Ortega Nearly Quit Acting Before Netflix Breakthrough
PUBLISHED Apr 9, 2026, 5:36 AM ET
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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.
By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Early career: Ortega appears in children’s TV series including Richie Rich and Stuck in the Middle.
- Post-Disney period: After Stuck in the Middle ended, Ortega struggled to reintroduce herself to casting directors.
- 2019: Ortega was cast as Ellie Alves in season 2 of Netflix’s You.
- Pre-casting deliberation: Ortega discussed quitting acting with her team prior to the You booking.
- April 9 reports: Multiple outlets published Ortega’s statements from interviews and a podcast about nearly quitting.
News Intelligence
- 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.
- Articles Published:
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Jenna Ortega benefited by securing a career-transforming role in Netflix's You, which re-established her as an adult actor and increased her visibility and subsequent professional opportunities.
Child actors transitioning to adult roles and their teams experienced career uncertainty and deliberation over continuing in the industry, as evidenced by Ortega's consideration of quitting and discussions with her management.
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Ortega Nearly Quit Acting Before Netflix Breakthrough
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