Jenna Ortega has been making waves in the entertainment industry, with her upcoming role in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice set to further solidify her star status upon its release on September 6. However, Jenna's journey in acting began long before her current success. Her first major role was in the Disney Channel series Stuck in the Middle, which aired from 2016 to 2018.
In a recent interview with the New York Times, Jenna opened up about her experiences as a child actor and the impact it had on her. She reflected on the unique challenges of being a child in an adult workplace, stating, 'Child acting is strange. I see why my parents felt hesitant about it, because you’re putting a child in an adult workplace.'
Jenna emphasized how her early acting career shaped her perspective on life, noting that it 'completely changed my way of thinking and going about life.' She also highlighted the bond she shares with other child actors, describing it as a 'secret little language' that they all understand.
Despite some regrets and challenges along the way, Jenna expressed gratitude for the valuable lessons she learned as a child actor. She credited her parents for ensuring she maintained a balance between work and personal life, prioritizing education and well-being.
One of the positive outcomes of her early acting experience, Jenna shared, was gaining a deep understanding of the technical aspects of filmmaking and television production. This knowledge has made her feel confident and comfortable on set, enhancing her overall work experience.
However, Jenna also revealed that her time as a child actor had its drawbacks, making her more cautious and introverted in dealing with others. She acknowledged the difficulty of navigating relationships in a competitive industry at a young age, where not everyone had her best interests at heart.
Despite the challenges, Jenna expressed a sense of resilience and appreciation for the growth and insights she gained from her early career. Her story serves as a reminder of the complexities and nuances of being a child actor in the spotlight.