Jenna Marie Ortega, born on September 27, 2002, in Coachella Valley, California, is an American actress who has rapidly risen to prominence in the entertainment industry. From a young age, Ortega demonstrated a keen interest in acting, supported by her family and nurtured through various roles in television and film. Here is a timeline of her significant milestones and achievements:
Main Milestones
Birth
September 27, 2002
Jenna Marie Ortega was born in Coachella Valley, California, as the fourth of six children. Her early life was marked by a large family and an environment that encouraged her creative pursuits.
Early Interest in Acting
Age 5 (around 2007)
Ortega began to take an interest in acting at the age of five. Her mother recognized her passion and posted a video of her performing a dramatic monologue on Facebook, which helped secure her an agent at the age of six.
Acting Debut
2012
Ortega made her acting debut at the age of nine with a role in the TV series 'Rob' and also appeared in an episode of 'CSI: NY' as Aimee Moore. This marked the beginning of her professional acting career.
Role in Iron Man 3
2013
Ortega played the role of the Vice President’s daughter in the film 'Iron Man 3,' which became the second-highest-grossing film of the year. This role was one of her early significant film appearances.
Young Jane in Jane the Virgin
2014-2019
Ortega gained recognition for her role as the young Jane in the CW comedy-drama series 'Jane the Virgin.' Her performance in critical flashback scenes was highly praised during the show’s run.
Leading Role in Stuck in the Middle
2016-2018
Ortega starred as Harley Diaz in the Disney Channel series 'Stuck in the Middle,' a role that earned her an Imagen Award. This was one of her leading roles in children’s television.
Role in Netflix Series You
2019
Ortega transitioned into adult roles by starring as Ellie Alves in the second season of the Netflix thriller series 'You.' This marked a significant shift in her career towards more mature and complex roles.
Leading Role in The Fallout
2021
Ortega starred in the film 'The Fallout,' directed by Megan Park, which she has cited as one of her proudest moments. The film deals with the sensitive topic of a school shooting and its aftermath.
Breakthrough with Wednesday
2022
Ortega starred as the titular character in the Netflix show 'Wednesday,' which became an immense success and catapulted her into stardom. She also appeared in other horror films like 'Scream' and 'X' during this year.
Golden Globe Nomination
2023
Ortega received her first Golden Globe nomination for 'Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy TV Series' for her role in 'Wednesday.' This nomination marked a significant milestone in her career, recognizing her performance on a global stage.
