Jenna Marie Ortega is an American actress who became one of the most sought-after young stars in Hollywood through her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in Netflix's Wednesday (2022). At just 23 years old, she has built an impressive filmography spanning horror, comedy, and drama, with leading roles in the Scream franchise, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and multiple critically acclaimed independent films. Her deadpan delivery, expressive eyes, and commitment to dark, complex characters have made her a defining actress of her generation.
Born on September 27, 2002, in the Coachella Valley, California, Ortega is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. She is the fourth of six children in her family. Her mother, Natalie, began posting Jenna's monologue videos on social media, which led to her discovery. She landed her first acting role at age 10 and quickly moved into television with recurring roles in shows including Jane the Virgin (as young Jane) and Stuck in the Middle (Disney Channel, 2016-2018).
Ortega's transition to film accelerated with the horror genre. She starred in The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020), Yes Day (2021, with Jennifer Garner), and the slasher reboot Scream (2022), where she played Tara Carpenter. Her performance in Season 2 of Netflix's You (2021) as Ellie Alves demonstrated her ability to hold the screen alongside established actors. These roles positioned her as a new 'scream queen' for the modern era.
The role that transformed her career was Wednesday Addams in Tim Burton's Wednesday (2022) on Netflix. The show became Netflix's second most-watched English-language series ever, accumulating over 1 billion viewing hours. Ortega's interpretation of Wednesday — combining deadpan humor with genuine emotional complexity — was credited as the show's primary draw. Her dance scene in Episode 4, which she choreographed herself, became one of the most viral moments of 2022.
Following Wednesday's success, Ortega starred in Scream VI (2023), the independent horror film X and its prequel Miller's Girl, and Tim Burton's Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) opposite Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder. She has become one of the most bankable young actresses in Hollywood, known for choosing projects that lean into horror and dark comedy rather than conventional leading-lady roles.
