Jenna Ortega is a rising star in Hollywood, known for her incredible versatility and talent across both television and film. Born on September 27, 2002, in Coachella Valley, California, she began her acting career at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her roles in popular TV shows like Stuck in the Middle on Disney Channel and You on Netflix. Ortega has since become a household name, with her breakthrough performance as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s hit series Wednesday (2022), a role that skyrocketed her career and solidified her status as a major force in the entertainment industry. As of 2024, her estimated net worth of $5 million reflects her growing influence, not just as an actress but also as a cultural icon. Beyond acting, Ortega is also known for her activism, particularly her support for causes like mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights.
Early Life and Background
Jenna Ortega was born on September 27, 2002, in Coachella Valley, California, to a large and supportive family of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. Growing up in a close-knit family, Ortega had an early interest in acting, which was evident from the age of six. Her passion and ambition led her to seek out acting opportunities from a young age, and her family supported her as she pursued her dream. Ortega’s early acting career began with small roles, but even from a young age, she exhibited an undeniable talent that would soon set her apart from other young actors.
Early Career: Disney Beginnings
Jenna Ortega’s first significant break came when she landed a recurring role on the Disney Channel series Stuck in the Middle (2016-2018), where she played Harley Diaz, the middle child in a large family. This role helped her gain significant recognition, especially among younger audiences. The series ran for three seasons, and Ortega’s portrayal of the inventive and quick-witted Harley earned her widespread praise. It also opened the doors for her to become a familiar face on Disney, propelling her further into the mainstream.
Before her Disney success, she had small roles in shows like CSI: NY, Rob, and Rake, as well as in films like Iron Man 3 (2013) and Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013). These smaller roles laid the foundation for her future career and helped her gain experience in both film and television.
Breakthrough Roles: Netflix and Horror Genre Success
After her Disney days, Jenna Ortega took her career in a slightly different direction, showing her versatility as an actress. One of her major breakthroughs came in 2019, when she starred in Netflix’s hit series You. In the second season, she portrayed Ellie Alves, a street-smart teenager who forms a bond with the series’ main character, Joe Goldberg. This role allowed Ortega to demonstrate her range as an actress, showcasing her ability to tackle more mature and complex roles. Her performance in You garnered widespread acclaim and solidified her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
In 2021, Ortega took on one of her most significant roles to date: the lead in the horror sequel Scream (2022). Known for her love of the horror genre, Ortega embraced the role, portraying Tara Carpenter, the younger sister of the main character, with great depth and emotion. Her performance in Scream further demonstrated her acting capabilities, and she quickly became a fan favorite among horror enthusiasts. Jenna Ortega’s involvement in Scream also helped her solidify a niche in the horror genre, which has become a significant aspect of her career.
In addition to Scream, Ortega has appeared in other horror films, including The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020) and X (2022), both of which received positive reviews. Her work in these projects, along with You, proved that she was more than just a former Disney star—she was a versatile actress capable of taking on challenging and diverse roles.
Wednesday: The Role That Changed Everything
Arguably, the most transformative role in Jenna Ortega’s career to date has been her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the Netflix series Wednesday (2022). The show, a dark comedic spin-off of The Addams Family, centers on the iconic character of Wednesday as she navigates high school at Nevermore Academy. Ortega’s take on the beloved gothic character received widespread acclaim for her deadpan humor, sharp wit, and perfect embodiment of Wednesday’s offbeat charm.
Wednesday became a massive success on Netflix, breaking viewership records and becoming one of the platform’s most-watched series in its debut week. Ortega’s performance was the driving force behind the show’s success, earning her accolades and nominations for various awards. The role not only boosted her career but also significantly increased her net worth as she became one of the most in-demand young actresses in Hollywood.
With the immense popularity of Wednesday, Ortega’s star power soared, and she became a favorite among both young and older audiences. The show opened new doors for her, securing her status as a top-tier talent in the industry.
Film and Television Work Beyond Wednesday
Jenna Ortega’s work isn’t limited to television. In addition to her significant roles in series like You and Wednesday, Ortega has built a diverse film portfolio. Besides her aforementioned work in the horror genre, she has appeared in films like The Fallout (2021), a drama that explores the aftermath of a school shooting. In the film, Ortega portrays Vada, a high school student dealing with the trauma of the event. Her sensitive and powerful performance earned her critical praise and demonstrated her ability to tackle serious, emotional roles.
Another significant project was her voice acting work for Disney’s animated series Elena of Avalor (2016-2020), where she voiced Princess Isabel. The series marked a return to her Disney roots, but as a voice actress, she continued to showcase her range and versatility in new formats.
Sources of Income
Jenna Ortega’s net worth of $5 million in 2024 can be attributed to various income streams, including acting salaries, brand endorsements, and social media influence. While acting remains her primary source of income, her popularity has opened doors to additional revenue opportunities.
Acting Salaries
Ortega’s earnings from her acting projects have been steadily increasing as her career has progressed. Her roles in high-profile projects like Wednesday, Scream, and You have contributed significantly to her net worth. As her star power continues to rise, so do her paychecks. Her lead role in Wednesday is likely one of her highest-paid roles to date, given the show’s massive success and the global appeal of the Addams Family brand.
Brand Endorsements and Sponsorships
As Jenna Ortega’s fame has grown, so has her appeal to brands and advertisers. Ortega has been involved in various brand partnerships and endorsements, particularly in the fashion and beauty industries. Given her strong social media presence, with millions of followers on platforms like Instagram, she has become a valuable influencer for companies looking to reach younger audiences.
Ortega’s personal style, which often blends edgy and gothic elements with youthful trends, has made her a fashion icon for her generation. This has led to collaborations with major fashion brands and increased her overall earning potential.
Social Media Influence
With a significant following on social media, Jenna Ortega has become a powerful influencer in her own right. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok allow her to engage with fans directly and showcase her personality, interests, and style. Social media influencers often earn money through sponsored posts, brand partnerships, and advertising deals, and given her substantial following, Ortega likely earns a considerable amount from these platforms.
Her online presence also helps her maintain a close connection with her fanbase, which translates to higher engagement and support for her projects, whether it’s a new film, TV show, or fashion collaboration.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Jenna Ortega has also used her platform for advocacy and philanthropy, supporting causes close to her heart. She has been vocal about her support for the LGBTQ+ community, mental health awareness, and immigrant rights. Ortega’s activism and her willingness to use her platform for good have earned her respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.
Her involvement in various charitable causes has solidified her reputation as more than just an actress. She is a role model for many young people, using her fame to raise awareness about important social issues and give back to the community.
