Jenna Ortega’s net worth is estimated at $4 million. She began acting at a young age and rose to prominence with Disney’s Stuck in the Middle (2016-2018), before landing major roles in series and films like You, The Babysitter: Killer Queen, and most notably Wednesday (2022). Her financial success also comes from voice acting, brand endorsements, and her advocacy work with brands like Neutrogena, adding to her growing net worth.
Jenna Ortega is hailed as one of the most relatable Gen Z stars today. Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in Netflix's Wednesday perfectly aligns with Gen Z’s love for characters that defy norms—edgy, independent, and unafraid to be different. Jenna’s deadpan humor and gothic fashion in the series quickly became viral on platforms like TikTok, with fans recreating her iconic dance and emulating her style. This cemented her as a pop culture phenomenon for the younger generation.
Off-screen, Jenna's candid discussions about mental health, anxiety, and the challenges of growing up in the public eye resonate deeply with Gen Z. Known for her openness and advocacy on social issues like immigration rights and supporting the Latinx community, Jenna stands out as a voice of authenticity. She doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations, making her someone young people can look up to, both for her talent and her principles.
Gen Z appreciates Jenna not only for her acting skills but also for being unapologetically herself—whether it’s in her career, activism, or fashion choices. She’s become a symbol of individuality and resilience, representing the values and struggles of her generation.
"Jenna Ortega is honestly the queen of spooky vibes. Her performance in Wednesday was next level—she made being weird cool, and that’s what Gen Z is all about."
— Lila, 20, Los Angeles, CA
"Jenna’s awesome, but it feels like she’s leaning hard into that ‘dark and edgy’ typecast. It’d be dope to see her in something lighthearted, just for a change."
— Nate, 22, Austin, TX
Jenna Marie Ortega was born on September 27, 2002, in Coachella Valley, California. She is the fourth of six children and comes from a close-knit family of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. From a young age, Jenna showed a strong interest in acting, and by the time she was 8, she convinced her mother to help her pursue her passion. With the support of her family, Jenna began auditioning, and in 2012, she made her acting debut with a small role in Rob.
Jenna’s big break came when she was cast as Harley Diaz in Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle (2016-2018). Her portrayal of the middle child in a large family resonated with young audiences and showcased her comedic timing. Around this time, she also appeared in Jane the Virgin (2014-2019), playing a young Jane, which introduced her to a broader audience.
Her early work laid a solid foundation, but Jenna’s career trajectory took a sharp turn when she transitioned to more mature and diverse roles. She appeared in Netflix’s You (2019), playing Ellie Alves, and later in horror films like The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020) and Scream (2022). However, her most significant role to date is playing Wednesday Addams in the hit Netflix series Wednesday (2022), which skyrocketed her fame and solidified her place as a Gen Z icon.
Jenna’s early life was filled with auditions and balancing school with acting, but her persistence has paid off as she continues to build a successful career both in and outside of Hollywood.
Jenna Ortega’s career began at just 9 years old when she made her television debut with a guest role in the TV show Rob (2012). This quickly led to other small roles in shows like CSI: NY and Rake. However, her breakthrough came in 2014 when she was cast as young Jane in the critically acclaimed series Jane the Virgin. Jenna’s portrayal of young Jane garnered her recognition, allowing her to showcase her acting range early in her career.
In 2016, Jenna landed the lead role of Harley Diaz in Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle, a comedy about a large, chaotic family. Her performance as the quirky and inventive middle child made her a fan favorite and established her as a young talent to watch. During this period, Jenna also lent her voice to the character Princess Isabel in Disney's animated series Elena of Avalor (2016-2020), further expanding her influence among younger audiences.
Jenna’s transition into more mature roles began with her role as Ellie Alves in Netflix’s You (2019), where she played a sharp and street-smart teenager caught up in the dangerous web of the show’s lead character, Joe Goldberg. This role demonstrated Jenna’s ability to handle darker, more complex material. She then took on horror roles in The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020) and Scream (2022), establishing herself as a rising star in the horror genre.
Her most significant role to date is her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday (2022), a reboot of the classic Addams Family story. Jenna’s version of Wednesday is gothic, witty, and emotionally complex, and her portrayal has received widespread praise from both critics and fans. The show became a massive hit, and Jenna’s performance went viral, with social media platforms flooded with fan edits and recreations of her dance scene from the series.
In addition to her acting, Jenna is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, immigration rights, and the Latinx community. She was named a brand ambassador for Neutrogena in 2020, using her platform to promote self-care and confidence among young people.
With her career trajectory only going upwards, Jenna Ortega has successfully transitioned from Disney star to a powerhouse actress in Hollywood, known for choosing roles that challenge and redefine her as an artist.
Jenna Ortega is notably private when it comes to her personal life, particularly her relationships. As of 2024, she has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships, preferring to focus on her career and advocacy work.
There have been rumors linking Jenna to several co-stars and fellow young celebrities over the years, but she has remained tight-lipped on the subject. In various interviews, Jenna has expressed the importance of keeping her personal life separate from her public persona, stating that she wants the focus to remain on her acting and the projects she’s passionate about.
In an industry where young stars often find themselves in the spotlight for their relationships, Jenna’s decision to keep this aspect of her life private has earned her respect from her fanbase, who appreciate her desire for boundaries. Additionally, her mature approach to fame, prioritizing her craft and personal growth, reflects her grounded personality.
Though fans continue to speculate about Jenna’s love life, she has yet to confirm any serious relationships publicly. For now, Jenna remains focused on her skyrocketing career, her activism, and continuing to explore challenging roles in film and television.
Jenna Ortega has a relatively low-key but close circle of friends within Hollywood. She shares a tight friendship with her You co-star Penn Badgley, who has spoken highly of her talent and work ethic. She also formed bonds with her co-stars from Wednesday, particularly Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán, with whom she shares a mentor-mentee relationship on set. Jenna has also been spotted spending time with fellow young stars like Maddie Ziegler, with whom she co-starred in The Fallout (2021), and Jacob Sartorius, although their relationship remains unclear beyond friendship. Outside of acting, Jenna maintains close connections with her family, often expressing how important they are in keeping her grounded as her fame rises. Though not part of a high-profile Hollywood "squad," Jenna values authentic friendships over superficial industry relationships.
When Jenna Ortega isn’t working, she enjoys a range of hobbies that reflect her multifaceted personality. One of her biggest passions is reading—Jenna has spoken in interviews about her love for books, particularly those that help her learn more about history, psychology, and social issues. She finds comfort in reading as a way to escape the hectic pace of her career. Another passion of Jenna’s is writing. She’s expressed interest in one day writing and directing her own projects, believing that storytelling can come in many forms. She enjoys writing short stories and journaling in her free time, which allows her to express her creativity outside of acting. Jenna is also an advocate for mental health awareness, speaking openly about her own struggles with anxiety and the pressures of fame. She often uses her platform to encourage young people to prioritize their mental well-being. Additionally, Jenna enjoys fashion and experimenting with different styles. Her red carpet looks have earned her praise for their boldness and individuality, reflecting her unique sense of style. Whether it’s fashion, acting, or activism, Jenna Ortega is passionate about expressing herself authentically in everything she does.
What role made Jenna Ortega famous?
Jenna Ortega rose to fame playing Harley Diaz on Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle, but her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday is what propelled her to international stardom.
Does Jenna Ortega do her own stunts?
Yes, Jenna has performed her own stunts in several films, particularly in action and horror movies like Scream and The Babysitter: Killer Queen.
Is Jenna Ortega bilingual?
Yes, Jenna is fluent in both English and Spanish, thanks to her Latina heritage.
What are Jenna Ortega’s favorite hobbies?
Jenna enjoys reading, writing, and fashion in her spare time. She’s also passionate about mental health advocacy and often speaks on the subject.
Did Jenna Ortega study music for her role in Wednesday?
Yes, Jenna learned to play the cello specifically for her role as Wednesday Addams, adding depth to her portrayal of the character.
What’s Jenna Ortega’s favorite genre of film?
Jenna loves horror movies, and she has appeared in several, including The Babysitter: Killer Queen, Scream, and X.
How does Jenna Ortega feel about social media?
Jenna has expressed mixed feelings about social media, acknowledging its role in connecting with fans but also discussing the pressure and anxiety it can cause.
What causes is Jenna Ortega passionate about?
Jenna is a strong advocate for mental health awareness, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration reform, frequently using her platform to support these causes.
What is Jenna Ortega’s ethnicity?
Jenna is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, and she’s proud to represent her Latina heritage in Hollywood.
Has Jenna Ortega won any awards?
Jenna’s performance in Wednesday has earned her critical acclaim, and she has been nominated for several awards, including Best Actress at the 2023 Golden Globes.
