The Rise of Jenna Ortega: From “Stuck in the Middle” to “Wednesday”

Although Jenna Ortega seems to have risen to fame from Netflix’s new series “Wednesday,” Ortega has been in the spotlight for a while, starring as Harley Diaz in the Disney Channel series “Stuck in the Middle” and many other shows before “Wednesday.” 

Ortega has starred in many series and movies, such as “Scream” and “The Fallout,” but she is most known for her role as Harley Diaz in “Stuck in the Middle,” one of Disney Channel’s most popular TV shows. Ortega played 13-year-old Harley Diaz, the fourth-oldest child of seven children to Tom and Suzy Diaz, and she is the middle child of the bunch. “Stuck in the Middle” follows the daily life of curious Harley and her problem-solving skills in her day-to-day life. Although Harley struggles with being the middle sibling, she also considers herself to be the “Wednesday” of the family: the middle day of a seven-day week and the middle sibling of seven. 

Prior to her breakout role in “Wednesday,” Ortega also starred in the heartbreaking, emotional movie, “The Fallout,” starring herself and Dance Moms star, Maddie Ziegler. Ortega plays high-schooler Vada Cavell as she navigates the emotional fallout she experiences in the wake of a school shooting. As she experiences the ups and downs of high school, she begins to form new relationships and spend more time with Mia Reed, played by Maddie Ziegler. As the two grow closer, Vada slowly begins to redefine herself through their shared experiences. 

Ortega has most recently starred in the breakout show, “Wednesday,” playing the infamous character Wednesday Addams. While attending Nevermore Academy, Wednesday attempts to master her emerging psychic ability, while simultaneously attempting to solve a ongoing murder mystery that has haunted the Nevermore community and its seemingly normal neighboring town, Jericho. 

Overall, Ortega has built a life of memories for millions through her acting. From “Stuck in the Middle,” for adults, to “Scream” for teenagers, to “Jane the Virgin,” for adults, hundreds have grown up with Ortega’s shows. Although Ortega has played a number of diverse roles, her acting persona has grown into one of maturity and emotion. Ortega’s fame has skyrocketed into A-List status, suggesting that she will be part of bigger Hollywood movies with bigger Hollywood stars.

by SEJAL MAMMAI