Jenna Ortega's Relentless Drive as a Child Star: Sacrificing Comfort to Never Be a Distraction

In an intimate conversation with Esquire, Jenna Ortega shed light on her unwavering determination as a child actor, revealing that she would forgo food and water during long working days, simply to ensure she wasn't "in the way of anybody." "Looking back, I can't think of one misstep I made," Ortega admitted. "I was so grateful and eager to be there that my focus was unwavering." Behind this laser-sharp focus, she explained, was a conscious effort not to disturb the workflow on set. "I didn't ask for a single sip of water or a bite to eat during those long hours," she reminisced. "I wanted so desperately to stay out of everyone's way." Ortega mused that perhaps this selfless approach came at a cost, as she might have neglected her own needs. Before becoming the captivating 'Wednesday' we know today, Ortega made her mark headlining Disney Channel's "Stuck in the Middle," premiering in 2016 when she was just thirteen. Her other early TV credits include "Richie Rich," "Jane the Virgin," "You," and "Elena of Avalor." Regarding the stigmas surrounding child stars, Ortega offered a candid perspective: "Is it wrong to say that many of them ring true? You decide." She went on to share her early career ambitions, which took root when she announced at age 7 that she wanted to become an actor. "My parents chuckled at my dreams," Ortega revealed. "But that initial jest sparked a fire in me that never died out. I was too stubborn to back down and never questioned my decision."