Hollywood’s rising star Jenna Ortega is opening up about her journey from child actress to leading lady — and the emotional shift that comes with it.
At just 21, Ortega has already become a household name, thanks to her breakout role as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s hit series Wednesday. But while fans love her goth-girl school uniform and sharp one-liners, Ortega is ready to show the world that she’s more than just a teen character.
“I play a schoolgirl,” Ortega said in a recent interview, “but I’m also a young woman.”
Her words hit hard for anyone who’s watched child stars struggle to evolve in an industry that often refuses to let them grow up. Ortega, who got her start on Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle, knows that the line between childhood and adulthood in Hollywood can be blurry — and tough to navigate.
“It’s weird,” she shared. “People still see me as the little girl on their screen, but I’ve changed. I’m changing.”
Ortega explained that stepping into more mature roles is both exciting and intimidating. While Wednesday gave her global fame, she’s now exploring scripts that reflect her current life — a young adult learning about herself, her voice, and the kind of impact she wants to make.
Fans have already seen glimpses of this evolution. In films like Scream and X, Ortega’s performances have shown grit, emotion, and maturity, far from the Disney days.
But with growing fame comes pressure.
“I feel like I’m constantly trying to prove I’m more than what people expect,” she admitted. “I want to take risks, make people uncomfortable — in a good way.”
Still, Ortega says she’s grateful for the path she’s taken. Playing Wednesday was a dream — and it’s not over yet. Season 2 is in the works, and Ortega promises it’ll be “darker, deeper, and way more intense.”
But beyond the black pigtails and deadpan humor, Jenna Ortega is stepping into her own.
She’s no longer just a schoolgirl. She’s a woman, an artist, and a voice this generation is ready to follow.
Keep your eye on her — Jenna Ortega’s next chapter is just beginning.