Jenna Ortega Biography
Jenna Ortega is an American actress. She started her professional journey at a young age, gaining acclaim for portraying young Jane in The CW comedy-drama series, Jane the Virgin. In 2019, she took on the role of Ellie Alves in the second season of the thriller series You and also featured in the family film Yes Day in 2021, both of which were produced for Netflix.
Jenna Ortega Age / Birthday
As of 2023, Ortega is 21 years old, she was born on September 27, 2002, in Palm Desert, California, in the United States of America. She celebrates her birthday on September 27 every year.
Jenna Ortega Height / Measurements
Ortega is of average body stature and stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 1 inch tall.
Jenna Ortega Partner / Boyfriend
Ortega is publicly single and not dating anyone. She’s known for being fiercely private about her personal life, especially when it comes to her romantic relationships. There have been some rumors about her dating in the past, but none of them have been confirmed by Jenna herself.
Devin Booker: In March 2023, a photoshopped image circulated online that supposedly showed Jenna and Kendall Jenner’s ex, Devin Booker, on a dinner date. This was quickly debunked, and it was confirmed that the image was fake. Percy Hynes White: Some fans speculated that Jenna might be dating her “Wednesday” co-star, Percy Hynes White after they were seen together at various events. However, neither Jenna nor Percy has addressed these rumors.
Jenna Ortega Kids / Children
Ortega manages to keep information regarding whether she has any kids away from the limelight. However, we will update this information about her children once it’s available.
Jenna Ortega Family / Relatives
Edward Ortega, Jenna’s father is of Mexican descent and is a businessman living in California. He previously worked as a sheriff and now works at the California district attorney’s office. He actively supports Jenna’s acting career and keeps a more private life compared to Natalie. Natalie Ortega, Jenna’s mother is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent and works as an emergency room nurse. She’s very active on social media and celebrates her family often. She’s been a strong source of support for Jenna throughout her career and played a big role in getting her daughter started in acting.
Jenna Ortega Sisters
Mariah Ortega: Born in 1999, Mariah is the closest in age to Jenna. She appears to be private and keeps her personal life out of the limelight. Mia Ortega: Born in 2000, Mia is also private but has a social media presence. She seems to be supportive of her sister’s career and occasionally shares posts about Jenna. Aaliyah Ortega: Born in 2004, Aaliyah is quite active on social media, particularly TikTok, where she has over 180k followers. She’s a student at CSULB and enjoys spending time with her family.
Jenna Ortega Brothers
Ortega has two brothers. Isaac: Her eldest brother, born in 1998. Markus: Her twin brother, born in 2004. Markus shares Jenna’s sense of humor: Like his sister, Markus is known for his wit and sense of humor. They often joke around and make each other laugh. Isaac prefers to stay out of the spotlight: Unlike Jenna and some of her other siblings, Isaac doesn’t seek the public eye and keeps his personal life private.
Jenna Ortega Twin
Ortega does not have a biological twin. Her younger siblings: Jenna has two younger siblings: a sister named Mia and a brother named Markus. Markus and Aaliyah were born as twins in 2004, though they’re not identical twins to Jenna.
Jenna Ortega Education
She joined the public education system, attending both Amelia Earhart Elementary School and John Glenn Middle School. Ortega decided to leave school in the eighth grade to pursue acting opportunities in Disney projects. After landing a role in “Stuck in the Middle” (2016–2018), she obtained an apartment in Los Angeles. Throughout this period, Ortega spent her workweek in Los Angeles for her acting commitments and returned home on weekends.
Jenna Ortega Career
Ortega made her acting debut in the sitcom Rob (2012) and later appeared in the CSI: NY episode “Unspoken” as a victim of an accidental shooting. She played the role of Phoebe in the Netflix horror film The Babysitter: Killer Queen, released in September 2020, which received negative critical reviews. Additionally, Ortega voiced Brooklynn in the Netflix animated series Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous (2020–2022). In 2021, she ventured into writing with her debut book titled It’s All Love.
Ortega starred in the Netflix comedy movie Yes Day (2021), portraying a stubborn teenager seeking more independence from her parents. She took on the lead role in the high-school drama film The Fallout, where she portrayed a student navigating emotional trauma after a school shooting. To prepare for the role, she immersed herself in photographs, videos, and interviews related to school shootings. Ortega also attempted to participate in the March for Our Lives movement, advocating for U.S. gun control legislation. Despite describing herself as an “insecure individual,” she found it easy to relate to her character.
In the slasher film Scream (2022), the fifth installment in the Scream franchise, Ortega played Tara Carpenter. She expressed her excitement and nervousness for the journey, emphasizing her ability to portray both horror and comic tones. Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett chose Ortega for her versatile skills and the sound of her scream. In May 2021, Ortega secured the role of Wednesday Addams in the Netflix comedy-horror series Wednesday (2022), a “new chapter” in her career. The creative team specifically sought a Latina actress to align with Gomez Addams’s heritage. While filming Wednesday, Ortega auditioned for the role of Mabel in the crime thriller film Finestkind (2023).
Jenna Ortega Net Worth
Through Ortega’s career as an Actress, she has been able to accumulate a net worth that ranges between $5 Million and $ 7 Million.
Jenna Ortega and Johnny Depp
Rumors were circulating in 2023 that Jenna Ortega and Johnny Depp were romantically involved, but both actors have firmly denied them. In August 2023, a social media gossip account claimed Ortega and Depp were spotted on a date. This sparked speculation due to their involvement in the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel (though Depp’s involvement was never confirmed). Ortega quickly and strongly denied the rumors, calling them “ridiculous” and stating she had never met or worked with Depp. Depp’s representative also issued a statement denying any personal or professional relationship with Ortega.
Jenna Ortega Pete Davidson
Ortega and Pete Davidson have not been romantically linked in any official capacity. However, speculation and rumors about a potential pairing have been swirling online, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Twitter. There is no concrete evidence, such as paparazzi photos or public statements, suggesting that Jenna and Pete are dating. The rumors seem to stem from fan speculation and wishful thinking. Some fans find the idea of the two stars, both known for their dark humor and edgy personalities, potentially being together intriguing. Both Jenna and Pete are currently single, following their respective breakups with Emily Ratajkowski and Chase Sui Wonders. This has further contributed to the dating rumors.
Jenna Ortega LGBT community
Ortega utilizes her platforms to champion the causes of immigrants and the LGBT community. She actively supports the Pride Over Prejudice campaign by DoSomething, which focuses on advocating for immigrants and refugees. Ortega is outspoken about her pro-immigration stance and stands against discrimination. In an interview with Teen Vogue, she emphasized the importance of embracing one’s culture in the diverse landscape of America, emphasizing the need to stay true to oneself without conforming to societal expectations. Additionally, Ortega is a dedicated advocate for women’s rights.
Jenna Ortega Wednesday
Jenna Ortega plays the titular character, Wednesday Addams, in the Netflix series “Wednesday.” Her portrayal captivated audiences with its fresh take on the iconic Goth daughter of the Addams family. Ortega brought a contemporary edge to the character, while still staying true to Wednesday’s signature deadpan humor, morbid fascination, and rebellious spirit. Her performance received widespread praise, earning her nominations for the Golden Globe, Primetime Emmy, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Ortega mastered Wednesday’s iconic deadpan stares, monotone delivery, and expressive eyebrows, breathing new life into the character’s mannerisms.
Jenna Ortega Scream
Ortega played the role of Tara Carpenter in the two most recent Scream movies, Scream (2022) and Scream VI (2023). Tara is the younger sister of Samantha Carpenter (played by Melissa Barrera), and the two become central figures in the new Ghostface killings that plague their town. Tara is initially attacked by Ghostface in her own home, setting off the chain of events that unfolds in the movie.
Throughout the film, she grapples with the trauma of the attack and tries to figure out who the killer is, all while dealing with the typical teenage concerns of friendships, relationships, and school. Ortega’s portrayal of Tara was praised for being both nuanced and resilient. She captured the character’s vulnerability and fear, but also her strength and determination to survive. Tara is a complex character who is more than just a victim, and Ortega brings her to life in a way that is both believable and relatable.
Jenna Ortega Iron Man 3
Ortega did indeed have a role in Iron Man 3, though it was a small but poignant one. She played the unnamed daughter of Vice President Rodriguez, played by Miguel Ferrer. Though she has no speaking lines, the Vice President’s daughter is used by Aldrich Killian as leverage to manipulate her father into betraying the President. Her disability, using a wheelchair, is subtly linked to Killian’s promise of Extremis’ healing potential, adding a layer of emotional complexity to her involvement. Ortega portrays the character perfectly as a young child who trusts her father implicitly and has no idea about his dark dealings with Killian.
Jenna Ortega Smoking
In May 2023, Jenna Ortega was photographed smoking a cigarette in London with fellow actor Gideon Adlon. This sparked discussion and debate online, with some fans criticizing her for the unhealthy habit and setting a bad example, while others defended her right to make her own choices as an adult. She did not directly address the photos, but her mother, Natalie Ortega, shared memes and information about the dangers of smoking on her Instagram Story, which was interpreted by some as an indirect way of expressing disapproval.
Jenna Ortega Fashion
Ortega is recognized as a style icon, known for her distinctive fashion choices. Initially, her red carpet style showcased vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and an abundance of accessories. Collaborating with stylist Enrique Melendez, she donned outfits from Red Valentino and Thom Browne, aiming for an age-appropriate, fashionable, and unique wardrobe. The intention was to deviate from the conventional “feminine and flirty and frilly” style often associated with Disney actresses. After her role in You, Ortega underwent a style transformation, embracing heavier makeup and darker clothing.
Media outlets noted that her later style drew inspiration from Wednesday’s character while incorporating elements of high fashion, characterized as goth glam. Vogue has described her off-screen fashion sense as having a “dark, gothic” sensibility. Ortega herself acknowledged the impact of playing Wednesday on her taste, stating that she finds it challenging to separate the character’s influence, especially in terms of clothing.
Jenna Ortega Disney Career
From 2016 to 2018, Ortega took the lead in the Disney Channel sitcom Stuck in the Middle as Harley Diaz, an aspiring inventor and the middle child among seven siblings. She expressed that landing this role was one of the best days of her life. Ortega drew inspiration from her personal family dynamics and sibling relationships, considering her experience on the show similar to reality television.
Common Sense Media praised her performance, stating that she “commands this role, pleading her case as a long-suffering middle kid while finding the humor in the many calamities that befall her efforts to shine.” Ortega earned three Imagen Award nominations for Best Young Actor – Television, winning in 2018. Additionally, she voiced Princess Isabel in Elena and the Secret of Avalor (2016) and Elena of Avalor (2016–2020).
From 2014 to 2019, Ortega played a recurring role on The CW comedy TV series Jane the Virgin, portraying a younger version of Jane Villanueva, portrayed by Gina Rodriguez as an adult. Ortega mentioned that her audition wasn’t particularly extraordinary, and she believes her casting was mainly due to her resemblance to Rodriguez. Entertainment Weekly’s Declan Gallagher praised Ortega’s performance, noting that she avoided typical child actor stereotypes.
Additionally, Ortega was featured in the direct-to-video comedy film The Little Rascals Save the Day (2014) and the Netflix series Richie Rich (2015). She also appeared in the film After Words (2015) as Anna Chapa, receiving positive reviews from the Los Angeles Times for being “adorable” but criticized by The Arizona Republic as “horribly cloying.”
Jenna Ortega Ethnicity
Ortega is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. Her father is Mexican Her mother is of mixed Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage. She has openly talked about how proud she is of her ethnicity and how it has shaped her life and perspective. She grew up surrounded by her culture and feels grateful for the opportunity to represent it in her work.
Jenna Ortega Upcoming projects
Ortega will assume a leading role and act as an executive producer for the romantic drama titled “Winter Spring Summer or Fall.” Furthermore, she has commitments to appear in and executive-produce an upcoming film by Trey Edward Shults, which will feature co-stars The Weeknd and Barry Keoghan. Additionally, Ortega is set to star in the fantasy film “Beetlejuice 2,” a sequel to the 1988 film “Beetlejuice,” directed by Tim Burton.
In her upcoming projects, Ortega is part of the cast for “Alba,” a film produced and distributed by A24, as well as “Death of a Unicorn,” a dark comedy co-starring Paul Rudd. Demonstrating her versatility, Ortega will reprise her role as Wednesday in the second season of “Wednesday.” Notably, she has taken on an additional role as an executive producer for the show, considering it a “natural progression” due to the collaborative nature of the first season. In this capacity, Ortega has been involved in overseeing aspects such as costumes, characters, and scripts.
Jenna Ortega Movies and TV Shows
Movies
- Miller’s Girl: This drama tells the story of a young woman named Louise (Emma Roberts) who falls in love with a mysterious drifter named Miller (Blake Jenner). Ortega plays the role of Louise’s best friend, Bianca.
- X: A group of young filmmakers set out to make an adult film in rural Texas, but when their reclusive, elderly hosts catch them in the act, the cast find themselves fighting for their lives. Ortega plays Lorraine, one of the filmmakers.
- American Carnage: This dark comedy thriller follows a group of young adults who are forced to participate in a reality show where they are subjected to physical and psychological torture. Ortega plays Camila, one of the contestants.
- Yes Day: Based on the children’s book of the same name, this comedy follows a family who agree to say “yes” to everything for one day. Ortega plays Katie, the teenage daughter who is not happy about the experiment.
- The Babysitter: Killer Queen: The sequel to the 2017 horror comedy “The Babysitter,” this film sees Cole (Judah Lewis) team up with his old babysitter Bee (Ortega) to once again fight off a group of satanic cult members.
TV Shows
- Wednesday (2022-present): Her breakout role as the iconic Wednesday Addams in Tim Burton’s Netflix series.
- Scream (2022), Scream VI (2023): Plays Tara Carpenter, a horror movie enthusiast caught in a deadly chase in the fifth and sixth entries of the Scream franchise.
- Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous (2020-2022): Voiced the character Brooklynn in all five seasons of the animated Netflix series.
- Jane the Virgin (2014-2019): Played Young Jane Villanueva, the protagonist’s childhood counterpart, throughout the series.
- Stuck in the Middle (2016-2018): Had the lead role as Harley Diaz, a resourceful and mischievous middle child in a large family.
- You (2019): Portrayed Ellie Alves, a tech-savvy neighbor of Joe Goldberg in the second season of the Netflix thriller.
- The Fallout (2021): Starred as Vada Cavell, a high schooler grappling with the aftermath of a school shooting in this HBO Max drama.
Jenna Ortega Facebook, and Instagram
Ortega is active on her social media accounts. She has about 1.3 Million followers on her Facebook Page and around 39.2 Million followers on her Instagram account.