Early Life and Education of Jenna Ortega: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Jenna Ortega. A timeline of key moments.

Jenna Marie Ortega is an American actress, recognized for her prominent roles in horror films, leading to the media dubbing her "Gen Z's scream queen." Her influence and impact have been acknowledged through her inclusion in The Hollywood Reporter's Power 100 list in 2023 and Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2024, highlighting her rising status and accomplishments within the entertainment industry.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

September 27, 2002: Jenna Ortega's Birth

On September 27, 2002, Jenna Marie Ortega was born. She is an American actress known for her work in horror.

Others born on this day/year

2004: Inspiration from Man on Fire

In 2004, after watching Dakota Fanning in the thriller film Man on Fire, six-year-old Jenna Ortega wanted to act. She was inspired by Fanning's performance and decided she wanted to be "the Puerto Rican version" of her.

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2016: Booking a role in Stuck in the Middle

After booking a role in Stuck in the Middle, Ortega got an apartment in Los Angeles. In 2016, she acted in Los Angeles during the workweek and returned home on weekends.

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2016: Organizing a meet-and-greet for cancer fundraising

In 2016, Jenna Ortega organized a meet-and-greet event for fans to raise money for a young girl with cancer.

2018: Protest at Radio Disney Music Awards

At the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards, Jenna Ortega wore a jacket displaying the words "I Do Care and U Should Too" in response to Melania Trump's clothing, protesting the treatment of immigrant children.

2018: Stuck in the Middle ended

In 2018, Jenna Ortega's role in the Disney Channel series Stuck in the Middle ended, leading her to seek more mature projects.

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2018: Stopped attending public school

Jenna Ortega stopped attending public school during eighth grade in 2018 to act in Disney productions.

2019: Appearance at We Day benefit concerts

In 2019, Jenna Ortega appeared at numerous We Day benefit concerts across the U.S. and Canada to raise funds for WE Charity.

November 2023: Exit from the Scream franchise

In November 2023, Jenna Ortega exited the Scream franchise after her co-star Melissa Barrera was fired due to her pro-Palestinian comments on the Gaza war. Ortega stated a subsequent film did not appear to be the "right move" due to the changing cast and crew.

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2023: Artists4Ceasefire letter and condemnation of Tel al-Sultan attack

In 2023, Jenna Ortega signed a letter as part of Artists4Ceasefire, urging for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and later condemned the Tel al-Sultan attack.