Top 10 Coolest Things About Jenna Ortega

As a movie and TV fanatic, I’ve been seriously impressed watching Jenna Ortega‘s career unfold. She’s tackled everything – big network shows, really interesting indie films, and even huge horror franchises – and always seems to take on roles with a lot of depth, whether she’s acting live or doing voice work. She started out on some familiar family shows, but then really blew up with one of the biggest streaming hits recently. It’s amazing how she keeps adding new talents – languages, different acting styles, new genres – to what she can do. I’ve put together ten moments that really show how she’s become one of the most adaptable and exciting young stars around right now.

‘Wednesday’ (2022–) – a breakout lead that mixed acting, music, and movement

Jenna Ortega starred as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s popular gothic comedy-mystery series, receiving critical acclaim and award nominations for her work. She collaborated with choreographers and personally created the now-viral school dance scene. To prepare for the role, Ortega learned to play the cello and fence, reflecting Wednesday’s skills. The show also broadened the Addams Family universe by introducing new characters and stories set at Nevermore Academy.

‘Scream’ (2022) – redefining the modern final-girl archetype

Jenna Ortega became a key part of the ‘Scream’ series, debuting as Tara Carpenter and cleverly subverting the traditional opening scene. Her role expanded in ‘Scream VI,’ connecting the story to the original Woodsboro events and the fresh group of characters. Working closely with directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, she helped blend the returning veteran actors with the new cast. These films successfully reignited interest in the franchise, appealing to a new audience while staying true to the self-aware horror style that fans loved.

‘X’ (2022) – a pivotal turn in A24’s horror trilogy

Jenna Ortega starred as Lorraine in Ti West’s horror film ‘X’, where a movie crew’s countryside shoot turns dangerous. ‘X’ was the first film in a planned trilogy – including ‘Pearl’ and ‘MaXXXine’ – and helped establish Ortega as a prominent figure in the horror genre. The role signaled a move for Ortega from teen television to more adult, R-rated projects, and the film’s success solidified her reputation as a leading horror actress.

‘You’ (2018–) – scene-stealing work in a hit psychological thriller

In season two of ‘You’, Jenna Ortega played Ellie Alves, a street-smart teenager trying to make her way in Los Angeles while dealing with a threatening neighbor. Ellie’s story became intertwined with the show’s main character, making his already complicated life even more difficult. Her character added a strong moral dimension to the plot and created a lot of suspense throughout the season, helping to introduce Ortega to a wider, international audience through the popular streaming series.

‘Jane the Virgin’ (2014–2019) – early visibility in a beloved dramedy

Before becoming a leading actress, Jenna Ortega played a young Jane in flashback scenes on ‘Jane the Virgin’. These scenes were important for showing how the main character grew up and understanding her family. The role gave Ortega significant exposure on a popular and award-winning show, and it introduced her to a production company known for its bilingual stories and telenovela-style plots.

‘Stuck in the Middle’ (2016–2018) – a Disney Channel lead with awards recognition

Jenna Ortega became well-known for her role as Harley Diaz in the Disney Channel comedy ‘Stuck in the Middle,’ where she played a clever middle child who always found creative ways to solve problems. The show was popular for several seasons and made her a familiar face to a large audience. Ortega’s performance received praise, including awards recognizing Latinx representation in TV. This experience on set was a valuable stepping stone, helping her move on to more dramatic roles in television and movies.

‘Elena of Avalor’ (2016–2020) – voicing Disney royalty

Jenna Ortega played Princess Isabel in Disney’s ‘Elena of Avalor,’ a groundbreaking series centered on a Latina princess. The role required her to record lines repeatedly for different episodes and special programs. The show’s stories were inspired by the rich cultures, music, and traditions of Latin America and Hispanic communities. Through this work, Ortega broadened her skills as a voice actor and gained fans around the world who enjoy animated shows.

‘Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous’ (2020–2022) – expanding a blockbuster universe in animation

I really enjoyed Jenna Ortega’s work on ‘Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous.’ She played Brooklynn, a clever and social media-savvy camper, and honestly, she was a standout. What I loved was how the show cleverly connected to the ‘Jurassic World’ movies, adding some really interesting layers to the overall story. Over the seasons, Brooklynn wasn’t just about vlogging; she grew into a true survivor and a vital part of the team. It really solidified Ortega’s place as a fantastic performer in family-friendly adventure stories.

‘The Fallout’ (2021) – a festival-winning drama led by a fearless performance

Jenna Ortega gained significant recognition for her performance as Vada Cavell in the film ‘The Fallout.’ The movie, which explores themes of trauma, friendship, and healing in a personal way, premiered at a prominent U.S. film festival where it won both jury and audience awards. It later became available on a popular streaming service, reaching a large audience, and is often seen as the role that truly showcased Ortega’s talent as a dramatic actress.

‘Saturday Night Live’ (1975–) – live comedy on one of TV’s biggest stages

As a huge fan, I was so impressed watching Jenna Ortega host ‘Saturday Night Live’! She absolutely nailed her opening monologue and was fantastic in all the sketches throughout the night. You could really see her comedic timing and how easily she slips into different characters – she’s a natural! It’s cool to see actors like her, who are already big stars in movies and TV, take on the challenge of live comedy. Plus, it’s a great way for people who might not usually see her work to discover her talent on late-night TV.

What’s a favorite Jenna Ortega moment you think we left out? Let us know in the comments!

2025-10-24 01:45