JENNA ORTEGA [JANE THE VIRGIN]
Instagram: @jennaortega
Twitter: @jennaortega
Tell us about your story. Who is Jenna in the eyes of her family and friends?
In the eyes of my family and friends, I am a normal, goofy girl. I am loving, loyal, and someone you can trust. I can be pretty sassy too!
Where are you originally from? Tell us about your hometown.
I am originally from La Quinta, California. It is a small town where everybody knows each other. La Quinta is a pretty chill area and there are golf courses everywhere
How early did acting start for you? What inspired you to pursue it?
I did not start acting until I was 8 1/2. There was nothing unusual that inspired me. When I was six, I was watching TV one day and I told my mom I wanted to do a commercial. She laughed. My mom thought I was going through a phase, until she realized it was more than that when I was still telling her I wanted to act when I was 8.
What’s your most memorable audition so far?
My most memorable audition would have to be the time I auditioned for Days of Our Lives. I was 9, and in the scene my parents had recently died of a car crash and I was talking with my therapist. I thought I would think of something sad to make me cry, but in the moment I got caught up in the scene and started crying. It was and eye opener for me as an actress because I really became my character.
How is it being a part of a lot of amazing projects like Jane the Virgin, Stuck in the Middle and Elena of Avalor portraying various characters with strong personalities?
It has been phenomenal. I am so honored to be representing such strong, inspirational characters that young girls can look up to! I have had so much fun and I have grown as an actress, too. I am truly blessed!
How can a young and influential child star like you remain relevant in the fast paced environment of today's social media atmosphere?
This is a hard one, because now social media is pretty much a part of my job! After I have made my posts on social media for the day, I put down my phone and hang out with my brothers and sisters. I do not get to spend a lot of time with them because I am constantly in LA, so it is really refreshing to see them. I am so lucky to have such an amazing family who keeps me grounded. No matter what I am working on, they will never let me miss my turn for washing the dishes!
What do you think is the proudest moment in your career so far?
The proudest moment in my career so far is definitely Stuck In The Middle. Being on Disney Channel was one of my childhood dreams, and I am so proud to say that I accomplished that. Being on Disney has given me the platform to be a role model and an inspiration to young girls and I am grateful for that! I have also always wanted to be a great role model for girls, so I'm killing two birds with one stone!
How do you balance your time?
Balancing time is difficult. When I am filming Stuck In The Middle, I am in LA Monday through Friday, which leaves me the weekend for free time in the Coachella Valley. I try to spend as much time with my family as possible. Then again, they all have their own crazy schedules so we are not always free on the same days. When that happens, I try to spend time with my friends back home. I see them even less than my family! They are so supportive and so amazing, I am so lucky to call them my friends.
Describe Jenna Ortega’s Style.
My everyday style is street style, sometimes with a little bit of edge. I am all about being comfortable! Plus I am always to lazy to do my hair so I pretty much have a baseball cap on at all times. When it comes to events though, I like being different and trying new things. I love fashion, so I'm always trying to keep up with the current trends!
What is your dream project?
My dream project is a big, dramatic feature film.
Top 3 music in your playlist right now.
Congratulations- Post Malone ft. Quavo
Loyalty- Kendrick Lamar ft. Rihanna
Slide-Calvin Harris ft. Frank Ocean and Migos
Book you’re currently reading.
13 Reasons Why (because of the show, I was curious!)
Currently binge watching________
Famous in Love
Any advice you can give to any aspiring actors out there?
Never give up. I know it sounds cliche, but it is true! There are going to be people who try to bring you down, but you gotta keep your head up and keep pushing through. If I had listened to my haters, I would not be where I am today. Just remember that you are incredible and unstoppable. And remain classy! Do not stoop down to petty people's level.
If you’re going to have a book what title would it be?
How To Spread Love, Not Hate
If you had the chance and opportunity to help a specific charity, what would it be and why?
I would help UNAids because my grandfather passed away from AIDS before I was born and I never got the chance to meet him. No other families should have that experience. I also learned that most of the new cases today are in girls ages 15-24, and that is a solid percentage of my supporters. I want to educate them so we can prevent this from spreading.
TEAM CREDITS:
Photography & Creative Direction IRVIN RIVERA
Styling ENRIQUE MELENDEZ
Produced by VICTORIA INNOCENZI
Makeup ANTON KHACHATURIAN @ EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS Using MAC COSMETICS
Hair ANDREW ZEPEDA
Photo Asst PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG