The Hidden Toll of Jenna Ortega’s Early Stardom

Ortega, who rose to prominence on sitcoms like Rob and Stuck in the Middle, describes her younger self as driven by a desperate need to be the perfect collaborator. Looking back on those early years, she identifies her primary mistake as a total failure to look after herself. This intense work ethic was rooted in a stubborn desire to prove herself after her parents initially laughed at her childhood ambition to act. Watching peers like Dakota Fanning provided her with a blueprint for what a young actor could achieve, keeping her momentum steady even when she considered walking away from the industry.

That turning point almost arrived just before she landed a role in the series You. Faced with the transition into high school and the uncertainty of finding mature work, she contemplated leaving Hollywood behind. However, the experience of filming You reignited her passion, convincing her that the craft was worth the sacrifice. More recently, Ortega has used her platform to honor industry legends like the late Catherine O’Hara, her co-star in the 2024 hit Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, acknowledging the profound influence of those who paved the way before her.