Fans searching for Jenna Ortega early roles in Days of Our Lives may be surprised to discover her appearance as a child actor on the iconic soap opera, years before she earned worldwide recognition for her standout performance in Netflix’s Wednesday Addams series. Ortega’s brief turn on the long-running daytime drama highlights the lesser-known beginnings of a rising star who would go on to captivate global audiences.
Jenna Ortega’s Step Into Soap Opera History
Before Jenna Ortega became synonymous with the mysterious world of Nevermore Academy, she had already built a diverse Hollywood resume. While her gothic portrayal of Wednesday Addams, envisioned by director Tim Burton, pushed her into the Hollywood spotlight, Ortega quietly amassed credits in a variety of projects, from horror films like Insidious: Chapter 2 to blockbuster hits such as Iron Man 3.
Among her lesser-recognized work lies a hidden chapter in the legendary American series Days of Our Lives—a show that has aired since 1965 and reached a staggering 15,000 episodes before ending in 2022. The soap opera is famous beyond its own viewership, having been referenced in pop culture, even earning a shout out in the sitcom FRIENDS when Matt LeBlanc’s character Joey longed for a starring role.
During the show‘s expansive run, Ortega appeared as Hayley, a young girl struggling with her mother‘s death in the fictional town of Salem. Portraying a child haunted by loss, Hayley stops speaking after the tragedy, demonstrating an emotional depth that would later define Ortega’s acclaimed roles. Eileen Davidson’s character, Kristen DiMera, along with Father Eric, step in to help Hayley through her ordeal. One memorable scene, where Kristen DiMera reassures Hayley, garnered notable attention and appreciation from the show’s devoted audience.
It’s a connection that surprises even dedicated television fans, with Jensen Ackles also being listed among the series’ rotating cast members over the years. While Ortega’s fleeting appearance remains largely undiscovered by many, this early role underscores her longstanding presence in American entertainment.
Multiple Early Hollywood Appearances
Jenna Ortega’s time on Days of Our Lives is only one piece in a broader tapestry of formative screen roles, several of which have escaped public notice. Ortega’s career began before the world truly recognized her talent, and her minor but poignant appearances in a variety of Hollywood projects demonstrate the range she brought even as a child actor.
The actress’s brief time on set as Hayley could easily be missed by viewers, but those familiar with her later work can find hints of her expressive style and ability to portray deep emotion. In Days of Our Lives, her character’s academic achievement contrasts sharply with her grief and withdrawal following her mother‘s death—a nuanced performance that foreshadows the complexity of her later roles.
These formative acting experiences, while modest in screen time, set the stage for Ortega’s evolution into roles requiring depth and intensity, cementing her as a future star even before her break in Tim Burton’s reimagining of the Addams Family universe.
Unexpected Marvel Cinematic Universe Connection
Although her face is now instantly recognizable, some may not realize that Ortega also ventured briefly into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, predating her Wednesday fame. In Iron Man 3, the 2013 film starring Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, Ortega took on the role of the Vice President’s granddaughter. The part was small—with her character appearing in a wheelchair and sharing a hopeful exchange with her grandfather. Unfortunately, Ortega’s lines were ultimately cut from the film, and her name did not appear in the credits.
Despite the disappointing omission from the official credits, this Marvel cameo remains a unique footnote in her early Hollywood journey. Days of Our Lives and Iron Man 3, two vastly different projects, both gave the actress opportunities to appear alongside established figures such as Eileen Davidson and Robert Downey Jr., expanding her range even before she became a household name.
Ortega has publicly discussed her experience in the MCU, noting her disappointment over her uncredited performance and expressing her reluctance to return to the franchise. Nevertheless, the episode serves as a testament to the many paths a young actor navigates in pursuit of recognition and artistry.
Spotting Hidden Stars in Timeless Television
Jenna Ortega’s varied work prior to mainstream fame highlights how future stars often appear, almost unnoticed, in beloved pop culture touchstones. Many fans may have missed her performances while watching shows like Days of Our Lives, or failed to recognize her fleeting presence in Hollywood blockbusters. These early roles, while brief, offered her invaluable experience and exposed her to diverse environments, from dramatic television to superhero action franchises.
With Days of Our Lives now available for streaming on Peacock and Iron Man 3 on Disney+ in the USA, curious audiences can revisit these key moments and spot Ortega’s understated contributions. Her journey underscores how the power of perseverance and versatility can eventually lead even small roles to shape the trajectory of a major career.
As Jenna Ortega’s profile continues to soar, especially following the cultural success of Wednesday Addams, greater attention is being paid to the path she forged in Hollywood’s varied landscape. Fans eager to explore Jenna Ortega early roles in Days of Our Lives or uncover unexpected links between TV history and the MCU will find renewed appreciation for her growth and adaptability, marking her as an actor whose beginnings are just as compelling as her present-day achievements.
