Jenna Ortega reveals ‘scary’ fan interaction in hometown which marked end of old life
'I didn't know what to do.'
Jenna Ortega has revealed she was ‘scared’ over a startling experience with a fan in the days following Wednesday’s release, which marked the moment her life changed forever.
The 22-year-old actress – who plays Wednesday Addams in the hit Netflix show – has recalled her unsettling experiences adjusting to her rise in fame over the past few years, which soared after the show hit the streaming platform in 2022.
Appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, she said: ‘It’s very scary. I’ve been acting since I was nine, so I’ve been doing this for a while, so I’ve had glimpses of that kind of attention in public before.
‘But I remember, when the show came out, it was during Thanksgiving so I was at home with my family – no makeup, sweats, felt gross and awesome at the same time.
‘I was walking my nephew outside in my parents’ neighbourhood with my dog, and I just remember this woman and her daughter recognising me in the neighbourhood, doing a full screeching stop, spinning around doing a U-turn and trying to get my attention.
Get personalised updates on all things NetflixWake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
‘But I was scared because I was with my nephew, so she was yelling at him to “get over here”, but I think he was getting kinda freaked out and I didn’t know what to do.’
Jenna – who appeared in the likes of Scream and You before Wednesday – admitted that moment was when she noticed a new level of fame.
She added: ‘That was the first time I’d left my house since the show came out, and I think that’s when I realised, “Oh, it’s like something outrageous is written on my forehead and maybe things aren’t going to be the same.”‘
When talk show host Stephen asked if she had started to ‘enjoy’ fame and life in the spotlight, she paused with an awkward laugh.
She said: ‘Erm … no, but it’s like, you get accustomed to it, you get used to it, you don’t think about it so much anymore.
The actress said the moment a person U-turned their car to get her attention was ‘scary’ (Picture: Matt Winkelmeyer/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)‘I think I’ve, just now, figured out the balance. When it first happened, I didn’t like it at all and I was having this visceral reaction to it.
‘I think, now, I understand it comes with the territory. I’ve seen this level for quite some time now and I think you’ve just gotta stop caring, it doesn’t matter.’
Having wrapped up filming for season two of Wednesday in December, Jenna also reflected on Lady Gaga making an unlikely appearance in the show.
‘She is so sweet, so humble. Just a normal person,’ said Jenna on meeting the Bad Romance hitmaker on set.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Up Next
Previous Page Next PageHowever, while Gaga acted like a normal person, the rest of the Wednesday crew did not, as they – literally – rolled out the red carpet for the star.
‘I remember showing up to set and they had completely changed everything,’ Jenna said, amused. ‘Suddenly there was truck after truck after truck.
‘They rolled out this walkway for her to exit from the trailer to the tent.’
Jenna’s tent was also upgraded and she was given ‘fancy water’ – all of which was unceremoniously taken away on Gaga’s exit. Ouch.
The Netflix coming-of-age mystery series was one of the streaming giant’s biggest hits of 2022.
Produced by Tim Burton, the series also starred Game of Thrones actress Gwendoline Christie and Emma Myers, as well as 1990s Wednesday icon Christina Ricci.
The trailer for the second season dropped in September, leaving fans impatiently waiting for 2025 to come around. However, the exact release date is yet to be revealed.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
