Jenna Ortega on Transitioning Out of Child Stardom: “I Play a Schoolgirl” in ‘Wednesday’ “but I’m Also a Young Woman”

Jenna Ortega speaks candidly regarding the stereotypes she encountered as a child actor transitioning into her current “schoolgirl” role on Wednesday.

On a Wednesday interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the lead actress of Wednesday shared that it has been incredibly beneficial and comforting for her to develop friendships with other former child actors such as Winona Ryder, Natasha Lyonne, and Natalie Portman. Moreover, during this interview, the actress also expressed agreement with Natalie Portman’s sentiment that being short often leads people to treat you like a child throughout your life.

She strongly identified with that statement and has often found it frustrating as she doesn’t feel respected. It’s similar to wearing a schoolgirl costume, there’s an air of condescension about it. Plus, being short means people literally look down on you, which adds another layer of disrespect.

Prior to landing the role of Wednesday Addams in Tim Burton’s Netflix series, Ortega expressed that she had a penchant for the macabre or found it intriguing. However, she admitted to being a fan of Disney, which often promotes cheerfulness, kindness, and excessive sweetness.

Currently at the age of 22, this Emmy-nominated actress finds herself contemplating her role as a “schoolgirl” character while progressing through her maturation. She expressed it by saying, “I’ll be performing in a series for an extended period where I portray a schoolgirl,” and she also emphasized, “However, I am still a young woman myself.

Ortega pointed out that with Wednesday, although her character is depicted as an outcast and an outsider, she’s also become a cultural phenomenon – a pop icon, which was something he hadn’t anticipated for himself. In other words, Wednesday has transformed into a popular actor in the realm of pop culture.

To avoid being confined to the horror genre, she’s been carefully selecting projects that appeal to her audience while also catering to her own creative interests. Next, she seeks out roles that offer a fresh perspective, featuring characters that are mature, daring, and distinct.

As the star and soon-to-be producer of season two of “Wednesday“, Ortega aims to expand her diverse portfolio in the entertainment industry. She has expressed a desire to direct a script she’s been planning to produce for nearly a decade.

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2025-05-29 00:54