Jenna Ortega says Disney channel media training made it difficult to set boundaries with fans
Ortega was told that whenever someone met her, it was probably the only time they would ever interact with her
Jenna Ortega has revealed that media training she received as a child star on Disney Channel continues to affect how she approaches interactions with fans, explaining that she is learning to establish healthier boundaries as an adult.
The Wednesday actress, 24, discussed the lasting impact of the training during an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with host Josh Horowitz. Ortega recalled being taught that every encounter with a fan could be a particularly meaningful moment for that person, leaving her feeling pressure to make herself available.
“When I was young, and I was on Disney Channel, they took us to, like, media training,” Ortega said. She explained that she was told that whenever someone met her, it was probably the only time they would ever interact with her, making the encounter special in their lives.
“No pressure,” she joked, reflecting on the advice.
Ortega said the message had stayed with her over the years and influenced how she responded to people approaching her in public. Although she understands that fans may be excited to meet her, she is trying to give herself more freedom to decide when she feels comfortable interacting with strangers.
“That has never left me,” she said. “And sometimes I try to give myself grace, and I’m trying to have better boundaries.”
The actress explained that she does not always feel safe stopping for photographs, particularly when approached by adult strangers. She acknowledged that she is more comfortable with certain interactions, including those involving children, but said it can be difficult to determine how much access to give people.
Ortega also pointed out that not every encounter is positive. While some fans are kind and considerate, others can be aggressive, unkind or make interactions uncomfortable.
“It is a lot, though,” she said. “And again, it’s sweet. Like, some of the interactions are so sweet, and some of them are a little bit more embarrassing, or aggressive, or mean. And it’s hard to know what the balance is. But I do what I can.”
Ortega began acting professionally at the age of nine and rose to prominence playing Harley Diaz in the Disney Channel sitcom Stuck in the Middle, which ran from 2016 to 2018. She also voiced Princess Isabel in the animated series Elena of Avalor.
Since leaving Disney Channel, Ortega has established herself as a leading figure in horror and thriller projects. Her credits include the Scream franchise, Ti West’s X and Netflix’s Wednesday, in which she plays Wednesday Addams. She also portrayed Astrid Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
The actress has previously spoken about the pressures of growing up in the entertainment industry, including the expectations placed on young performers to maintain a public image and engage with audiences online. In an earlier interview, she described the demands of social media training and the pressure to build a following while promoting Disney projects.
Ortega’s latest comments highlight another aspect of growing up in the public eye: learning to separate the expectations attached to celebrity from her own comfort and personal safety. While she appreciates the support she receives, she is increasingly recognising that she cannot accommodate every request from fans.
