"It's just what I know" - Jenna Ortega opens up about being 'terrified' in her early career, says she 'didn't know she could' express herself

Jenna Ortega is making a point to stay away from the pitfalls she fell victim to earlier in her career as an emerging star in Hollywood. In an interview with Vogue México and Latin America for their September issue, Wednesday star opened up about feeling voiceless on set,

“For most of my career, I didn't know how to express myself. [I] didn't know [I] could.”

She went on to say,

“Being young and assertive is intense for a lot of people, as a woman. I've always known what it's like to not have a voice, and that terrifies me. I don't want to be in that situation again. But for me, it's just about making sure I use my voice in the most professional, efficient, and kind way possible.”

It's impressive to see how perceptive Jenna has been early in her career. It's clear she's identified what she finds to be problematic in terms of working environments, and now has to tools necessary to avoid those scenarios from presenting themselves.

Jenna Ortega opens up

Jenna Ortega began her career with smaller roles in television until her big screen debut in 2013’s Iron Man 3. Her ascent to stardom was swift after that, although she remained very aware of the industry that was shaping up around her.

“I was very young, I didn't know anything about the industry, perhaps because of certain professional experiences I'd had in the past that were a little more difficult. I shut myself away and became very insecure about my place.”

Ortega went on to add that it’s in her estimation that when all players are given a voice, it generally has a positive effect on the end product.

“the best work often comes from the ideas of a group of people and a collective vision.”

On life after fame, Jenna Ortega shared that she’s been forced to become more measured, or as she puts it, "cautious" with her actions and words,

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"I used to be a very extroverted child, but I've become more reserved. It doesn't mean something negative. It just means I choose my words carefully."

It's important for young creatives entering the space to feel heard and seen by their collaborators, who are generally older and more experienced. Jenna Ortega was brave to express her feelings about her early years as an actress, hopefully marking a turning point in how young actors are embraced on set moving forward.

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