Jenna Ortega is a prominent American actress known for her roles in various television series and films. Born on September 27, 2002, in Palm Desert, California, she began her acting career at a young age and has since become a well-recognized figure in the entertainment industry. As of today, Jenna Ortega is 22 years old.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jenna Marie Ortega, the fourth of six siblings, was raised in La Quinta, California. She is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. From a young age, Ortega expressed a desire to pursue acting, and by the time she was nine, she had already started her professional career. Her early roles included appearances in television series such as Rob and CSI NY. In 2013, she made her film debut in Iron Man 3, playing the vice president’s daughter in an uncredited role. That same year, she also appeared in the horror film Insidious Chapter 2 as a part of the supporting cast.
Breakthrough Role
Ortega gained significant recognition for her role as a younger version of Jane Villanueva in the CW comedy-drama series Jane the Virgin (2014-2019). Her performance was praised for its depth and maturity, setting her apart from many child actors. Following this, she starred as Harley Diaz in the Disney Channel series Stuck in the Middle (2016-2018), a role that earned her an Imagen Award and further solidified her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
Transition to Mature Roles
After Stuck in the Middle, Ortega sought to expand her acting range by taking on more mature roles. In 2018, she was cast as Ellie Alves in the second season of the Netflix thriller series You, which was released in December 2019. Her performance was noted for its complexity and emotional depth. Ortega also appeared in the film The Babysitter Killer Queen (2020) and the horror film Saving Flora (2018), showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Mainstream Success
Ortega’s career reached new heights with her role as Tara Carpenter in the 2022 slasher film Scream, the fifth installment in the Scream franchise. Her performance was widely praised, and she won the MTV Movie Award for Most Frightened Performance. Later that year, she starred in the Netflix series Wednesday, portraying the iconic character Wednesday Addams. The series became a global hit, with Ortega’s portrayal receiving critical acclaim and earning her nominations for a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, making her the second-youngest nominee in that category.
Recent Projects and Future Endeavors
In 2023, Ortega hosted an episode of NBC’s sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live. She also reprised her role as Tara Carpenter in Scream VI, which was released in March 2023 and grossed over $169 million worldwide. Ortega’s recent projects include starring in Tim Burton’s fantasy film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024), where she plays Astrid Deetz, the cynical teenage daughter of Lydia Deetz. The film opened the 81st Venice International Film Festival and received generally positive reviews. Additionally, Ortega stars alongside Paul Rudd in the dark comedy Death of a Unicorn (2025), where they portray a father and daughter who accidentally kill a unicorn, leading to unexpected consequences.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Ortega is known for her activism and philanthropic efforts. She has been involved in various social causes, including advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and supporting environmental initiatives. Ortega is also vocal about her experiences as a Latina actress in Hollywood, using her platform to address issues of representation and diversity in the entertainment industry.
At 22 years old, Jenna Ortega has accomplished a remarkable amount in her acting career. From her early beginnings in television to her breakout roles in films and streaming series, she has demonstrated a wide range of acting abilities and has become a prominent figure in Hollywood. As she continues to take on diverse and challenging roles, Ortega’s future in the entertainment industry looks exceptionally promising.