Jenna Ortega reveals what ‘terrifies’ her about being a young woman in Hollywood as she covers Vogue

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Jenna Ortega felt in the past she did not have as much power as she does now.

In a chat with the September edition of Vogue Mexico and Latin America this month, the 22-year-old actress, who boasts both Mexican and Puerto Rican ancestry, revealed that she often felt unheard in the past.

The seasoned actress faced difficulties early on in her career, prior to the successful premiere of her TV series Wednesday.

For numerous years, the ex-child actor found herself without a say on the film sets, an experience she confessed made her feel deeply frightened.

As an ardent enthusiast, I’ve always resonated with the sensation of being unheard, a feeling that sends shivers down my spine. I vow never to find myself in such a predicament once more, after articulating: ‘Being young and bold is an intense experience for many, particularly women.’

In Ortega’s career, there seems to be a project that didn’t allow her to express herself fully; however, it might not be either Jane the Virgin or Stuck in the Middle.

She stated, ‘I now aim to employ my voice in a manner that is both proficiently and compassionately professional.’

Currently, she exhibits a blend of tenacity regarding her work commitment and prudence when confronted by fame, which she finds rather unusual.

She explained that as a child, she was quite outgoing, but now she tends to be more reserved. This isn’t indicative of anything negative; it simply means she thinks about the things she says before speaking.

And she feels that the character that made her famous would not enjoy her fame. 

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but chuckle at the irony – Wednesday, who typically shuns the limelight, finds herself plastered across cereal boxes and t-shirts! According to Ortega, this level of attention and obsession would surely make her uncomfortable.

I find it quite intriguing that we idolize celebrities so much, even though we can never really know them personally. It sparks my curiosity, and I’m always open to discussing and questioning this phenomenon.

Ortega also touched on growing up in a Spanish community in Indio, California.

Her father is of Mexican descent, and her mother is of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage.

She expressed that being raised as Latina is deeply ingrained in her identity, something that doesn’t fade away or alter over time.

My family and upbringing are very important to me, and I feel deeply connected to them. Growing up in California, my predominantly Latino community was like an extended family to me, shaping who I am today.”

“I have strong roots in my family and my hometown of California, where a large Latino community played a significant role in my life during my childhood. This community has been instrumental in shaping the person I am today.

Ortega expressed that there is a significant amount of anticipation or burden when addressing the expectations of Latin audience members.

The star mentioned that sometimes it feels harsh, but afterward, they recall why they do it. One day, they encountered a young Chicana at a grocery store who warmly embraced them. They conversed with her mother, and this interaction reminded them of how significant their actions could be for others.

And there is a struggle: she does not speak Spanish as fluently as she wishes. 

‘I’m very insecure when I speak Spanish,’ admitted the close pal of Catherine Zeta-Jones.

She mentioned that despite feeling proud of her identity rooted in her background and cultural history, there is a sense of frustration within her because she wasn’t raised in a country where Spanish is the primary language.

‘I struggle with my limited Spanish skills, yet I make an effort. I converse with my father in Spanish, I compose, I read, but I feel quite insecure when speaking, and I don’t wish to cause offense. This has been a sensitive issue for me.’

In the year 2024, while advertising her film titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a journalist of Latin origin declared confidently, “You’re just as Latino as anyone else.

The instance gained widespread attention, as numerous Latin women expressed feelings of inadequacy. “I will always be proud, always eager to learn, and constantly growing,” she stated. “Although my journey may not mirror everyone’s, I am firmly grounded in my origins.

Ortega has also been in the films Scream VI and X.

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2025-08-19 01:03