Jenna Ortega Explains What Scares Her as a Young Hollywood Star

Jenna Ortega, known for Wednesday, You, and Jane the Virgin, has become one of Hollywood’s rising stars. This year, she fronted the September 2025 cover of Vogue México and Latin America. There, she opened up about the struggles of growing up in the industry. The actress revealed what continues to “terrifies” her as she navigates fame and builds her career.

Here’s what we know about Jenna Ortega’s reflections on finding her voice in Hollywood and her journey so far.

Wednesday’s Jenna Ortega is scared of not having a voice in the industry

Jenna Ortega graced the September 2025 cover of Vogue México and Latin America, sharing her career fears.

Reflecting on her early years in Hollywood, she explained, “Being young and assertive is intense for a lot of people, as a woman. I’ve always known what it’s like to not have a voice, and that terrifies me.” She added, “I don’t want to be in that situation again. But for me, it’s just about making sure I use my voice in the most professional, efficient, and kind way possible.”

The Wednesday actress shared that in the past she often struggled to express herself. “For most of my career, I didn’t know how to express myself,” Ortega revealed. “I was very young, I didn’t know anything about the industry, perhaps because of certain professional experiences I’d had in the past that were a little more difficult.”

She admitted that this led her to “shut [herself] away and become very insecure” about her place in the industry. Ortega didn’t name the productions but stressed that “the best work often comes from the ideas of a group of people and a collective vision.”

She also reflected on how fame has changed her personality. “I used to be a very extroverted child, but I’ve become more reserved,” she said, explaining that she now chooses her words carefully. This cautious approach extends to how she speaks about her Latin heritage.

Ortega, with Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, told Vogue, “My upbringing in Indio’s Spanish community is a fundamental part of my identity. I think these kinds of things don’t go away or change. It’s just what I know.”

At 22, Ortega has led a hit Netflix series and stepped into producing. She now pursues her career with a stronger, more confident voice.