Jenna Ortega has quickly established herself as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand young actresses over the last decade. Ortega, who is only 20 years old, has amassed an impressive filmography thanks to her emotive acting abilities, versatility in playing a variety of roles, and natural charisma on screen. She has thrived in both lead and supporting roles in major films and popular television shows on major networks and streaming platforms.
This comprehensive guide will highlight key projects from Jenna Ortega’s acting career. We’ll go over the notable films she’s appeared in, her involvement in impactful TV shows, and her upcoming roles that are generating buzz. Tracking her career development reveals how Ortega progressed from a working child actor to a leading lady with the talent and drive to become an A-list star.
Early bit Parts and Television Roles
Jenna Ortega, a Coachella Valley, California native, began auditioning for acting roles before the age of ten. She began landing bit parts in 2012, including roles in Rob Reiner’s The First Time and a 2013 episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Her natural on-camera presence led to her first recurring TV role as young Harley Diaz on the Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle, which lasted several seasons.
More one-time guest appearances on shows like Elena of Avalor and popular series like Jane the Virgin followed. During this time, Ortega played the vice president’s daughter on Netflix’s Richie Rich and a gymnast training protege on The CW’s musical dramedy series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. While not main roles, these consistent bookings showcased her well-rounded acting abilities and paved the way for larger opportunities.
Transition into Film and Lead TV Roles
After beginning with minor television roles, Ortega gained more exposure by appearing in high-profile film projects. In 2016, she played a supporting role in the Disney Channel original film Adventures in Babysitting. She also landed the lead role of Ellie Alves in the second season of Netflix’s thriller series You, appearing in fifteen episodes. This significant boost began to broaden her fanbase beyond children’s television programming.
Jenna’s profile continued to rise in 2018 and 2019, with lead roles in theatrical releases. She played Claire, the main character in the slasher film The Babysitter and its sequel The Babysitter: Killer Queen. Ortega also played the haunted Wyatt daughter, Anna, in the horror film The In Between. Critics praised her emotionally charged performance. These compelling lead film roles demonstrated the depth and control of her acting abilities at a young age, paving the way for greater industry opportunities.
Continued Success in Film and Streaming Selevision
Jenna Ortega landed her first starring role in a major studio film in 2021, following a string of acclaimed lead acting performances. She received top billing as Tara Carpenter in Paramount and eOne’s horror film Scream (2022), the fifth installment of the lucrative slasher franchise, which grossed more than $100 million at the box office. This high-profile anchor position propelled her into the limelight.
While continuing to work in film, Ortega secured recurring roles in two prominent television series aimed at younger audiences on streaming platforms. She portrayed the free-spirited Ellie in the second season of Netflix’s coming-of-age comedy Never Have I Ever. Ortega also appeared prominently as Kansas City native Elsa Alvarez in the first two seasons of Tim Burton’s Addams Family reboot, which premiered on Wednesday on Netflix. Her heartfelt performance as the titular character’s friendly dorm mate wowed critics and fans.
Upcoming Projects Creating Buzz
Jenna Ortega’s profile has risen as a result of acclaimed lead performances in films and on streaming television, and she has used this momentum to expand her acting portfolio with upcoming projects.
She is set to star in the high-concept horror comedy Finestkind, directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Brian Helgeland. She will also co-star with two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali in the new dramedy Entergalactic, based on Kid Cudi’s upcoming album. The Netflix original film will highlight Ortega’s underutilized comedic abilities.
On television, fans are looking forward to Ortega reprising her role as the intriguing Elsa in Tim Burton’s smash hit show Wednesday, which premieres its second season on Netflix. Given Netflix’s history of launching YA adaptations, industry observers anticipate the announcement of a spinoff series starring Ortega as Elsa in the near future. Jenna Ortega’s career is skyrocketing as she quickly ascends to the status of a leading lady capable of starring in major studio projects.
Conclusion
Jenna Ortega rose from a child actor to one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents in less than a decade, thanks to her acting versatility, emotional depth, and magnetic charisma. Early on, she played key supporting roles in recurring network television series, which provided her with valuable experience in honing her natural abilities. Ortega’s profile grew as she successfully transitioned to compelling lead film acting performances, eventually landing her first major starring anchor role at the age of 18. Jenna Ortega’s future as a bankable leading lady appears assured, thanks to buzzy new movies and likely additional seasons starring in Tim Burton’s smash show Wednesday. Remember her name now because she’ll be a regular headliner at your local multiplex and streaming on your device screens very soon.
