In the September 2025 issue of Vogue México and Latin America, Jenna Ortega opens up with remarkable candour about the anxiety and insecurity she experienced as a young actress navigating Hollywood’s complex landscape.
Ortega reflects candidly on her early career, noting that “being young and assertive is intense for a lot of people, as a woman” it’s a dynamic that often rendered her voiceless on set. She says:
“I’ve always known what it’s like to not have a voice, and that terrifies me. I don’t want to be in that situation again.”
This fear stems from feeling unheard and invisible, and she worries deeply about reverting to a place of silence and powerlessness.
Jenna describes how past difficult industry experiences caused her to retreat, growing “very insecure” about her place. As she puts it:
“For most of my career, I didn’t know how to express myself. I didn’t know [I] could.”
These struggles fostered self-doubt during a critical period when her voice and confidence were just beginning to develop.
Having learned from those early setbacks, Ortega now emphasises the importance of teamwork. She believes that “the best work often comes from the ideas of a group of people and a collective vision”, advocating for collaborative environments where creativity and mutual respect thrive.
Her rise to stardom has shaped more than just her public profile. Jenna admits that she has become “more cautious”and reserved:
“I used to be a very extroverted child, but I’ve become more reserved… it just means I choose my words carefully.”
This thoughtful restraint reflects a stronger awareness of how her words are received, and a commitment to communicating with intention and clarity.
Ortega attributes much of her resilience to her cultural background. Born to a Mexican-Puerto Rican family and raised in Indio, California, she emphasises her heritage as “a fundamental part of [her] identity”, something she remains proud of and refuses to let fade with fame.
Jenna Ortega’s experience underlines a journey from learned helplessness to empowered self-expression. Her early years in Hollywood left her feeling insecure and silenced, a reality she now actively resists. Today, she champions collaborative, voice-affirming environments, speaks with care, and embraces her cultural foundation as vital to her identity and artistry.
