'Wednesday' star Jenna Ortega felt 'patronised' after season one, reveals post-fame struggles: 'I was an unhappy person'
Wednesday propelled
Jenna Ortega
to global stardom, defining her career with her gothic portrayal of Wednesday Addams. However, the show's immense success brought unforeseen challenges for the young actress, including intense pressure, overwhelming attention, and a pervasive feeling of not being taken seriously.
The Weight of Fame
In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, Ortega candidly shared the personal toll of the show's popularity. "To be quite frank, after the show and trying to figure everything out, I was an unhappy person," she admitted. "After the pressure, the attention — as somebody who's quite introverted, that was so intense and so scary."
Feeling "Patronised" Due to Image
A significant challenge that continues to trouble Ortega is how her on-screen appearance influences public perception.
She confessed that dressing as a schoolgirl and her youthful look made it difficult for others to perceive her as an adult. "It's always been really annoying, because you just don't feel like you're being taken seriously," she explained. "You know, it's like how you're dressed in the schoolgirl costume.
There's just something about it that's very patronising. Also, when you're short, people are already physically looking down on you."
This image, she noted, persists even now, as she's "doing a show I'm going to be doing for years where I play a schoolgirl. But I'm also a young woman."
From Disney to Darkness
Prior to landing her iconic role in Tim Burton's Wednesday, Ortega was predominantly associated with lighter, cheerful characters stemming from her time as a Disney star. "I've always been into dark things or been fascinated by them, but I was a Disney kid, and the whole thing is being bubbly and kind and overly sweet," she admitted, highlighting a personal inclination that diverged from her early career image.
Taking Control Behind the Camera
During the interview, Ortega also addressed the often unfair expectations placed upon young women in the entertainment industry, pointing out how female actors are frequently judged for growing and evolving. "But you're watching these women at the most pivotal times in their lives," she added. To gain more creative agency, Ortega is stepping into a producer's role for Wednesday Season 2, stating, "I sit in on meetings and listen and learn.
I'm still finding my footing in that area."
Wednesday will be launched in two parts: Part 1 on August 6 and Part 2 on September 3.
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