As a fan, I find Jenna Ortega’s journey to be nothing short of inspiring! From dreaming of becoming an astronaut or the President, to being captivated by the gritty action movie “Man on Fire”, her life has taken an unexpected yet mesmerizing turn. It’s a testament to how art can influence and shape our dreams and aspirations.
Life can sometimes take unexpected twists and turns, as demonstrated by Jenna Ortega’s remarkable journey from a role in Disney Channel’s “Stuck in the Middle” to her powerful performances in the newest “Scream” films. Few people might know that it was an unanticipated source – a Denzel Washington movie – that sparked Jenna’s passion for acting. That transformative film? The gripping 2004 thriller “Man on Fire,” which is often ranked among the top movies of the 2000s.
During an interview with Vanity Fair, the actress from Studio 666 revealed a pivotal moment that altered the course of her life. As a child, she aspired to be an astronaut or the President of the United States. However, all that changed when she viewed the 2004 action-thriller Man on Fire, starring Denzel Washington and a young Dakota Fanning. Directed by the late Tony Scott, this film portrayed Washington as a former CIA operative on a mission to rescue a kidnapped girl in Mexico City. For Ortega, this movie, particularly Fanning’s performance, left a deep impression, propelling her towards her career as an actress today. In her own words:
I’m deeply grateful for the ambition of my 6-year-old self, who dreamt of becoming both a president and an astronaut…as it’s clear now that I was always seeking new opportunities… The film “Man on Fire” entirely transformed the trajectory of my life.
The parents of the actress who voiced Elena of Avalor were delighted by their daughter’s emerging career aspirations. Jenna, their nine-year-old daughter, posted a video on Facebook showcasing a dramatic monologue that fans have shared here. This clip was later mentioned by Ortega during her Saturday Night Live monologue when she hosted in 2023. The casting director became aware of the video thanks to a family friend who forwarded it. Soon, Jenna’s mother was frequently making six-hour journeys to Los Angeles for auditions.
Jenna’s disclosure enhances our admiration for her already remarkable collection of work. It’s captivating to ponder how a hard-hitting action film like “Man on Fire” could ignite a passion for acting in a young girl like herself. However, when you reflect upon the impact cinema has in stirring and transforming emotions, it becomes evident. Moreover, it’s worth noting that the compelling performances were not solely delivered by Denzel Washington but also by the talented Dakota as well.
Regardless of her obvious skill, the actress from “You” faced numerous hurdles on her journey to fame. As a young Latina actress, she frequently encountered difficulties securing roles in an industry that tended to favor white actresses. Her initial role was a minor part as a shooting victim on “CSI”, but soon she started gaining recognition. After bagging 30 episodes as young Jane on “Jane the Virgin”, Ortega’s next significant opportunity arose when she starred in the Disney Channel sitcom “Stuck in the Middle”, portraying the middle child in a big family. She went on to add more roles to her repertoire, such as playing Jennifer Garner’s daughter in the family comedy “Yes Day”.
A while after Jenna initially watched “Man on Fire”, more than ten years have passed, and she has emerged as one of Hollywood’s top sought-after stars. For 2024, she already has two films out – “Winter Spring Summer or Fall” and “Miller’s Girl” – with the eagerly awaited “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” project due for release soon.
2025 promises to be a busy year for Jenna Ortega, with at least two significant movies set for release next year, along with the second season of Wednesday. Her career’s upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing, as her early inspiration from the movie “Man on Fire” continues to ignite her ambition and determination. With each new role, the actress who starred in Scream is demonstrating her staying power, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her future projects.
As for Man on Fire, you can revisit the 2004 flick streaming on Fubo.
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2024-08-21 04:37