Jenna Ortega Skips Meals Entire Day on Set—What Shaped Her Career

**Jenna Ortega Reveals She Skipped Meals as a Child Star to Stay Focused**

Jenna Ortega told Esquire that, during her early career, she would “go all day” without eating or drinking on set. She said the drive to keep the focus on the production was so strong that she did not even ask for a sip of water.

The actress later described this habit as a mistake, acknowledging that neglecting self‑care had real consequences.

The 23‑year‑old, who earned a Golden Globe nomination for her work on “Wednesday,” reflected on the long‑term impact of those early choices. She noted that, although she does not remember any single mistake from that period, she now admits to making mistakes all the time—an admission that reveals a more mature perspective.

She also explained that her parents had laughed when she first expressed an interest in acting at age seven, a reaction that only strengthened her determination. Ortega’s stubbornness, she said, kept her from ever questioning the path she had chosen.

## Background & Context

Ortega’s first on‑screen appearance came in 2012 with the sitcom “Rob,” when she was nine years old. The following year she landed roles in “Insidious: Chapter 2” and “Iron Man 3,” and began a recurring part on “Jane the Virgin” that ran from 2014 to 2019. She also portrayed Harley Diaz on “Stuck in the Middle” from 2016 to 2018.

In recent years, she has taken on projects such as the series “You,” the horror film “Scream,” and the reboot of “Beetlejuice.” The actress has been candid about moments of uncertainty, saying that she nearly quit acting before landing those more mature roles.

During a conversation with Kid Cudi on his “Big Bro” podcast in April, she explained how she felt intimidated by the need to prove herself to new casting directors while in high school.

Ortega cites Emmy‑nominee Dakota Fanning as a role model, praising Fanning for embodying wisdom beyond her years. She says that seeing Fanning navigate the industry helped her stay committed to her own career.

## What People Are Saying

“I wasn’t asking for a sip of water,” Ortega told Esquire, describing how she would “go all day without eating, drinking, whatever” so she could “not be in the way of anybody.” She admits that this approach was a mistake, but she also says that she does not recall any single mistake from that period.

The actress noted that if she had to name one mistake now, it would be her early habit of ignoring her own needs.

Ortega clarified that she makes mistakes constantly, suggesting that perfection is neither realistic nor necessary. When asked if it was terrible to say, she replied that “I make mistakes now all the time.” This framing indicates a shift toward a more balanced view of her career decisions.

Her earlier hesitation about continuing in the industry resurfaced when she almost quit before the “You” project, feeling overwhelmed by new casting expectations. However, after the show premiered, she decided to stay on track, declaring that she could not let that opportunity slip away.

## What Happens Next

Ortega is slated to star in “Klara and,” set to release in October. She will also return for Season 3 of her award‑winning Netflix series “Wednesday,” which is scheduled to premiere next year. These upcoming projects underscore her continued presence in both television and film.

The actress’s journey from a laughing‑at-aspirations child to a Golden Globe‑nominated star illustrates a trajectory marked by early dedication, moments of doubt, and a steadfast commitment to growth. As she steps into new roles, Ortega shows that learning from past choices can coexist with ambition and resilience.