“I would go all day without eating, drinking” — Jenna Ortega opens up about sacrifice as child star
Jenna Ortega has opened up about the extreme lengths she went to as a child actor to prove that she deserved to be on set, admitting that she could spend an entire day without eating or drinking.
The 23-year-old Wednesday star shared the experience while speaking with Esquire about her early years in the entertainment industry.
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Ortega began acting professionally as a child and appeared in projects including CSI: NY, Iron Man 3, Jane the Virgin and Stuck in the Middle before becoming a global star through her role as Wednesday Addams.
Jenna Ortega recalls her early days on set
Looking back, Ortega said she was so excited to have the opportunity to act that she was determined to give her best and avoid causing any inconvenience.
She explained that she did not even feel comfortable asking for something as basic as water while she was working.
Ortega said, “I wasn’t asking for one sip of water. I would go all day without eating, drinking, whatever, because I wanted so badly to not be in the way of anybody.”
For the young actress, staying focused meant putting her personal needs aside. However, she now sees that differently.
“Maybe that was my mistake, was not actually looking after myself,” Ortega added.
She started dreaming of acting at seven
Ortega also recalled that her desire to become an actress started when she was just seven years old.
She said her parents initially laughed when she told them she wanted to act, but their reaction only pushed her further.
Ortega said, “I was 7 years old when I said I wanted to do this,” adding that she “never really stopped” because she was stubborn and never questioned her decision.
Her determination eventually paid off, with her performance as Wednesday earning her a Primetime Emmy nomination and turning her into one of Hollywood’s most recognisable young actresses.
The actress has since reflected more openly on the pressures that came with growing up in the industry, including a period when she nearly walked away from acting altogether.
Watch the video below…
Jenna Ortega opened up about what it was really like being a kid on set.
She said as a child she was so grateful and excited just to be there that she never asked for anything. No water. No food. Nothing.
“I would go all day without eating, drinking, whatever… because I wanted… pic.twitter.com/3LbVHUB2VY
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