Jenna Ortega as a child star on set the whole day without food or drink

Jenna Ortega, a 23-year-old American actress known for her roles as Harley Diaz in the sitcom Mittendrin und kein Entkommen and more recently as Wednesday Addams in the Netflix series Wednesday, has revealed in a recent interview with Esquire that she spent long days on set during her early career without eating or drinking. The revelation comes as part of a broader discussion about her experiences as a child star and the pressures she faced while building her acting career. Ortega began her acting journey at the age of eight and made her television debut at nine years old with a guest role in the sitcom Rob. By 2012, she had already appeared in two internationally successful films, James Wan’s Insidious: Chapter 2 and Iron Man 3, at just nine years old. Her early success brought attention, but it also came with challenges, which she detailed in the interview. “I feel like I’m always making mistakes,” Ortega told Esquire when asked about early career missteps. “But as a kid, I was so grateful and excited to be there that I was completely focused. I didn’t even ask for a sip of water. I didn’t eat or drink anything all day because I wanted to make sure I wasn’t in anyone’s way. Maybe that was my mistake, not paying attention to myself.” She recalled developing ambitions to become an actress at the age of seven. At the time, her parents did not take her aspirations seriously, but her persistence fueled her drive to pursue her dream. “I was seven years old when I said I wanted to do this,” Ortega explained. “My parents laughed me off, and that was basically the origin of everything. The motivation. And I’ve never really stopped because I’m very stubborn. And I’ve never questioned it.” As a young girl watching other young actresses on screen, Ortega found inspiration in the likes of Dakota Fanning. Seeing another young woman succeed in the industry showed her what being an actress meant. This early influence helped shape her path and reinforced her determination to follow her passion despite initial skepticism from her family. The interview provides insight into the intense pressure placed on young actors who begin their careers at an early age. Ortega's experience reflects a common challenge among child stars, who often face demanding schedules and expectations that can impact their physical and emotional well-being. Her openness about these struggles highlights the importance of self-care and the need for support systems within the entertainment industry. Ortega's journey from a child actor to a prominent figure in Hollywood underscores the complexities of balancing ambition with personal health and happiness. Her story resonates with many who have navigated similar paths, offering both cautionary lessons and encouragement to persevere through adversity. Her comments come amid growing discussions about the treatment of young performers in the film and television industries. Advocacy groups have increasingly called for better protections and resources for child actors, emphasizing the need for proper nutrition, rest, and mental health support. Ortega's revelations add to the ongoing conversation about the realities of childhood fame and the responsibilities of the industry toward its youngest talent. Industry professionals and advocates have expressed concern over the lack of standardized guidelines for working conditions involving minors. While some studios and production companies have implemented policies to ensure the welfare of young cast members, others continue to operate under less stringent regulations. The call for reform has gained momentum in recent years, driven by high-profile cases and public awareness campaigns. Ortega's candid reflections offer a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a child star’s life and the sacrifices they make along the way. As she continues to build her career, her experiences serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by young actors and the importance of addressing these issues within the entertainment sector.