Jenna Ortega is setting the record straight about how she’s perceived by the public, making it clear that the image people have of her isn’t entirely accurate.
In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, the Wednesday star admitted she often feels “misunderstood” and struggles with the assumptions people make about her.
“I think that’s part of my struggle with that side of the job, because you feel incredibly misunderstood,” she said. “It’s almost to a point where it feels like your name doesn’t belong to you. I almost don’t even resonate with it anymore.”
Ortega continued, “I hate assumptions, and a big part of this job is that people are going to make assumptions about you.”
Wednesday director Tim Burton, who joined Jenna Ortega for the interview, admitted he “miss[es] the days of mystery … when you didn’t know everything about actors.”
“We know too much,” Ortega agreed. “And the people feel entitled to those bits and pieces of your life where if they were put under the same microscope, they wouldn’t feel nearly as comfortable.”
The actress revealed that she sometimes manages to slip under the radar when she’s out in public. “Sometimes you go out, and it’s a mess,” she said. “And other times, I could be walking for hours and no one gives a shit. If you really want to go unseen, you can do it.”
But when fans do recognize her, Ortega admitted it can be unnerving. “Somebody shouting your name in public is insane,” she said, explaining that she’s “always scared” in those moments. “Sometimes I feel uncomfortable when it’s grown men approaching me,” she added, noting that people can even say “vile things.”
“Like, you don’t stop for somebody because you’re going to be late for something and they’re calling you a ‘cunt whore’ in front of your mother,” she revealed. “It’s horrific.”
Netflix recently renewed Wednesday for a third season, even before Season 2 has aired. The second season is set to premiere in two parts, on August 6 and September 3.
