Jenna Ortega Bio
Jenna Marie Ortega (born September 27, 2002) is an American actress known for her work in horror, dubbed “Gen Z’s scream queen”. She began acting at age nine, gaining recognition for her role in the series Jane the Virgin and later starring in Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle. Ortega transitioned to mature roles, particularly in the horror genre, achieving fame for her performances in the Netflix series You, the films Scream and Wednesday, and developing a reputation for her unique style. Ortega actively supports various social causes.
Early Life and Background
Jenna Marie Ortega was born on September 27, 2002, in Palm Desert, California. She is the fourth of six siblings. Her father, Edward Ortega, is of Mexican descent and a former sheriff who works at a California district attorney’s office, while her mother, Natalie Ortega, is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent and an emergency room nurse. Ortega’s maternal great-grandmother was an undocumented immigrant from Sinaloa, Mexico. Growing up in La Quinta, California, Ortega described her childhood self as “loud and extroverted”. From a young age, she was inspired to act after watching Dakota Fanning in the 2004 film Man on Fire. This exposure to acting sparked her desire to pursue a career in the industry, leading her to beg her mother for three years to allow her to act professionally.
After her mother bought her a monologue book at the age of nine, Ortega’s journey into acting began when a casting director discovered her through a video of her performance posted online. This led to her mother driving her to Los Angeles for auditions, often making the six-hour round trip multiple times a week. Despite facing challenges in landing roles due to a lack of opportunities for Latinas, Ortega managed to secure parts in 12 national commercials during her early career, including three for McDonald’s. She attended public schools, including Amelia Earhart Elementary School and John Glenn Middle School, before transitioning to acting full-time during her eighth grade.
Path to Hollywood
Jenna Ortega made her acting debut in the sitcom Rob in 2012 and later appeared in a guest role on CSI: NY. In 2013, she made her film debut in an uncredited role in Iron Man 3 and appeared in the horror film Insidious: Chapter 2. From 2014 to 2019, she gained recognition for her recurring role on The CW’s Jane the Virgin as a younger version of Jane Villanueva. Critics praised her performance, noting her ability to avoid the typical pitfalls of child actors. Ortega also starred in the direct-to-video comedy The Little Rascals Save the Day and the Netflix sitcom Richie Rich. Her role in the Disney Channel series Stuck in the Middle from 2016 to 2018 marked a significant point in her career, where she played Harley Diaz, an aspiring inventor and the middle child of seven siblings. Ortega’s performance earned her an Imagen Award, solidifying her status as a rising star in the industry.
Jenna Ortega Career
Early Career (2012–2017)
Jenna Ortega’s early career included notable roles in various television series and films. She made her acting debut in 2012 and quickly gained attention for her work in Jane the Virgin. Her performance in Stuck in the Middle garnered critical acclaim, leading to her first award win at the Imagen Awards in 2018. During this period, Ortega also voiced Princess Isabel in the animated series Elena of Avalor and starred in the comedy-drama After Words.
Breakthrough (2018–2021)
Ortega’s transition to more mature roles began in 2018 when she starred in the film Saving Flora. She gained significant recognition for her role as Ellie Alves in the Netflix thriller series You, which premiered in 2019 and received positive reviews. Ortega also starred in the horror-comedy film The Babysitter: Killer Queen and made her writing debut with the book It’s All Love: Reflections for Your Heart & Soul. Her performance in the drama film The Fallout, which premiered at South by Southwest in 2021, received critical acclaim, establishing her as a talented actress capable of handling complex roles.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jenna Ortega’s signature works include her roles in the Scream franchise, where she played Tara Carpenter in Scream (2022) and reprised her role in Scream VI (2023). She gained international fame for her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the Netflix series Wednesday, which became one of the platform’s most-watched shows. Ortega’s performance earned her nominations for prestigious awards, including the Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Awards.
Jenna Ortega Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Jenna Ortega has received several award nominations, reflecting her talent and impact in the entertainment industry. Her roles in both film and television have garnered critical acclaim, leading to recognition from various award bodies.
Jenna Ortega Awards Won
Jenna Ortega has won several awards, including an Imagen Award for her performance in Stuck in the Middle. Her work in the horror genre has also earned her recognition, including the MTV Movie Award for Most Frightened Performance.
Jenna Ortega Family
Jenna Ortega is the fourth of six siblings. She has a close-knit family that has supported her throughout her career. Her father, Edward Ortega, and her mother, Natalie Ortega, have played significant roles in her journey as an actress.
Personal Life
Jenna Ortega prefers to keep her personal life private, stating that discussing her romantic life publicly distracts from her work. She has expressed that her family and friends provide her with a sense of safety and grounding in the challenging entertainment industry. Ortega has also shared that she has obsessive-compulsive disorder, which she has been open about in recent years.
