Alexis Kestler
Jenna Ortega has become one of the most popular up-and-coming actresses in the entertainment industry. Her nuanced and chilling performance as Wednesday Addams in the recent Netflix series Wednesday has cemented her as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. But who is Jenna Ortega and where did she come from? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know about this talented young actress, including details about her age, height, ethnicity, early life and her most notable roles so far.
Getting to Know Jenna Ortega: Her Background and Early Life
Born Jenna Marie Ortega on September 27, 2002 in Coachella Valley, California, Jenna displayed an early interest in performing. She landed her first acting job at just 6 years old, appearing in an episode of the TV show Rob. This kicked off what would become a bustling childhood acting career for Ortega.
Jenna comes from a multicultural background, with a Mexican-American father and a mother of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. In an interview, Ortega shared details about her heritage, saying "I‘m 75 percent Mexican and 25 percent Puerto Rican." This diverse upbringing informs both her acting sensibilities and public persona.
As a child actor balancing school and work, Ortega missed out on many traditional childhood experiences. Reflecting on this in an interview with W Magazine, she said "I didn’t go to prom or graduation. I missed out on those big milestones." However, the trade off was an active early career with roles across film and television.
Jenna Ortega‘s Age and Height: The Vital Stats
-
Current Age: As of 2022, Jenna Ortega is 20 years old. Her birthday is on September 27th, making her zodiac sign Libra. Libras are often characterized as diplomatic, graceful and indecisive.
-
Height: In terms of her stature, Ortega stands at approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall, or 155 cm. She personally confirmed this height in a popular YouTube video for Wired titled "Jenna Ortega Answers the Web‘s Most Searched Questions." When first asked her height in the video, Ortega jokingly claimed "I‘m six foot four," before laughing and clarifying "No, I’m, actually five foot one, or maybe a touch less."
Despite her diminutive size, Ortega has a huge on-screen presence that commands attention. And she‘s still quite young – there‘s a chance the 20-year-old actress may still have some growing to do!
Her Extensive Acting Resume and Standout Roles
While some view Jenna Ortega as an overnight success thanks to her head-turning performance in Wednesday, she has actually been honing her acting skills for over a decade already. Starting as a child actor, Ortega landed her first major role at just 10 years old in the 2013 horror film Insidious: Chapter 2.
This marked the beginning of a busy period, with Ortega landing parts in high profile shows and movies year after year. Some highlights of her early acting resume include:
- Guest starring in TV shows like Rob, CSI: NY and Iron Man 3 in early minor roles
- Supporting part in shows like Rake and Rebound
- Major recurring role of Young Jane on the hit CW drama Jane the Virgin from 2014-2019
- Lead role as middle child Harley Diaz in popular Disney Channel series Stuck in the Middle from 2016-2018
- Voice acting as Princess Elena in the animated Disney show Elena of Avalor (2016-2020)
- Appearances in the Netflix thriller series You and indie film The Fallout in 2021
- Lead role in 2022 smash hit horror sequel Scream (2022) grossing over $140 million
According to critic Ron Dicker, Ortega has "made smart choices as she added tougher material and meatier supporting roles." This range and versatility is impressive for such a young performer.
Wednesday: Her Breakout Role as Wednesday Addams
Without a doubt, Ortega‘s most visible and acclaimed role to date is her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in Netflix‘s supernatural mystery drama Wednesday. As the iconic gothic character originated by Christina Ricci in the 1990s Addams Family films, Ortega had big shoes to fill taking on the role.
Wednesday delivered a dark and twisted spin on the Addams Family, following Wednesday‘s years as a student at Nevermore Academy. Ortega‘s performance as the sinister, socially awkward Wednesday earned rave reviews. The show became an instant hit, with the series reaching #1 on Netflix across 93 countries within its first week.
Critics praised Ortega‘s magnetic performance, with TV Guide saying she "proves an inspired choice for the role." Ortega manages to balance Wednesday‘s dry morbid humor with an underlying vulnerability, bringing depth to the character. According to Decider, Ortega “carries the show excellently. She has cracked the code of this iconic character.”
The global success of Wednesday has propelled Ortega into a new level of fame. The show‘s debut led to a viral TikTok dance trend, with Ortega‘s own quirky moves inspiring thousands of fans. Within its first month, Wednesday amassed over 1.2 billion viewing hours on Netflix.
Analyzing Jenna Ortega‘s Acting Skills and Versatility
A closer examination of some of Ortega‘s most acclaimed roles provides insight into her skills as a young actress. While she only recently turned 20, she already demonstrates a versatility beyond her years. Some of the keys to her success include:
Emotional range: As Wednesday Addams, Ortega deftly handles the character‘s transition from stone-faced cynic to someone displaying genuine care for others. She also conveyed vulnerability as teen bomb survivor Rosa in The Fallout. Critics have called her an "emotional powerhouse."
Comedic timing: Ortega revealed her funny side in more lighthearted roles like Disney Channel‘s Stuck in the Middle. She balances physical comedy and witty comebacks as middle child Harley Diaz.
Dedication to roles: To play the devious vlogger Ellie in You, Ortega spent time studying real YouTube personalities to capture Gen Z mannerisms. She also took cello lessons for her part in Wednesday.
Tackling darker material: From Scream murders to Insidious hauntings, Ortega has proven herself in creepy horror projects. She handles these mature roles with "grace and nuance" per Elle magazine.
On-screen charisma: There‘s an "inherent watchability" to Ortega‘s performances according to Indiewire. On Wednesday, she captures attention with subtle eye movements and quirky mannerisms.
Ortega has already shown immense range, but critics believe she’s still just scratching the surface of her talent. As she continues scoring complex, multidimensional roles, she will likely continue impressing audiences with her versatility.
Jenna Ortega‘s Background as a Latina Actress
As a young Latina in Hollywood, Jenna Ortega also represents an inspirational role model. In an industry still struggling with representation for Hispanic/Latinx performers, Ortega‘s meteoric rise is significant.
Latinas face hurdles in a media landscape that still perpetuates stereotypes and implicitly caters to white actors. By succeeding in high profile lead roles that go beyond surface-level cultural cliches, Ortega is breaking new ground for Latina representation.
In an interview with Cosmopolitan Mexico, she acknowledged the need for more substantial roles, saying "It’s rare that I get to play a Latino character that isn’t stereotypical. I want to see us portrayed as successful lawyers, doctors or anything where ethnicity isn’t the main focus.”
As her star continues rising, Ortega is determined to push for more authentic Latinx stories. She sees acting as a platform where she can inspire young Hispanic/Latino fans to pursue their dreams. “I grew up watching people on screen who didn’t look like me,” she told The Face magazine. “I think it’s really important, now more than ever, for people to see themselves.”
By delivering compelling performances while embracing her cultural roots, Ortega sets a positive example of how Latinx talent can succeed in entertainment.
Beyond Acting: Jenna Ortega‘s Interests and Hobbies
When she‘s not acting, Ortega enjoys interests outside the Hollywood bubble. She has said that music and reading provide escapes from the constant press circuit and public scrutiny of fame.
Musical tastes: In interviews, Ortega has discussed her love of punk, goth and emo music genres. Some favorite artists include Paramore, My Chemical Romance, Nirvana, Panic! at the Disco and more. She also showed off her pipes covering Lady Gaga’s “Bloody Mary” in Wednesday.
Reading: Ortega is an avid reader who finds comfort in books during stressful times. Some favorite genres include mystery, thriller and horror stories similar to her darker film roles. She is also passionate about highlighting diverse authors.
Fashion: On red carpets and photoshoots, Ortega displays an edgy fashion sense fitting her roles in gothic and horror projects. She makes bold style choices that set her apart from safe Hollywood styling.
Cooking and Baking: During breaks from busy shooting schedules, Ortega enjoys unwinding in the kitchen. She has mentioned cookies, brownies and muffins among her go-to baking projects to flex her creative muscles in different ways.
Activism: She uses her platform to promote social causes like immigration reform and mental health awareness. The face of multiple non-profits, Ortega also launched a clothing line supporting This Is About Humanity.
Though focused on acting, Ortega leads a well-rounded life and makes time for passions beyond her prolific career. Her varied interests point to a down-to-earth, multidimensional person behind the characters she plays.
What‘s Next? Speculating on Jenna Ortega‘s Future Projects
At just 20 years old, Jenna Ortega already boasts an impressive resume that many more seasoned actors would envy. But given her obvious talent and work ethic, Ortega‘s rise to stardom is truly just beginning. What does the future likely hold for this burgeoning Latina superstar?
More high profile lead roles: Following her Wednesday breakout, casting agents will likely offer Ortega their juiciest, most complex young lead roles. Expect to see her carrying more films and shows on her increasingly famous shoulders.
Action and thriller projects: Ortega has expressed interest in physical roles which let her do stunts and combat choreography. Don‘t be surprised to see her pivot into action flicks or gritty thrillers in coming years.
Prestige drama/film: As her fame grows, expect Ortega to take on awards-bait projects from top directors. Her nuanced performance skills could earn accolades in the right prestige picture.
Expanding creative pursuits: As music and fashion already interest her, Ortega may flex her creative muscles by producing music, designing clothes, or getting involved behind-the-scenes.
Inspiring future Latinx talent: Ortega will continue using her platform to advocate for Latinx inclusion in Hollywood. She‘ll speak out about representation and become a producer elevating Hispanic voices.
At just 20, predicting Ortega‘s path is difficult when she already defies expectations for someone her age. But with her obvious on-screen magnetism and still untapped potential, one thing is certain: we‘ll be seeing Jenna Ortega starring in fantastic projects for many years to come.
Conclusion: Jenna Ortega Stands Poised to Take Over Hollywood
To recap, here are the key facts on this inspiring young actress:
-
Jenna Ortega is currently 20 years old with a September 27th birthday making her a Libra
-
She stands at approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall
-
Her ethnicity is Latina, with a Mexican-American father and Puerto Rican/Mexican mother
-
She started acting at just 6 years old and already has over 15 years experience
-
Some of her most famous roles include Wednesday Addams in Netflix‘s Wednesday, Young Jane in Jane the Virgin, Harley Diaz in Stuck in the Middle and more
-
Critics praise her emotional range, comedic timing, commitment to roles, and inherent on-screen charisma
-
She represents a positive force for Latina representation in Hollywood
-
Outside of acting, she enjoys punk music, books, and baking
With her standout performance as Wednesday Addams, Jenna Ortega has solidified herself as one of the most talented and in-demand young actresses in the entertainment industry. As she continues rising to even greater heights, Ortega will surely remain a star to watch for many years to come. Her combination of immense natural ability and steely determination means Jenna Ortega stands poised to take over Hollywood.
