Jenna Ortega Says She Almost Quit Acting Before Landing ‘You’ Role: ‘”It Was a Good Run” Sort of Thing’

Actress Jenna Ortega revealed during a recent interview on Kid Cudi's 'Big Bro' podcast that she was on the verge of quitting her acting career entirely before landing her breakthrough role as Ellie Alves in the Netflix thriller series 'You'. Ortega, who was a guest on the podcast released this week, explained that she had reached a point of professional uncertainty and was contemplating leaving the industry, viewing her time in it as 'a good run' that had perhaps concluded. Ortega, who began her career as a child actor, described a period of significant doubt about her future in Hollywood. She stated, 'I didn't know what else I was gonna do,' highlighting that acting was the only profession she had ever seriously considered. This moment of crisis came after years of working in the industry without a defining, career-sustaining role, leading her to a crossroads where stepping away seemed like a viable, if daunting, option. The pivotal turning point was her casting in the second season of 'You', which premiered in 2019. Her portrayal of the savvy and street-smart teenage neighbor to the show's protagonist brought her widespread recognition and critical acclaim. This role served as a major catalyst, directly leading to her being cast as the iconic Wednesday Addams in Netflix's 'Wednesday', a performance that catapulted her to global stardom and cemented her status as a leading young actress of her generation. Her candid reflection underscores the often-unseen pressures and instability faced by young performers, even those with established careers.