Actress Jenna Ortega has disclosed that as a child actor, she often went entire days without eating or drinking to avoid being perceived as a burden on set. In an interview with Esquire published Tuesday, Ortega described prioritizing her perceived role as unobtrusive over her own basic needs during her early career.
Ortega’s revelations come amid broader discussions about the pressures faced by child performers in Hollywood. She acknowledged the long-term impact of these choices, stating, “Maybe that was my mistake, was not actually looking after myself.”
The actress, who began her career at age 7, recounted developing a perfectionist mindset early on, driven by her enthusiasm for acting. “I can’t think of one mistake I made,” she said, contrasting her childhood discipline with her current self-perception. Ortega’s career milestones include breakout roles in Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle at 13, appearances in Jane the Virgin and You, and major film roles such as Iron Man 3, Insidious: Chapter 2, and Netflix’s Wednesday, which catapulted her to international fame.
-- The pressures of early fame --
Ortega’s comments highlight the challenges child actors face in balancing professional expectations with personal well-being. She described learning to suppress her needs to avoid disrupting productions, a practice she now views critically. “I wasn’t asking for a sip of water,” she recalled. “I would go all day without eating, drinking, whatever, because I wanted so badly to not be in the way of anybody.”
Her reflections also touch on the broader stereotypes surrounding child stars. When asked about these perceptions, Ortega suggested they may contain some truth, stating, “Is it wrong to say that a lot of them are true?” She did not elaborate further on specific examples or systemic causes.
-- Career origins and ambition --
Ortega’s path to acting began at age 7, when she expressed her desire to become an actor to her parents. “My parents laughed at me when I told them that I wanted to do it,” she said, noting that their initial skepticism became a motivating force. “That was kind of the root of everything. The motivation. And I never really stopped, because I’m very stubborn.”
By age 9, she had made her acting debut in the sitcom Rob. Her early roles included appearances in Richie Rich and Jane the Virgin, followed by film credits in Iron Man 3 and Insidious: Chapter 2. Ortega’s transition to leading roles in The Fallout and the Scream franchise, alongside her role in Wednesday, has solidified her status as a prominent figure in contemporary entertainment.
-- Reflections on growth and change --
In the interview, Ortega contrasted her childhood self-discipline with her current approach to work and life. “I feel like I make mistakes now all the time,” she said, indicating a shift in her relationship with perfectionism. Her comments reflect a growing awareness of the trade-offs between ambition and self-care in high-pressure environments.