Skip to content
Home > Why Jenna Ortega Is the Next Hollywood Star

Why Jenna Ortega Is the Next Hollywood Star

From Disney Star to Horror Icon, She's Done It All

Many Disney stars go on to even bigger projects beyond the world of Disney shows and movies. Jenna Ortega, best known for her role in the Netflix show Wednesday, is one of those talents. While many may not realize she started as a Disney star, she’s now recognized for a variety of roles, especially in the horror genre. With each new project, Ortega gets closer to becoming Hollywood’s next big star.

Queen Before Her Crown

Ortega began her acting career at a young age, quickly establishing herself as a promising talent. Her early roles included appearances on television shows like Rob, CSI: NY, and Jane the Virgin, where she played a young Jane Villanueva, giving audiences an early glimpse of her range and potential. Her talent wasn’t limited to television; Ortega also appeared in films, landing a minor part in Iron Man 3 as the vice president’s daughter. As she gained experience, Ortega’s career began to pick up momentum. Her big break came when she starred in the Disney Channel series Stuck in the Middle. In this role, Ortega played Harley Diaz, a bright and resourceful middle child of seven, who dreams of becoming an inventor. The show allowed Ortega to showcase her comedic timing and charm, making her a fan favorite and solidifying her reputation as a rising young star. Her role in Stuck in the Middle earned her an Imagen Award, recognizing her standout performance.

What’s interesting about her early career is that she balanced both family-friendly shows and more serious, mature roles. In her early years, Ortega appeared in shows geared toward younger audiences, highlighting her natural charm. She also played a part in crime shows, handling more intense scenes that pushed her as a young actress. This mix of lighter and more serious roles helped her reach different viewers and develop a wide set of skills. Instead of following the typical path of a child star, she built a strong foundation as a well-rounded actress.

Gen Z’s Scream Queen

From 2022 to now, Ortega has earned the Gen Z’s Scream Queen title. Her career skyrocketed with her lead role in Netflix’s Wednesday, where she plays the dark and enigmatic teenager, Wednesday Addams. In the series, Wednesday attends Nevermore Academy, grappling with her psychic abilities, dodging a murderous monster, and unraveling a family mystery from 25 years ago. Ortega was cast in the role in part to highlight the character’s Latina heritage, which added a fresh layer to the classic character. Fans widely praised her portrayal, especially a unique dance scene that quickly went viral after the show’s release.

Then she went on to another mature role, playing Tara Carpenter in Scream VI, another role in the thriller genre. While the movie got mixed reviews, people praised Ortega for her performance.

Ortega recently starred in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, reprising the beloved Halloween classic with a new twist. She played Astrid Deetz, the daughter of Lydia Deetz, bringing a fresh generational perspective to the role. Ortega’s portrayal captured audiences, showcasing her knack for blending dark humor with horror, a skill that’s become her trademark. Her role in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice only solidifies her reputation in a string of notable horror and thriller performances. Her steady rise within horror-thriller cinema reflects her versatility and willingness to dive into intense, emotionally charged roles, reinforcing her status as a prominent face in modern horror.

Beyond the Spotlight

Outside of her acting career, Ortega is deeply involved in fashion, charity work, and brand ambassadorships. Using her platform, she has supported various causes, including the DoSomething campaign, which advocates for immigrants and refugees. Ortega, who is openly pro-immigration and anti-discrimination, spoke with Teen Vogue about the importance of staying authentic in a diverse world. She shared in an interview with them, “It’s important to embrace your culture today because there are so many different ethnicities in America. At the end of the day, you are you. You’ve got to stay true to yourself, and you can’t change yourself in order to fit in or to make someone else feel comfortable.” This highlights a different side of her, as many people only know her from her roles on TV, but she’s involved in so much more beyond acting.

Ortega’s influence has grown beyond acting, making her a popular ambassador for well-known brands. In 2020, she became a spokesperson for Neutrogena and led its My Quinceañera Journey campaign, which highlighted her connection to cultural celebrations and self-confidence. By 2023, her list of partnerships had expanded, as she became an ambassador for Adidas and Dior. Ortega’s popularity even brought her to one of the biggest ad events of the year: the Super Bowl. During the 2023 Super Bowl, she starred in a Doritos commercial alongside actors Danny Ramirez, Olivia Negron, and Patricia Mauceri.

Hollywood’s Rising Star of Horror

While Ortega has acted in many shows and movies outside of horror, she truly began to gain major attention after entering the horror and thriller genre. She started her career at just nine years old and had a special ability to engage audiences even at a young age. Over the years, her talent and dedication have helped her take on intense roles that keep viewers hooked. Her success in horror has shown her range as an actor and her drive to grow and take on new challenges, making her stand out in the genre.

Wednesday (2022) Official Netflix Trailer

Source: Dead Talk Live

Contact Information:

Email: news@deadtalknews.com

Phone: +1 (646) 397-2874

Dead Talk Live is simultaneously streamed to: YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebookTwitchTwitterVimeo, and LinkedIn

Shop official Dead Talk Live Merchandise at our Online Store

Source: Dead Talk Live

Contact Information:

Email: news@deadtalknews.com

Phone: +1 (650) 308-4023

Dead Talk Live is simultaneously streamed to YouTubeInstagramFacebookTwitch, and Twitter daily at 9:30 PM Eastern U.S. Time.

Shop official Dead Talk Live Merchandise at our Online Store

Author

Author at Dead Talk News |  Posts

Janaye is a graduate student at Rowan University, pursuing a degree in Writing Arts. She previously earned her bachelor's degree in the same field, specializing in creative writing and public publishing.

Kendra Dennis is a Pennsylvania-based creative and content writer. While her passion lies within the creative realm, Kendra enjoys any time she gets to write. Kendra graduated from American Public University System in June of 2025 with a BA in English. She enjoys writing stories that open up to a larger world where readers can get lost. You can find her daydreaming about her newest stories or reorganizing one of her many bookshelves.