Jenna Ortega (born September 27, 2002) is an American actress who rose from Disney Channel stardom to global recognition with her role as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s hit series Wednesday. By 2026, she is considered one of the most influential Gen Z actresses, appearing in major films like Scream, X, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, while also being featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jenna Marie Ortega |
| Birthdate | September 27, 2002 |
| Birthplace | Coachella Valley, California, USA |
| Height | 5’1” (155 cm) |
| Profession | Actress |
| Breakthrough | Stuck in the Middle (Disney Channel) |
| Global Fame | Wednesday (Netflix, 2022–present) |
| Awards | Imagen Award, Forbes 30 Under 30 |
| Net Worth (2026) | $5–12 million |
| Heritage | Mexican & Puerto Rican |
| Nickname | Gen Z’s “Scream Queen” |
Early Life and Family
- Full Name: Jenna Marie Ortega
- Date of Birth: September 27, 2002
- Birthplace: Coachella Valley, California, USA
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5’1” (155 cm)
Jenna grew up in La Quinta, California, in a large family of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage. She is the fourth of six children, and her upbringing in a supportive household helped nurture her early interest in acting.
Childhood and First Roles
- Began acting professionally at age nine.
- First major role: young Jane Villanueva in Jane the Virgin (2014–2019).
- Disney Channel breakthrough: starred as Harley Diaz in Stuck in the Middle (2016–2018), winning an Imagen Award.
Her early career established her as a versatile performer, balancing comedy, drama, and voice acting (Princess Isabel in Elena of Avalor).
Career Highlights
Transition to Mature Roles (2018–2021)
- Appeared in Netflix’s You (Season 2).
- Roles in The Babysitter: Killer Queen and Yes Day.
- Starred in The Fallout (2021), praised for her emotional depth.
Horror and “Scream Queen” Era (2022–2025)
- Cast in Scream (2022) and X (2022).
- Became known as Gen Z’s Scream Queen.
- Wednesday (2022–present): Global breakout role, earning Emmy nominations and massive fan following.
- By 2026, filming Season 3 of Wednesday.
Upcoming Projects (2026)
- The Gallerist (with Natalie Portman, Sundance 2026).
- The Great Beyond and Klara and the Sun.
Awards and Recognition
- Imagen Award (Disney Channel era).
- Featured on Hollywood Reporter’s Power 100 (2023).
- Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (2024).
Jenna Ortega’s Private Life (2022–2026)
Jenna Ortega is known for keeping her private life very discreet. She values her independence, focuses on her career, and rarely shares details about relationships. In recent years, she has been linked to rumors of dating but consistently emphasizes that her priority is acting and personal growth.
Family and Background
- Heritage: Mexican and Puerto Rican roots, which she proudly represents in interviews and public appearances.
- Parents & Siblings: Jenna grew up in a large family in Coachella Valley, California, with five siblings. She often credits her family for keeping her grounded despite fame.
- Privacy: She has stated in interviews that she prefers to keep her family life away from the spotlight.
Relationships and Rumors
- Jenna Ortega has been the subject of numerous dating rumors, but she often clarifies that she is single or prefers not to discuss her love life.
- In 2025, she confirmed she was not in a relationship and dismissed viral rumors linking her to Johnny Depp.
- In 2026, speculation arose after she was spotted at Copenhagen Airport with Danish musician Elias Rønnenfelt, sharing affectionate moments. While fans debated the authenticity of this relationship, Jenna herself has not made any official statement.
Personality and Lifestyle
- Jenna describes herself as introverted yet passionate, preferring quiet time with family and close friends.
- She is outspoken about mental health, representation, and women’s empowerment, often using her platform to advocate for social issues.
- Despite her fame, she maintains a low‑key lifestyle, avoiding oversharing on social media.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Family | Mexican & Puerto Rican heritage; 5 siblings |
| Privacy | Keeps family life and relationships discreet |
| Relationship Rumors | Linked to Elias Rønnenfelt (2026), denied Johnny Depp rumors |
| Personality | Introverted, socially conscious, grounded |
| Lifestyle | Focused on career, avoids celebrity excess |
Jenna Ortega’s private life reflects a deliberate balance between fame and privacy. While her career places her in the global spotlight, she consistently chooses to protect her personal relationships and family from public scrutiny. This approach strengthens her image as a serious actress who values authenticity over publicity. The occasional dating rumors highlight the challenges of maintaining privacy in Hollywood, but Jenna’s refusal to confirm or deny most speculation shows her commitment to controlling her narrative.
Net Worth and Influence
As of 2026, Jenna Ortega’s net worth is estimated between $5 million and $12 million, depending on the source. Her earnings come from acting roles (Wednesday, Scream, X), endorsements, and investments, with her breakout success on Netflix’s Wednesday being the biggest driver of her financial growth.
Current Estimates
- Celebrity Net Worth / CelebWorth: Around $5 million.
- Lifestyle & Finance Reports: Suggest her net worth could be closer to $10–12 million, boosted by Wednesday and film contracts.
- CelebsMoney: Lists a much lower figure of $500,000, though this is widely considered outdated.
Income Sources
- Television & Streaming:
- Wednesday (Netflix) – her most lucrative role, significantly increasing her earnings.
- Disney Channel (Stuck in the Middle) and Jane the Virgin provided early income.
- Film Roles:
- Scream franchise, X, The Fallout, and upcoming projects (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, The Gallerist).
- Endorsements & Fashion:
- Partnerships with luxury fashion brands and beauty campaigns.
- Social media influence adds to her marketability.
- Investments:
- Reports suggest real estate purchases and potential production ventures.
Net Worth Summary Table
| Source / Estimate | Value (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Net Worth | $5 million | Conservative estimate |
| Lifestyle Reports | $10–12 million | Includes endorsements & investments |
| CelebsMoney | $500,000 | Likely outdated figure |
Jenna Ortega’s financial profile reflects her rapid rise from Disney child star to global icon. While estimates vary, the most credible range is $5–12 million, with the higher end supported by her Netflix success and blockbuster film roles. Her career trajectory suggests that her net worth will continue to climb, especially if she secures production deals or expands into directing.
- Estimated net worth (2026): $5–12 million.
- Income sources: acting contracts, Netflix royalties, endorsements, fashion campaigns.
- Public image: admired for authenticity, activism, and representation of Latinx heritage.
Analysis
Jenna Ortega’s career reflects a strategic evolution: from child star to Disney Channel icon, then transitioning into serious roles that positioned her as a leader of Gen Z Hollywood. Her choice of horror and dark comedy roles aligned with cultural trends, while Wednesday gave her global recognition. Financially, her net worth is modest compared to blockbuster stars, but her influence is immense, with strong brand partnerships and cultural impact.
Her biography illustrates how authenticity, representation, and versatility can build a sustainable career in modern entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jenna Ortega
Who is Jenna Ortega?
Jenna Ortega is an American actress, born on September 27, 2002, best known for her role as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s hit series Wednesday.
What is Jenna Ortega’s net worth?
As of 2026, Jenna Ortega’s net worth is estimated between $5 million and $12 million, earned from acting, endorsements, and fashion campaigns.
What are Jenna Ortega’s most famous roles?
Her most notable performances include:
- Wednesday (Netflix, 2022–present)
- Scream (2022, 2023)
- X (2022)
- The Fallout (2021)
- Jane the Virgin (2014–2019)
- Stuck in the Middle (Disney Channel, 2016–2018)
Has Jenna Ortega won any awards?
Yes. She has won an Imagen Award, appeared on Forbes 30 Under 30 (2024), and was named to Hollywood Reporter’s Power 100 (2023).
What is Jenna Ortega’s heritage?
She is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, and often speaks about the importance of representation in Hollywood.
How old is Jenna Ortega?
She is 23 years old in 2026.
Is Jenna Ortega in a relationship?
Jenna Ortega keeps her private life discreet. She has been linked to rumors, but she emphasizes that her focus is on her career.
What upcoming projects feature Jenna Ortega?
In 2026, she is set to appear in The Gallerist (with Natalie Portman), The Great Beyond, and Klara and the Sun.
What is Jenna Ortega’s nickname?
She is often referred to as Gen Z’s “Scream Queen” due to her success in horror films.
Where does Jenna Ortega live?
She resides primarily in Los Angeles, California, balancing her career with a private lifestyle.
