Jenna Ortega on Playing Wednesday Addams, Going to Disney Prom & Being Against All Dipping Sauces

TL;DR

Jenna Ortega discusses her acting career and new Netflix show Wednesday with Tim Burton.

Transcript

our next guest is about to Don some of the world's most popular pigtails she plays Gomez and morticia's kid in a new show from Tim Burton Wednesday premieres Wednesday November 23rd on Netflix please welcome Jenna Ortega [Applause] thanks for coming thank you for having me I heard you were with uh Guillermo at the award show the other night it actu... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🏭 Jenna Ortega started acting young in commercial roles, overcoming initial industry barriers.
• 😋 Her experiences filming were lighthearted, including humorous anecdotes about fast food advertisements.
• 👨‍🏫 Transitioning from public school to virtual education showcased the balancing act of acting and academics.
• 💦 The tension and excitement of working with Tim Burton highlights the challenge and honor of collaborating with renowned directors.
• 🫡 Jenna's interactions with Christina Ricci revealed both nervousness and deep respect for past portrayals of iconic characters.
• 🌉 The show Wednesday aims to bridge different audience demographics with humor and relatable themes.
• 🧑‍🏭 Supportive family dynamics are crucial for young actors coping with industry demands and personal lives.

Questions & Answers

Q: At what age did Jenna Ortega begin her acting career?

Jenna Ortega began her acting career at the age of nine. She started with commercials as she had no connections within Hollywood. This early experience in commercials paved the way for her subsequent roles in television and film.

Q: What unique challenges did Jenna face while filming McDonald’s commercials?

Jenna faced the challenge of being typecast as the "apple girl" in various McDonald's commercials, which was disheartening, especially when she desired the more popular items like Chicken McNuggets. Despite the disappointment, she humorously reflects on the experience and acknowledges the healthier choice of apples.

Q: How did Jenna feel about her time in public school compared to acting?

Jenna attended public school before switching to homeschooling due to her acting commitments. While she did not feel particularly special at school, she acknowledged that her peers sometimes made remarks about her acting. Ultimately, her experiences in school and acting blended her childhood with unique challenges.

Q: How does Jenna describe her experience working with Tim Burton?

Jenna describes working with Tim Burton as a delightful experience, highlighting his kindness and unique communication style, often mumbling in a language of his own. She expressed admiration for his creativity and stated that he is one of the most enjoyable directors she has ever worked with.

Q: What was Jenna's interaction like with Christina Ricci during filming?

Jenna found her interaction with Christina Ricci, the original Wednesday actress, to be awkward yet memorable. She felt strange dressing as the character that Ricci portrayed years ago while trying to break the ice, which led to some dark humor moments that Ricci found surprising.

Q: How did Jenna's family support her acting pursuits?

Jenna's mother, a full-time ER nurse, supported her acting career by driving her to auditions, often traveling six to seven hours round trip. This dedication allowed Jenna to pursue her passion, balancing her mom's demanding job and the family's needs.

Q: What genre does Jenna believe the show Wednesday caters to?

Jenna believes that Wednesday has a bit of everything for everyone, combining diverse characters with humor and darker themes. She mentions that the jokes are safe yet have an edge, appealing to a broad audience while still being suitable for younger viewers.

Q: What impact does Jenna foresee from the show's premiere on Netflix?

Jenna feels optimistic about the show's appeal, as she sees a lot of excitement from the audience, including children. The anticipation for November 23rd premiere date suggests that the series will resonate well with viewers, offering a fresh take on beloved characters.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jenna Ortega, the young actress, started her career at age nine, primarily performing in commercials due to her lack of industry connections.

• The actress humorously shares her experiences filming McDonald's commercials and her journey in navigating public school while pursuing acting.

• Ortega discusses her role in Tim Burton's new series Wednesday, highlighting her admiration for Burton and her interactions with Christina Ricci.