Podcast Summary
Jenna Ortega's introspection: Jenna Ortega, despite her fame, uses journaling to explore her thoughts and deals with isolation, reflecting her introspective and curious nature.
Jenna Ortega's journey to stardom was not an overnight success. The 21-year-old actor, who rose to fame for her role as Wednesday Addams in the Netflix reboot, has been working in the industry since she was a child. Ortega discussed her experiences as a child actor, her Latina roots, and her upcoming projects, including the Beetlejuice sequel. During our conversation, it became clear that Ortega is a deeply introspective and curious person who uses journaling as a way to explore her thoughts and dreams. Despite her newfound fame, Ortega shared that she struggles to maintain a normal life outside of work and often finds herself isolated. Ortega also shared her childhood fear of Beetlejuice and how she was initially terrified of the character. However, she later came to appreciate the film's balance of darkness and joy and the idea that death is not an end but a continuation of life. Ortega's thoughtful and reflective nature shone through our conversation, making it clear that she is a young actor with a bright future ahead of her.
Beliefs and their impact: Our beliefs, shaped by personal experiences and cultural traditions, influence our perspectives on life and death, and childhood experiences can significantly impact our personality and career choices. Setting goals and persevering can lead to personal and professional success.
Our beliefs, whether rooted in personal experiences or cultural traditions, shape our perspectives on life and death. The speaker shares her upbringing, which included a belief in ghosts and a fearful environment due to her mother's occupation. Despite this, she acknowledges the comforting nature of such beliefs and the role they play in her community. Another significant takeaway is the impact of childhood experiences on an individual's personality and career choices. The speaker's extroverted and expressive nature contrasted with her family's shyness, and her fearful environment influenced her cautiousness. Lastly, the speaker's determination to pursue acting, fueled by a promise to her parents, led her to land roles on Disney shows, including the groundbreaking "Elena of Avalor," showcasing the importance of setting goals and perseverance.
Parental support for child actors: Supportive parents play a crucial role in the well-being and success of child actors by keeping them grounded and prioritizing education and normal childhood experiences.
Having supportive parents was crucial for Auli'i Cravalho's success and well-being as a child actor. Her experiences in the industry, filled with intense personalities and potential harm, were made bearable by her mother's calming presence and commitment to keeping her grounded. Growing up in the industry changed Auli'i significantly, and she acknowledges the unique challenges and precociousness that come with being a child actor. Her parents' insistence on her prioritizing education and maintaining a normal childhood were essential in helping her navigate the industry and develop into the person she is today.
Disney stars' growth: Disney stars' experiences offer valuable lessons and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Mentors and empathy towards younger actresses are important. Famous roles can transform and inspire.
The experiences of growing up in the public eye as a Disney star, despite its challenges, can provide valuable lessons and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Actress and former Disney star, Jenna Ortega, shares her gratitude for the maturity and knowledge she gained during her formative years in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of mentors and the empathy she feels towards younger actresses due to her own experiences. Ortega's unique connection with older generation actresses, like Winona Ryder, has been instrumental in her career and personal development. While the stereotype of Disney stars may not align with her roles as an adult, she embraces the transformative power of her character, Wednesday, and the message it sends to young girls about expressing their true selves. Despite the increased pressure and attention that comes with fame, Ortega remains confident and opinionated, encouraging everyone to embrace their unique perspectives.
Growing up in public eye: Despite the pressures and fears, it's important for those growing up in the public eye to stay true to themselves and find ways to protect their privacy and well-being.
Growing up in the public eye comes with unique challenges and pressures. The speaker, despite her privileged life and successful career, expresses feelings of fear, self-doubt, and the need for privacy. She acknowledges the intensity of the attention she receives and the expectations placed upon her, but also the importance of staying true to herself and not letting the pressure define her. The speaker shares that she tries to protect herself by avoiding the phone and seeking solace in nature, but also recognizes the importance of embracing her experiences and learning from them. Ultimately, she emphasizes the importance of remembering that she is still a young adult navigating new stages of life, and that the pressures and fears she faces are a normal part of growing up.
Pressure to represent and be the best: Pressure to meet external expectations can lead to anxiety and feelings of inadequacy, but focusing on internal motivations for self-improvement and embracing cultural connections can lead to growth and deeper relationships.
There's a pressure to represent and be the best version of oneself, whether it's as an individual or a representative of a culture. This pressure can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration when things don't go as planned. For instance, the fear of messing up and not meeting others' expectations can be a source of anxiety. However, it's important to remember that striving for self-improvement should be driven by internal motivations rather than external pressures. Moreover, embracing one's heritage and learning a new language, like Spanish, can be a way to connect more deeply with loved ones and one's culture. In the entertainment industry, taking on new roles, such as playing a robot in a sci-fi story, can offer opportunities for vulnerability and growth. Ultimately, it's essential to navigate these expectations with self-awareness and a focus on personal growth.
Social Media Impact on Celebrities: Actress Jenna Ortega, at 21, decided to delete a social media app due to personal discomfort, emphasizing it was a personal choice, not driven by social justice motivations.
Jenna Ortega, an actress known for her role in "Beetlejuice," shared her experience of deleting a social media app due to feeling uncomfortable with its impact on her. At 21, she described her life as a personal expedition as she navigates through experiences, and her upcoming birthday holds no special plans except for work. Ortega emphasized that her decision to leave the app was not driven by any social justice motivation but rather a personal choice to protect herself. The conversation was produced by Seth Kelly and edited by Annabelle Bacon, among others, for The New York Times. Upcoming episodes include an interview with Will Ferrell and his friend Harper Steel about their documentary on Harper's transition.