Jenna Ortega might only be 16 years old, but the young starlet has no shortage of acting and personal accolades (not to mention, 4.3 million followers on Instagram). Most recently, she made major casting news when she nabbed the role of Ellie Alves [1] in the second season of our newest Netflix obsession, You. Apparently, she'll encounter Joe Goldberg as part of a scheme to earn a little extra cash. Girl, you better watch out!
But Jenna has been a major actress long before her new Netflix role. She earned her first acting credit at 9 years old in the television show Rob. And then, in 2014, she inspired fans worldwide with her portrayal of young Jane on Jane the Virgin [2]. In 2016, she was cast as Harley Diaz, the main character, in the hit Disney Channel series Stuck in the Middle. Clearly, Mickey Mouse is a fan because Jenna also went on to voice Princess Isabel in the animated TV series Elena of Avalor [3].
Since we've been charmed by Jenna for awhile now, we set out to uncover some more interesting factoids about her, and it turns out, she's even more amazing than we thought.
She's Disney's First Latina Princess
Jenna has made major inroads for the Latina community, and her most recent Disney project is a huge step in the right direction. When she voiced the role of Isabel [5] in the Disney Channel animated series Elena of Avalor, she became Disney's first Latina princess.
Her Favourite Disney Movie Is The Lion King
Apparently, Jenna can't get enough of The Lion King either. She told Disney Channel that it is her favourite Disney movie [6], and we can bet she's excited to see Beyoncé sing her heart out in the upcoming remake [7].
She's the Great Grand Daughter of a Mexican Immigrant
Jenna's great grandma came to the US [8] from a small ranch near Sinaloa, Mexico. She came as an undocumented immigrant with her four daughters, and she enrolled them in English schools.
Language Was an Important Part of Her Upbringing
Her father is 100 percent Mexican [9], but he is not fluent in Spanish. Meanwhile, her mother deeply cared about Ortega and her siblings speaking Spanish so she would talk to the children in Spanish. Jenna's father, however, could not understand what they were saying, and it became an interesting family dynamic.
She Is an Advocate For the Pride Over Prejudice Campaign
Jenna worked with DoSomething.org on its Pride Over Prejudice campaign that sought to encourage diversity and acceptance.
"At the end of the day, you are you," she told Teen Vogue. "You've got to stay true to yourself [10], and you can't change yourself in order to fit in or to make someone else feel comfortable."
She Began Acting When She Was 9
A casting agent discovered Jenna on Facebook [11] when she was only 9 years old, according to Forbes, and the rest is history.
She Took a Stand Against Melania Trump
During a 2018 visit to Texas to visit facilities that house migrant children Melania Trump sported a Zara jacket that read [12], "I don't really care. Do you." To answer Melania's insensitive fashion statement, Jenna made her own. Jenna wore a custom jacket that was branded [13] with the phrase, "I Do Care, And U Should Too" to the Radio Disney Music Awards.
She Obsesses Over Stranger Things (Just Like Us)
In an interview with Talk Nerdy With Us [14], Jenna said she nerds out over Stranger Things [15]. "I follow everyone's theories about the show, and I cannot get enough of it," she said. Next viewing party at our place?
Her Morning Beauty Routine Is Amazingly Minimal
She told Shout magazine that her morning routine consists of washing her face with cleanser [16], moisturising, and adding a little tea tree oil to any problem spots. She's also a big fan of coconut oil for her hair, and she uses it as a face mask at least two times a week before bed.
She's a Big Trail Mix Fan
When The Hollywood Reporter asked the young actress what her favourite craft services snack is [17], she vehemently admitted she's a huge trail mix fan. We've never felt so seen.
She's Got Some Ambitious Goals For the Future
She told The Hollywood Reporter that in 10 years, she hopes Hollywood will open up more opportunities to Latina talent [18], which will give her the chance to sit in the director's chair. She also is interested in writing and producing.
