20 things you probably didn't know about Jenna Ortega

JP Mangalindan,Ayomikun AdekaiyeroSep 13, 2024, 20:35 IST

Jenna Ortega at the world premiere of Netflix's "Wednesday" in 2022.Gregg DeGuire / Getty stringer

Jenna Ortega has starred in Tim Burton's Netflix series "Wednesday" and his film "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice."
There are some things people might not know about the talented actor, however.

Jenna Ortega is one of the leading young actors in Hollywood after starring in the hugely popular "Wednesday," and the latest box office hit "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice."

Ortega became a notable actor after her alluring performance as Wednesday Addams in the Netflix mystery series "Wednesday." With her successful leap to Hollywood with films like "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" and "Scream VI," Ortega cemented herself as a movie star rather than just a Netflix star.

While most fans know Ortega through her roles, the Emmy-winning actor has shared much about her background, lifestyle, and career journey in interviews. Here are the most important facts to know about Ortega.

Jenna Ortega is one of six children.

Jenna Ortega and her mother Natalie Ortega.Xavier Laine / Getty Images

Ortega was inspired to act by Dakota Fanning's performance in the film "Man on Fire."

Dakota Fanning in the 2004 film "Man on Fire."20th Century Fox

Ortega's favorite four films are from the 20th century

Jenna Ortega at the 81 Venice International Film Festival for the "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" red carpet.Marilla Sicilia/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

A casting agent discovered Ortega in a video her mother put on Facebook.

Jenna Ortega was discovered on Facebook.Tamron Hall Show

Ortega had a crush on Barack Obama when she was younger.

Former President Barack Obama inspired Ortega's interest in politics.Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Ortega's first role was in a toothpaste commercial.

Jenna Ortega also starred in the Disney channel series "Stuck in the Middle" early in her career.Eric McCandless / Disney Channel via Getty Images

Ortega was accidentally cast in three McDonald's commercials in one year.

Ortega joked that the commercials put her off apples.Adam Taylor / Disney Channel via Getty Images

Ortega voiced Disney's first-ever Latina princess in the animated series "Elena of Avalor."

Jenna Ortega voicing Princess Elena for "Elena of Avalor."Aaron Poole / Getty contributor

Ortega is a self-proclaimed "weirdo" and had a highly unusual hobby as a child.

Jenna Ortega had an unusual hobby as a child.Joe Scarnici / Getty contributor

Ortega was covered in fake blood in an audition for "Wednesday."

Coincidentally, Wednesday gets pranked in season one by having fake blood poured on her and her friends.Netflix

Ortega learned the cello for her role in "Wednesday."

Jenna Ortega took cello lessons for "Wednesday."Netflix

Ortega was a vegan before filming "Wednesday" but changed her diet during production.

Jenna Ortega gave up veganism during the production of "Wednesday" in Romania.VW Pics/Contributor/Getty Images

She has a "very dark sense of humor."

Jenna Ortega and Thing in Netflix's "Wednesday."Netflix

Ortega was cast in "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" around the time "Wednesday" premiered.

Jenna Ortega as Astrid Deetz in "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice."Warner Bros.

Ortega auditioned for "Dune" and Disney's live-action remake of "Dumbo" but missed out on both roles.

Zendaya as Chani in "Dune."Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures

Ortega doesn't go anywhere without her pair of Sony noise-canceling headphones.

Jenna Ortega always carries around a pair of Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones.Sony

She's a proud ambassador for UNAIDS.

Jenna Ortega spoke about her work with UNAIDS at WE Day in 2017.Tommaso Boddi / Getty stringer

Ortega is a huge "Stranger Things" fan.

Jenna Ortega loves "Stranger Things."Netflix

She published her first book in 2021.

Jenna Ortega published "It's All Love" in 2021.‎ Random House Books for Young Readers

Ortega landed her first fashion campaign in 2021.

Jenna Ortega landed her first fashion campaign in 2021.American Eagle

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