Jenna Ortega is no stranger to attention—but the Wednesday star is making it clear that fame comes with a deeply troubling price. As part of her promotional campaign for the upcoming second season of Netflix’s hit show, Ortega opened up about how public perception has altered her relationship with her own identity.
In a revealing interview, Ortega expressed that she often feels completely disconnected from the name people call out in crowds. “It feels like your name doesn’t belong to you,” she said. “I don’t even resonate with it anymore.”
Her growing discomfort isn’t just internal. The actress highlighted the invasive nature of celebrity, lamenting the constant assumptions made by strangers. “A big part of this job is that people are going to make assumptions about you,” she said. “There’s no mystery anymore. We know too much, and it makes people feel entitled.”
Ortega also described how unpredictable—and at times, dangerous—public encounters can be. “Sometimes people shout vile things,” she said. “You don’t stop for a fan, and suddenly you’re being screamed at with slurs in public. It’s insane and terrifying.”
Despite her struggles, Ortega continues to deliver compelling work. Wednesday Season 2 is split into two parts, with the first arriving on August 6 and the second set for September 3. The hit supernatural drama has also been renewed for a third season, proving Ortega’s popularity remains strong—even if it comes at a cost.