As a fan who has followed Jenna Ortega’s career with admiration since her days on Disney Channel‘s “Stuck In The Middle,” I find her recent interview with The New York Times both enlightening and heart-warming. It’s fascinating to hear about the unique experiences she encountered as a child actor, which have undeniably shaped her into the talented young woman we know today.
Ever since the streaming of “Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV” became available for Max subscribers, a multitude of Hollywood actors who once worked as child stars on popular television shows have been approached to comment on the eye-opening documentary. The most recent individual to voice her thoughts on the topic is Jenna Ortega, an actress renowned for her roles in “Wednesday” and “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice“. Jenna Ortega began her acting career on the Disney Channel.
Prior to her rise as the Gen Z scream queen known today, Harana Ortega initially gained prominence as the lead actor in Disney Channel’s Stuck In The Middle, a role she held between the ages of 13 and 16. During an interview with The New York Times, the actress revealed that she didn’t personally watch the documentary, but her mother called her after watching the series. In her own words:
For her, the situation seemed to bring about greater suffering due to her observations of other children who appeared less protected or well-cared for. In a sense, she watched over me with great vigilance, leading me to believe that her feelings were primarily rooted in empathy and a desire to help. She recently expressed her deep gratitude that things were alright and that she was able to witness everything unfold.
Although Ortega’s mother may not have personally connected with the events portrayed in the series, she still felt a profound emotional response as a concerned parent, perhaps due to some of the challenging situations discussed in the documentary. The series focuses on the culture within Nickelodeon workplaces, particularly during the 1990s and 2000s. It touches upon allegations made by Drake Bell, one of the stars of Drake & Josh, regarding sexual abuse by his dialogue coach, as well as reports of misogyny in writers’ rooms.
Following the airing of the documentary, numerous actors who once starred on Nickelodeon and Disney kids’ shows have weighed in on its content. Ariana Grande expressed she was “happy” that the dialogue was being initiated due to the show, while Kenan Thompson concurred, also sharing his thoughts. (Both of them stated they did not witness the same kind of workplace abuse in their own experiences).
Ortega also said this about her parents protecting her on set:
Child acting is strange. I see why my parents felt so hesitant about it, because you’re putting a child in an adult workplace. I think if I had just stayed growing up in Coachella Valley, I would be a completely different person. I wouldn’t speak the way that I do or approach interactions the way that I do. It’s completely changed my way of thinking and going about life, and when I speak to other child actors, I can pick them out instantly because we all have that — it’s just very specific, like some secret little language or something that we all share.
Jenna Ortega previously disclosed her experiences working with Disney Channel during her childhood, revealing the long, grueling hours and challenges faced on set that eventually necessitated counseling for the cast. In a more recent conversation, she further elaborated:
It’s not right for kids to be working so intensely. They should be enjoying activities like climbing trees, drawing, and attending school instead. Regrettably, some of those children’s parents don’t place enough importance on education, but I am incredibly grateful to have had parents who encouraged socializing with friends, enrolled me in public school, and didn’t let me work unless I was maintaining excellent grades, prioritizing my sleep, and focusing on my studies.
Conversely, the role in “Stuck in the Middle” provided the actress with the valuable experience that propelled her into a successful career in both film and television. Ortega acknowledged moments when she regrets her choice of path, but she firmly stated that she wouldn’t alter anything. She cherishes her extensive knowledge when she enters a set at the tender age of 21 due to her prolonged years on sets. Moreover, Ortega recently collaborated with another Disney Channel alum, Sabrina Carpenter, in her latest music video. In other words, while there were challenges, she acknowledges both the benefits and drawbacks of the experience.
You can catch Jenna Ortega next in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, arriving in theaters on September 6.
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2024-08-24 22:07