'The Interview': Jenna Ortega Is Still Recovering From Childhood Stardom
17Digest
Jenna Ortega, known for her roles in "Wednesday" and "Beetlejuice 2," shares her experiences as a child actor and her journey to adulthood in the spotlight. She discusses the challenges of navigating fame, including the pressure on her mental health and the constant scrutiny. Ortega reflects on her childhood in Coachella Valley, her family dynamics, and how her parents' professions influenced her outlook on life and fear. She emphasizes the importance of Latina representation and her personal connection to her culture. Ortega also discusses the unique challenges of child acting, the importance of having protective parents, and the lessons learned from her early career. She shares her perspective on the portrayal of the afterlife in "Beetlejuice" and her initial interest in horror, which led to her current persona as a deadpan, brooding teenager. Ortega expresses her concerns about the misuse of AI, particularly the creation of pornographic images of her as a child, and the impact it had on her mental health. She describes her current state as a personal expedition, exploring her identity and navigating the complexities of fame and adulthood.
Outlines
Jenna Ortega: From Child Actor to Hollywood Star
This chapter introduces Jenna Ortega, a young actress who has gained immense popularity for her roles in "Wednesday" and "Beetlejuice 2." The chapter highlights her journey as a child actor, her Latina roots, and her upcoming projects.
Navigating the Demands of Hollywood
Jenna Ortega discusses her experience filming on location, revealing her tendency to isolate herself and focus solely on work. She shares her routine, which includes journaling, particularly about her dreams, as a way to maintain a sense of self amidst the demanding schedule.
The Enduring Impact of "Beetlejuice"
Jenna Ortega shares her childhood experience with the original "Beetlejuice" film, revealing a recurring nightmare about the character. She discusses her perspective on the film's portrayal of the afterlife, highlighting Tim Burton's ability to make dark topics comforting and relatable.
Growing Up in Coachella Valley
Jenna Ortega reflects on her childhood in Coachella Valley, describing a loving household with six children. She shares anecdotes about her family dynamics, her parents' professions, and how their experiences influenced her own outlook on life and fear.
Representation and Personal Connection
Jenna Ortega discusses her early acting career, including her role in the Disney show "Stuck in the Middle" and her voice acting in "Elena of Avalor." She emphasizes the importance of representation and how the latter show, featuring the first Latina Disney princess, resonated deeply with her and her family.
Embracing Darkness and Exploring New Roles
Jenna Ortega discusses the shift in her acting career from bubbly Disney roles to darker, more complex characters. She reveals her initial interest in horror and how it led to her current persona as a deadpan, brooding teenager. She also discusses her upcoming role in the sci-fi film "Clara and the Sun," where she plays a robot, and her attraction to the character's innocence and optimism.
Keywords
Child Actor
A child actor is a young person who performs in films, television shows, or theater productions. They often face unique challenges, including long hours, demanding schedules, and the pressure to maintain a sense of normalcy.
Latina Representation
Latina representation refers to the portrayal of Latinas in media, particularly in film and television. It is important for Latinas to see themselves reflected in the characters they consume, as it can foster a sense of belonging and identity.
Mental Health
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is essential to prioritize mental health, especially in demanding professions like acting, where constant scrutiny and pressure can take a toll.
AI Ethics
AI ethics refers to the ethical considerations surrounding the development and use of artificial intelligence. It encompasses issues such as privacy, bias, and the potential for misuse, particularly in the creation of harmful content.
Personal Expedition
A personal expedition refers to a journey of self-discovery and exploration. It involves navigating challenges, embracing new experiences, and ultimately gaining a deeper understanding of oneself.
Fame
Fame is the state of being widely known and admired, often for achievements in a particular field. It can bring both positive and negative consequences, including increased pressure, scrutiny, and the need to manage one's public image.
Hollywood
Hollywood is a district in Los Angeles, California, known as the center of the American film industry. It is synonymous with fame, glamour, and the pursuit of success in the entertainment world.
"Wednesday"
"Wednesday" is a supernatural comedy-mystery series that follows the titular character, Wednesday Addams, as she attends Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts. Jenna Ortega plays the lead role in the series.
"Beetlejuice 2"
"Beetlejuice 2" is an upcoming sequel to the 1988 film "Beetlejuice," directed by Tim Burton. Jenna Ortega is set to star in the film, reprising the role of Lydia Deetz.
Q&A
How does Jenna Ortega manage to maintain a sense of self while filming on location and dealing with a demanding schedule?
Jenna Ortega prioritizes a normal life outside of work, even though she often isolates herself and focuses solely on work. She finds solace in journaling, particularly about her dreams, as a way to connect with her inner self and process her experiences.
What is Jenna Ortega's perspective on the portrayal of the afterlife in "Beetlejuice" and how does it relate to her own beliefs?
Jenna Ortega appreciates Tim Burton's ability to make dark topics comforting and relatable. While she personally doesn't believe in life after death, she finds the film's depiction of the afterlife as a continuation of life rather than a terrifying experience to be comforting.
How did Jenna Ortega's parents' professions as a sheriff and an emergency room nurse influence her outlook on life and fear?
Jenna Ortega's mother's fear-based approach to life, stemming from her experiences as an emergency room nurse, instilled a sense of paranoia in her. While this initially made her fearful, it also desensitized her to certain things, such as blood and gore, which she finds helpful in her acting career.
What are the challenges and benefits of being a child actor, and how did Jenna Ortega's parents help her navigate this experience?
Child acting presents unique challenges, including long hours, demanding schedules, and the pressure to maintain a sense of normalcy. Jenna Ortega's parents provided a supportive and grounded environment, ensuring she prioritized her education and well-being, which she believes helped her navigate the industry.
How does Jenna Ortega deal with the pressure to represent her Latina heritage and the expectation that there is only one way to be Latino?
Jenna Ortega acknowledges the pressure to represent her culture but emphasizes the importance of finding her own personal connection to it. She wants to learn Spanish and connect with her family, particularly her grandmother, on a deeper level, for her own personal growth and fulfillment.
What is Jenna Ortega's perspective on AI and how does it relate to her experience with online harassment?
Jenna Ortega acknowledges the potential benefits of AI but expresses concern about its misuse, particularly in the creation of harmful content. She shares her experience with online harassment, including the creation of pornographic images of her as a child, highlighting the need for greater awareness and protection.
How does Jenna Ortega describe her current state at 21, navigating fame and adulthood?
Jenna Ortega describes her current state as a personal expedition, exploring her identity and navigating the complexities of fame and adulthood. She acknowledges the challenges and opportunities she has faced, embracing the journey of self-discovery.
Show Notes
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United States
Wow. How thoughtful. I think she's doing a pretty great job navigating the space between being private and honest at the same time. I hope she cuts herself some slack when she needs it the most.