Actor Jenna Ortega has revealed that she came close to quitting acting during her teenage years, just before landing a breakthrough role that changed the course of her career. In a recent interview, Ortega spoke candidly about a period of uncertainty after transitioning away from children’s television, when she began to question her future in the industry.

Ortega, who started her career with early roles in shows like Richie Rich and Stuck in the Middle, said she struggled to find her footing as she sought more mature roles. The transition proved challenging, as she felt the need to reintroduce herself to casting directors and demonstrate her versatility. “I didn’t know what else I was gonna do,” she said, describing the doubts that nearly led her to step away from acting entirely.

The actor noted that discussions about quitting went on for months with her team, as she weighed her options during what she described as a difficult phase. “It just felt like a good time to call it quits if I was going to,” she added, highlighting the extent of her uncertainty at the time.

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Her career trajectory shifted in 2019 when she was cast as Ellie Alves in the second season of the Netflix series You. Starring alongside Penn Badgley, Ortega’s role as the neighbour of Joe Goldberg marked a turning point, allowing her to showcase a more mature and nuanced performance.

Reflecting on the experience, Ortega said she immediately connected with the role and rediscovered her passion for acting. “I loved it and had the best time,” she said, adding that the project reaffirmed her commitment to the profession and convinced her not to walk away.

Since then, Ortega’s career has steadily risen, with leading roles in films such as X, Scream VI, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and Death of a Unicorn. She also stars in the Emmy-winning Netflix series Wednesday, establishing herself as one of the prominent young actors in Hollywood today.

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