Jenna Ortega, the captivating actress who has graced our screens with her talent, is candidly sharing her journey of navigating Hollywood's stereotypes as a child star. Her portrayal of “schoolgirl” in Wednesday has been both a challenge and an opportunity for self-expression.

In a poignant Wednesday profile featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Jenna reveals how forming deep bonds with fellow former child actors like Winona Ryder, Natasha Lyonne, and Natalie Portman has been a source of comfort and growth. She echoes Natalie Portman’s sentiment about being treated as a perpetual child due to her petite stature, a reality that resonates deeply with Jenna.

"I can relate to this so profoundly," Jenna confides. "It's endlessly frustrating because you yearn to be taken seriously. The act of dressing up in a schoolgirl costume... it feels patronizing. And when you're short, people naturally look down on you, not just physically but metaphorically too."

Before stepping into the iconic role of Wednesday Addams in Tim Burton’s Netflix series, Jenna reflects on her childhood fascination with darker themes despite being immersed in Disney's world of light-heartedness. "I've always been drawn to the darker side, yet I was expected to embody bubbly, kind, overly sweet characters," she shares.

Now at 22, as an Emmy-nominated actress, Jenna wrestles with the duality of portraying a "schoolgirl" while embracing her identity as a young woman. She muses, "I’m committed to a show where I play a schoolgirl for years, yet I'm also evolving into adulthood."

Jenna acknowledges that her character in Wednesday is more than just an outcast; she's a cultural icon. This realization has propelled Jenna into becoming what she terms a "pop actor," a path she never envisioned for herself. To avoid being confined to the horror genre, Jenna strives to strike a balance between projects that appeal to audiences and those that resonate with her personal interests. She is eager to explore roles that are "older, bolder, and distinctively different."

As the star and an upcoming producer for season two of Wednesday, Jenna aims to diversify her entertainment portfolio. With aspirations to direct, she speaks passionately about "a script I’ve nurtured for nearly a decade." Jenna envisions a future rich with diverse credits, showcasing her multifaceted talents and unwavering dedication to her craft.