Ortega Nearly Quit Acting Before Netflix Breakthrough
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Washington: Actor Jenna Ortega said she nearly left acting after exiting children's television, but landed the role of Ellie Alves in season 2 of Netflix's You in 2019, which she now credits with altering her career trajectory, her interviews reported on April 9.
The casting convinced Ortega to remain in the industry and marked a shift toward mature roles; outlets cited her comments on a podcast and in interviews, noting she discussed quitting with her team before the booking changed her plans this week.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Early career: Ortega appears in children’s TV series including Richie Rich and Stuck in the Middle.
- 2. Post-Disney period: After Stuck in the Middle ended, Ortega struggled to reintroduce herself to casting directors.
- 3. 2019: Ortega was cast as Ellie Alves in season 2 of Netflix’s You.
- 4. Pre-casting deliberation: Ortega discussed quitting acting with her team prior to the You booking.
- 5. April 9 reports: Multiple outlets published Ortega’s statements from interviews and a podcast about nearly quitting.
Why it matters
Ortega's story is a reminder that career paths can be unpredictable. It's a testament to resilience and the power of a single opportunity to change everything. If you're considering a career change or feeling stuck, remember that the next opportunity could be transformative.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
