Jenna Ortega Reflects on Her Child Acting Days: "I Would Go All Day Without Eating or Drinking"

In a candid conversation with Esquire, rising star Jenna Ortega opened up about her early days in Hollywood as a child actor. The 23-year-old actress, who has captivated audiences on shows like Jane the Virgin and Disney Channel's Stuck in the Middle, and recently landed the coveted role of Wednesday Addams in Netflix's prequel series, revealed that she was so dedicated to her craft back then that she often neglected her own needs. "I can't think of one mistake I made," Ortega shared with Esquire, published on August 11. "I was so grateful and so excited to be there that my game face was on." She confessed that during those early years, she would forgo meals and hydration throughout the day to avoid disturbing her colleagues. "Maybe that was my mistake—not actually looking after myself," she admitted. Ortega's career took a significant turn with Wednesday, a prequel series in the iconic Addams Family franchise. Recalling the moment, she told Esquire, "I thought my career was going to be over after [Wednesday]. I panicked. I had no idea." The actress was initially skeptical about the project's recognition until it started gaining traction and became a major release. Since then, Ortega has landed roles in shows like You and Beetlejuice. She's been open about her unconventional path to stardom, telling The New York Times in 2024 that she feels fortunate to have had parents who prioritized her education and personal growth alongside her acting career. "Child acting is strange," Ortega reflected at the time. "I see why my parents felt so hesitant about it... If anything, I’m incredibly grateful for the lessons that it did teach me." Pursuing acting at a young age, she noted, "completely changed [her] way of thinking and going about life." Ortega also spoke about the unique bond shared by child actors, describing it as a secret language or code. "There’s times that I regret it; there’s times that my parents regret it," she said. "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." If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, resources are available. Visit the National Alliance for Eating Disorders website or call their hotline at (866) 662-1235. Text "ALLIANCE" to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.