Jenna Ortega, the actress known for roles in Wednesday, You, and Jane the Virgin, recently opened up about her biggest fears while building her Hollywood career. On the September 2025 cover of Vogue México and Latin America, Ortega discussed the challenges she faces as a young woman seeking to make her voice heard in a competitive industry.
She expressed how being both young and assertive in Hollywood comes with intense pressures.
“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.”
—Jenna Ortega
Despite these fears, Ortega is determined to communicate her ideas clearly and kindly.
“I don’t want to be in that situation again. But for me, it’s just about making sure I use my voice in the most professional, efficient, and kind way possible.”
—Jenna Ortega
Early Struggles Shaped Ortega’s Approach to Fame and Career
Reflecting on her earlier years, Ortega acknowledged that she often found it difficult to express herself in the industry.
“For most of my career, I didn’t know how to express myself,”
she said, describing her lack of experience and some tough professional moments she faced.
“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.”
—Jenna Ortega
These struggles resulted in feelings of insecurity and withdrawal.
“I shut myself away and became very insecure,”
Ortega revealed. She emphasized that the best creative work often comes from collaboration, saying,
“the best work often comes from the ideas of a group of people and a collective vision.”
—Jenna Ortega
Personal Growth and Connection to Heritage Amid Hollywood Pressure
Ortega also shared how fame has influenced her personality over time. From being an outgoing child, she has become more reserved, carefully considering her words. This reflects her growing maturity and desire to represent herself authentically.
Her Latin roots hold a central place in her identity. With Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, Ortega values her family and upbringing deeply.
“I’m very close to my family and my upbringing… It’s a fundamental part of my identity. I think these kinds of things don’t go away or change. It’s just what I know.”
—Jenna Ortega
At just 22, Ortega has already led a popular Netflix series and taken steps into producing, approaching her Hollywood career with renewed confidence and clarity.
