‘Watched Over Me…’: Jenna Ortega Says She Was Safe From Misconduct As A Child Star Thanks To Her Mother

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As an ardent fan of Jenna Ortega, it is truly heartening to see her open up about her experiences as a child actor and the protective role her mother played in keeping her safe from the dark underbelly that often lurks behind the glamorous façade of the entertainment industry. Her words echo a sentiment that resonates deeply with many who have witnessed the tragic tales of child stars who were not so fortunate.

Jenna Ortega, known for her role in Disney’s Stuck in the Middle, had protection against misconduct as a child star because, according to her, her mother kept a close eye on her, much like a hawk does its prey. Lately, the docuseries Quiet on Set has shed light on the troubling reality behind children’s shows, and it has gained widespread attention. Numerous actors from Nickelodeon shows have come forward to discuss the inappropriate behavior and harassment that allegedly occurred off-camera.

In response to The New York Times’ question about having a similar experience, the actress from Beetlejuice flatly refused and attributed her knowledge to her mother. Even though she hadn’t watched the documentary herself, her mother had and shared details with her about it.

In Oretaga’s words, “She seemed to feel more distress since she had witnessed other children who were not properly protected or cared for. This is why I believe she took extra care of me, almost like a protective hawk, suggesting that her feelings were primarily of empathy.”

Speaking more about her mother’s response to the documentary, Ortega shared that she was thankful for being present to see it all, but regretted not finding a way to assist the other children as well.

Luckily, the actress from Wednesday managed to avoid accidents that might have affected her personally. Yet, she admitted that acting as a child can be peculiar overall. She expressed this sentiment to The Times, stating, “I understand why my parents were apprehensive about it because you’re placing a child in an adult professional environment.”

Additionally, she acknowledged that had she grown up in the Coachella Valley, her personality and communication style, as well as her approach to interactions, might have developed differently.

She noted that this experience has dramatically altered the way she perceives and navigates life. Ortega also mentioned a unique connection among child actors due to their shared history, which he described as a “secret language” of sorts. When I converse with other child actors, it’s immediately evident who they are because we all possess this — it’s a very distinctive, almost like a secret code or hidden communication method that only we understand. She added.

The actress feels that children shouldn’t perform in such a manner, and she sometimes wishes she had made a different career choice at an early age. However, despite these regrets, she stands firm that she wouldn’t alter her past decisions. Moreover, it’s possible that her parents might have felt the same way.

In the coming days, you’ll find Ortega appearing in the Tim Burton film titled “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice,” set to hit theaters on September 6, 2024.

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2024-08-26 23:52