Jenna Ortega has captivated audiences worldwide with her sharp wit, haunting stares, and unforgettable performance as the iconic Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s hit supernatural mystery comedy series, Wednesday.
While her role as the gothic detective earned her global fame, there is far more to this rising star than meets the eye.
With the return of Wednesday in the second season which promises even more mayhem, monsters, and mystery at Nevermore Academy, it is the perfect time to pull back the curtain on Ortega’s off-screen life.
From her early career beginnings to surprising personal quirks and creative passions, here are some little-known facts about the actress who made morbidity cool again.
How did the casting agency discover Ortega?
Jenna Ortega’s journey to stardom began in the most unexpected way — through a Facebook video her mother uploaded as a joke.
At just seven years old, Ortega performed a dramatic monologue from a book her mother had given her to redirect her constant talk about becoming an actress.
Though initially hesitant about her daughter entering the entertainment industry, Ortega’s mother filmed the performance and shared it privately with friends on Facebook, simply to show off her daughter's theatrical flair.
That video, however, caught the eye of a casting agent who saw real talent in the young performer.
Can Jenna Ortega carry a tune like she carries a scene?
Though she is no stranger to musical roles from her Disney Channel days, Jenna Ortega does not consider herself a singer.
When asked in an interview with whether she can sing, she replied honestly: “Poorly.”
While she has sung for acting roles before and does not mind doing it when required, she has made it clear that she has no plans to pursue singing as a career.
Interestingly, Ortega added that she would rather become a musical composer someday, which allows her to express herself through music.
Can Jenna Ortega actually play the cello?
Yes, that haunting cello music you hear in Wednesday is not just acting.
Jenna Ortega actually learned to play the cello for the role, revealing in an interview that she began practising the instrument about two months before filming started.
While she admits she may be a bit rusty now, Ortega has expressed genuine interest in continuing to learn.
What started as a skill for a role may just become a long-term passion.
Did Jenna Ortega really audition for Wednesday covered in blood?
Jenna Ortega auditioned for the role while still drenched in fake blood.
Fresh off a long night of filming a gory scene for the horror film X, Ortega jumped onto a Zoom call with Wednesday producer Tim Burton without removing the stage make-up.
She was running on no sleep, had glycerine sweat in her hair, a fake gash across her face, and stage blood dripping down — but instead of being horrified, Burton laughed.
The bold, unintentional entrance may have just sealed the deal, perfectly capturing the dark humour and grit of the character she was about to take on.
How is Jenna Ortega using her influence beyond the screen?
Jenna Ortega is not just known for her on-screen roles — she is also an outspoken activist with a personal mission.
In honour of her grandfather, who passed away from AIDS before she was born, Ortega proudly serves as an ambassador for UNAIDS, the United Nations programme dedicated to fighting the disease and its stigma.
At just 15, she gave a powerful speech at WE Day in 2017, urging people to talk openly about AIDS and normalise conversations around it.