Jenna Ortega Confesses She Starved on Set, Hiding a Dark Secret

Jenna Ortega, now 23, opened up about the early grind of her Hollywood career in an interview with Esquire that ran on August 11. The former *Jane the Virgin* and *Stuck in the Middle* star recalled how she would skip meals and water on set, driven by a fierce desire not to inconvenience anyone.

In the same conversation, Ortega described the shock she felt after her Netflix series *Wednesday* was announced and the surreal experience of shooting in Romania with Tim Burton’s involvement.

The actress said she had “no idea” what to do after *Wednesday* ended, fearing her career might be over. She described the team’s excitement about a new release as a small but significant moment, noting that she and the cast used to joke about the magnitude of their work.

Ortega later went on to land roles in *You* and *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice*, indicating a continued trajectory in the industry.

## Early Career and On‑Set Habits

During her childhood, Ortega found herself on set more often than at school.

She explained that she “was so grateful and so excited to be there that my game face was on.” The actress admitted she never asked for a sip of water, saying, “I would go all day without eating, drinking, whatever, because I wanted so badly to not be in the way of anybody.” She reflected that this focus on performance may have been a mistake in hindsight, as it led her to neglect her own well‑being.

Ortega’s early work included roles on *Jane the Virgin* and Disney Channel’s *Stuck in the Middle*, which earned her a reputation as a reliable child actor. She noted that “children aren’t supposed to be working like that,” but she also highlighted the supportive environment her parents created.

They ensured she attended public school, maintained straight‑A grades, and prioritized sleep and study over on‑set work unless she was excelling academically.

## The Turning Point After *Wednesday*

The 2022 Netflix series *Wednesday* marked a pivotal moment for Ortega. She said, “I thought my career was going to be over after [Wednesday]. I panicked.

I had no idea,” capturing the uncertainty she felt when the show’s future was unclear. Later in production, the cast learned that the project was part of a larger franchise involving Tim Burton, which added excitement to an otherwise modest shoot.

Ortega recalled filming in Romania as “a small little thing” that felt “insane” for a young actor. She and her teammates joked about how the production’s scale seemed disproportionate to their age and experience. This experience helped her realize that the industry could offer unexpected opportunities, even after a perceived low point.

## Reflections on Childhood Acting and Its Long‑Term Effects

In an August 2024 interview with The New York Times, Ortega reflected on how early acting shaped her identity. She said, “Child acting is strange.

I see why my parents felt so hesitant about it, because you’re putting a child in an adult workplace.” Ortega mused that if she had stayed in the Coachella Valley, she would have been “a completely different person,” with different speech patterns and social interactions.

She emphasized gratitude for the lessons learned, stating, “Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything. I don’t believe in that because if anything, I’m incredibly grateful for the lessons that it did teach me.” Ortega also noted that she can instantly identify fellow child actors, attributing a “secret little language” shared among them.

The actress’s candidness underscores the complexities of early fame, balancing professional ambition with personal development. Her journey from a hungry child on set to a seasoned adult actress offers insight into the long‑term impact of childhood careers in entertainment.