Jenna Ortega Was Safe From Set Misconduct as a Child Star Because Mom ‘Watched Over Me Like a Hawk,’ Says ‘Child Acting Is Strange’ and ‘There’s Times I Regret It’

As a follower, I deeply admire Jenna Ortega for her resilience and wisdom beyond her years. Her journey into Hollywood at just nine years old is nothing short of remarkable, and it’s heartening to see how she has navigated the industry with grace and maturity.

Jenna Ortega began her acting career in Hollywood at the tender age of 9 and swiftly garnered a fanbase with her performances on popular shows like Disney Channel’s “Stuck in the Middle.” In an interview with The New York Times, she shared that she was fortunate to have avoided any misconduct during filming due to her mother’s vigilant oversight. Although Ortega herself did not view this year’s acclaimed documentary series “Quiet on Set,” which featured accounts of misconduct and harassment on Nickelodeon sets, her mother did watch it and shared the details with her.

Ortega commented on his mother’s response, stating, “I believe she felt more distress because she had observed how other children might not be secure or well-cared for.” He added, “She was always vigilant in watching over me, so I suspect her reaction stemmed from empathy and a desire to help. She simply expressed her gratitude that everything was alright and that she was there to witness the events unfold.”

On the sets where Ortega worked, she luckily avoided any form of harassment; however, she admitted to The Times that overall, child acting can be quite peculiar.

Ortega expressed his understanding of why his parents might have been apprehensive, as he noted the contrast between a child and an adult environment. He added that if he had grown up in Coachella Valley, he would likely be a very different person – speaking differently and interacting differently. This new experience has transformed his thought process and approach to life, and when he interacts with other child actors, they stand out to him because there’s a unique bond or code among them that is hard to explain, almost like a secret language or shared understanding.

Ortega emphasized, “Kids aren’t meant to labor in such a manner. They ought to be exploring trees, sketching, attending school. Unfortunately, some of these children’s parents don’t value education as they should. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have had parents who encouraged socializing with friends, ensured my attendance at public school, and wouldn’t let me work until I was excelling academically, prioritizing rest and studies.”

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always been passionate about acting, even though there have been moments when I’ve felt the weight of choosing this path at such a tender age. There have been instances where I believe my parents might have wished for me to take a different route. However, if given the chance, I wouldn’t alter a thing about my journey in showbiz. It’s been a rollercoaster ride full of lessons and experiences that have shaped me into who I am today.

Ortega stated, “I don’t endorse that idea, but rather appreciate the insights it provided me. Now, when I step onto a film set, I’m filled with confidence due to my extensive knowledge. I understand terms like camera verbiage, I know the roles of a grip and a gaffer, I can communicate effectively with the D.P., read shot lists, and navigate through the production process. I’m aware of what’s happening around me, so I feel secure, comfortable, and eager to go to work every day as it feels like a familiar environment to me.”

In the following, you’ll find information about Ortega appearing next in Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” This movie will be available in theaters starting September 6, courtesy of Warner Bros., following a world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. For a more comprehensive read on Ortega, please visit The New York Times’ website.

2024-08-26 22:46

Jenna Ortega Was Safe From Set Misconduct as a Child Star Because Mom ‘Watched Over Me Like a Hawk,’ Says ‘Child Acting Is Strange’ and ‘There’s Times I Regret It’

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