'The Interview': Jenna Ortega Is Still Recovering From Childhood Stardom
Aug 24, 2024
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Jenna Ortega, a talented actress known for her role in a hit Netflix series, dives into her journey from childhood stardom to self-discovery. She discusses the challenges of growing up under public scrutiny and how journaling has helped her navigate the ups and downs of fame. Reflecting on her upbringing in Coachella Valley, she shares insights about familial dynamics and the impact of her mother’s career on her cautious nature. Jenna also touches on the complexities of representation and the pressures of maintaining identity in a digital world.
Jenna Ortega shares her journey of balancing work and personal life, highlighting the importance of engaging with her surroundings for self-discovery.
Ortega emphasizes the significance of her Latina heritage, focusing on authentic cultural representation while navigating the challenges of fame.
Deep dives
Jenna Ortega's Rise to Stardom
Jenna Ortega achieved rapid fame after starring as the title character in the Netflix reboot of The Addams Family, titled Wednesday. Her portrayal resonated with a wide audience, quickly leading to merchandise, internet memes, and Halloween costumes inspired by her character’s unique personality. Ortega's journey to success, however, was not instantaneous; she began her acting career as a child, appearing in shows like Jane the Virgin and building her portfolio in the horror genre through roles in Scream and X. Now at 21, she is set to take on a new significant role in the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel, illustrating her ongoing growth in the film industry.
Life Balancing Act Amidst Fame
Navigating life as a young actor in unfamiliar locations presents challenges, particularly in balancing work and personal time. Jenna Ortega shared her experiences of often prioritizing work to the detriment of social interactions, typically isolating herself during productions. To combat this, she is making an effort to engage more with her surroundings, like exploring local cafes and finding inspiration through journaling. This journaling practice helps her connect with her sense of self, often focusing on her dreams and the insights they reveal about her mental state and creativity.
Reflections on Childhood and Family
Growing up in a large, loving family in Coachella Valley had a lasting impact on Jenna Ortega's personal development. Her upbringing, centered around a close-knit household with supportive parents, provided her a sense of stability while pursuing acting. Despite the pressures of her career, Ortega recalls fond memories of sharing her space with siblings and the comforting presence of her family amidst her fears and anxieties. She highlights the importance of having a caring environment, especially with parents who understood the challenges of child acting and actively ensured her childhood remained as normal as possible.
Cultural Identity and Personal Growth
Jenna Ortega emphasizes the significance of her Latina heritage and the desire to portray authentic representations of her culture. While she feels the pressure to represent an entire community, Ortega asserts the importance of connecting with her roots for her own growth, rather than for external validation. She actively works to learn Spanish and engages deeply with her family, particularly with her grandmother figure, to strengthen that connection. By focusing on her cultural identity and experiences, she aims to navigate her public persona while remaining true to herself amidst the demands of fame.
The actress talks to Lulu Garcia-Navarro about learning to protect herself and the hard lessons of early fame.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
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