep bond, built on mutual respect and trust.
In conclusion, Jenna Ortega's journey is a testament to her resilience and determination in the face of adversity. As she continues to break barriers and shatter expectations, one thing is certain – this young actress has only just begun to unleash her full potential.
