Kristina Roberts
Jenna Ortega recently shared her honest feelings about how her life changed after starring in Netflix’s hit series Wednesday. The show became the most-watched English-language series on the platform, with over 252 million views, far surpassing other popular shows like Stranger Things. While the success brought her immense fame, it also came with challenges that left her feeling unhappy and overwhelmed.
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Ortega admitted, “To be quite frank, after the show and trying to figure everything out, I was an unhappy person.” She explained that the sudden attention was difficult for her, especially since she considers herself an introvert. “After the pressure, the attention—as somebody who’s quite introverted, that was so intense and so scary,” she said. The young actress, who has been working in Hollywood since she was a child, found herself under constant scrutiny. Every decision she made, from her acting roles to her personal life, was analyzed and criticized online.
Ortega also spoke about how social media made things harder for her. “I feel like being a bully is very popular right now,” she said. “Having been on the wrong side of the rumor mill was incredibly eye-opening.” She felt misunderstood by many people who only saw her as her character, Wednesday Addams, rather than as a real person with her own struggles.
Playing Wednesday came with both good and bad experiences. On the positive side, Ortega discovered new interests, like learning to play the cello, and embraced her love for darker, Gothic styles. “I definitely feel like I have a bit more Gothic taste than I did when I was a teenager,” she shared. “I’ve always been into dark things or been fascinated by them, but I was a Disney kid, and the whole thing is being bubbly and kind and overly sweet.” However, being tied to such an iconic character also had its downsides.
One of the biggest challenges for Ortega was being seen only as a “schoolgirl” character, even as she grew older. “I’m doing a show I’m going to be doing for years where I play a schoolgirl. But I’m also a young woman,” she said. This made her worry about being taken seriously in Hollywood. She didn’t want to be stuck in one type of role, so she quickly took on different film projects to show her range as an actress. Some of these include Death of a Unicorn (A24), Hurry Up Tomorrow with The Weeknd, Klara and the Sun directed by Taika Waititi, and The Gallerist alongside Natalie Portman.
Despite her success, Ortega admitted that transitioning from a child star to an adult actress hasn’t been easy. “You just don’t feel like you’re being taken seriously,” she said. The entertainment industry often labels young actors, making it hard for them to break out of certain roles. Ortega is determined to prove that she can do more than just play dark, quirky characters. She wants to explore different genres and take on challenging roles that push her as an artist.
Fame has also affected her personal life in ways she didn’t expect. The constant attention and pressure made her question whether she was ready for such a big spotlight. She had to learn how to handle criticism and stay true to herself despite what others said about her. Many young stars face similar struggles, but Ortega is using her voice to talk about the realities of fame—something not many people discuss openly.
Looking back, Ortega doesn’t regret her role in Netflix‘s Wednesday, but she hopes people will see her as more than just one character. She wants to continue growing as an actress and taking on projects that excite her. While the journey hasn’t always been easy, she remains grateful for the opportunities she’s had.
Her story is a reminder that fame isn’t always glamorous. Behind the red carpets and interviews, many celebrities deal with stress, loneliness, and the pressure to always be perfect. Ortega’s honesty about her struggles is refreshing, especially in an industry where many pretend everything is always fine.
As she moves forward in her career, fans can expect to see her in more diverse roles. She’s not afraid to take risks and step out of her comfort zone. Whether it’s a dark thriller, a heartfelt drama, or even a comedy, Ortega is ready to show the world what she’s truly capable of.
Her journey is just beginning, and while the road hasn’t always been smooth, she’s determined to keep pushing forward. For now, she’s focused on balancing her career with her personal happiness, learning to navigate fame on her own terms. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from Jenna Ortega, it’s that she’s not afraid to speak her truth—no matter how difficult it may be.
