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Entertainment • Actor

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega is an American actress known for her roles in television and film, including Harley Diaz in *Stuck in the Middle* and Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s *Wednesday*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jenna Ortega is an American actress known for her roles in television and film, including Harley Diaz in *Stuck in the Middle* and Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s *Wednesday*. She began acting as a child and gained wider recognition through projects such as *Jane the Virgin*, *You*, *Scream*, and *X*. Ortega is widely known to Canadian audiences through Netflix series and major film releases, including *Wednesday* and the *Scream* franchise.

Early life and background

Jenna Marie Ortega was born on September 27, 2002, in Coachella Valley, California, U.S. She began acting professionally at age nine, and her early work included television roles before her breakout in *Stuck in the Middle*.

Career

Ortega first gained recognition for playing a younger version of Jane in *Jane the Virgin*. Her breakout Disney Channel role was Harley Diaz in *Stuck in the Middle*. She later moved into higher-profile streaming and film roles, including *You*, *Yes Day*, and the *Scream* franchise. She gained wider fame for horror films including *Scream* (2022), *X* (2022), and *Scream VI* (2023).

Wednesday and later prominence

Her lead role as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s *Wednesday* became her most internationally recognized performance. The role earned her major award nominations, including at the Golden Globe, Primetime Emmy, and Screen Actors Guild awards, and helped establish her as a prominent young screen actor.

Key facts

  • Ortega began acting professionally at age nine.
  • She first gained recognition for playing a younger version of Jane in *Jane the Virgin*.
  • Her breakout Disney Channel role was Harley Diaz in *Stuck in the Middle*.
  • She gained wider fame for horror films including *Scream* (2022), *X* (2022), and *Scream VI* (2023).
  • Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in *Wednesday* brought international recognition and award nominations.
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Canadian context

Jenna Ortega is widely known to Canadian audiences through Netflix series and major film releases, including *Wednesday* and the *Scream* franchise.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jenna Ortega?
Jenna Ortega is an American actress known for television and film roles, especially *Stuck in the Middle* and *Wednesday*.
When was Jenna Ortega born?
She was born on September 27, 2002.
What was Jenna Ortega’s breakthrough role?
Her breakout role was Harley Diaz in Disney Channel’s *Stuck in the Middle*.
What role made Jenna Ortega internationally famous?
Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s *Wednesday* brought her international recognition.
What horror films is Jenna Ortega known for?
She is known for *Scream* (2022), *X* (2022), and *Scream VI* (2023).
Has Jenna Ortega received award recognition?
Yes. Her work in *Wednesday* earned nominations at the Golden Globe, Primetime Emmy, and Screen Actors Guild awards.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenna_Ortega
    Supports: Career overview, early acting, major roles, and award nominations.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jenna-Ortega
    Supports: Birth date/place, nationality, child acting background, *Stuck in the Middle*, and *Wednesday*.
  3. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenna_Ortega
    Supports: Full name, birthplace, and early notable roles including *Stuck in the Middle*, *You*, and *Yes Day*.
  4. Fangoria — https://www.fangoria.com/people/jenna-ortega/
    Supports: Birth details, roles in *Scream*, *X*, *Wednesday*, and activism claims.