How tall is Jenna Ortega? 'Wednesday' star stood out by wearing huge platform boots in Netflix hit (2024)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The Netflix original series 'Wednesday' is still going strong, and both viewers and critics agree that Jenna Ortega was ideally cast in the titular role. The 20-year-old actress explained that she feels a special connection to the Addams Family character because of their shared characteristics.

The other members of the Addams Family make brief appearances throughout, but the story mainly revolves around the eldest Addams child, who uncovers long-buried secrets about her family, the school and the town of Jericho.

However, it can be difficult to determine Ortega's exact height, given camera tricks, platform heels, and a variety of shots as she plays a chaacter who is somewhere between her teens and early-twenties. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the actress' height.

How tall is Jenna Ortega?

Jenna Ortega once revealed that she is 5'1" (155.4 cm), "maybe a touch less," in an interview with Wired. She said, "I’m 5-foot-1, or maybe a touch less. But I think that’s what I am, that’s what I say."

Wednesday Addams is a legendary figure to whom Ortega says she has been compared throughout her life.

The gothic appearance of Wednesday in the series perfectly fits the style of filmmaker Tim Burton — strong contrasts, mostly in black and white, with a few splashes of color.

Thanks in part to Jenna Ortega's height, Wednesday stands out among a cast of misfits and outcasts by wearing a pair of huge platform boots, a staple of goth attire.

Wednesday's flat shoes are a sensible choice

The majority of the ensemble is significantly taller than Ortega, with the exception of Wednesday's fictional best pal Enid, portrayed by Emma Myers.

Myers is 5'3" (161.5 cm), while many other actors range in height from the 5'5" 1/2 (167.6 cm) Luis Guzman in the role of Gomez Addams, to the strikingly tall Gwendoline Christie, at 6'3"(195 cm), in the role of Principal Weems.

The production employs several techniques to make sure the height disparities are not too distracting so that Wednesday isn't dwarfed by her co-stars.

Not only did the platforms help establish Wednesday's character and give her a distinct sense of style, but they also helped level the playing field for the cast and put performance front and center.

The series received more positive reviews for Ortega's performance in its first week than any other English-language Netflix program, including 'Stranger Things', showing that Ortega's short height did not matter as she played the charismatic and attention-grabbing Wednesday.

Jenna Ortega rules 'Scream 6' red carpet premiere in 6-inch heels

In March 2023, Ortega stood on the red carpet at AMC Lincoln Square in New York City wearing a shirt-style dress from Jean Paul Gaultier's fall 2022 couture line.

The actress' outfit was styled by Enrique Melendez, who completed Ortega's look with a tall pair of black Jimmy Choo stilettos.

The 'Wednesday' star wore the $950 Max shoes with smooth suede uppers, curled toes, buckled ankle straps and sizable platform soles. The pair was completed by towering, thin 5.9-inch stiletto heels that gave Ortega a stylish height boost on the red carpet.

Ortega is much shorter than her 'Scream 6' co-stars, Melissa Barrera and Jasmin Savoy Brown, who are both 5 feet 7 inches (170.2 cm) tall.

Fans of the 'Scream' film series did not miss calling attention to this difference in height.

Jenna Ortega never fails to rock high heels

Jenna Ortega attended the 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' premiere in Hollywood in June 2017, just three months before she turned 15.

The actress, known for her work on the Disney Channel series 'Stuck in the Middle' and the CW series 'Jane the Virgin', towered over everyone in a pair of embroidered platform sandals by Steve Madden.

Both elegant and fanciful, the towering sandal was covered in sparkling crystals and stars that covered the platform and heel.

The petite actress sported long hair at the 'Miss Bala' red carpet premiere in January 2019 at the Regal LA Live Theatre in Los Angeles. The 'Jane the Virgin' actress, who typically fits into a US size 7.5, showed off her feet while wearing a dazzling pair of high heels.

Jenna Ortega Hollywood’s rising star

Early life

Jenna Marie Ortega, born on September 27, 2002, in Palm Desert, California, is the fourth of his five siblings.

Her father, of Mexican descent, was a former sheriff, and her mother, of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, worked as an emergency room nurse.

Ortega's maternal great-grandmother was an illegal immigrant from Sinaloa, Mexico. Raised in La Quinta, California, Ortega expressed her desire to act from a young age, despite initial resistance from her mother.

After her mother bought her a monologue book and posted a video of her performance online, a casting director noticed and signed her up with an agency.

To pursue auditions in Los Angeles, Ortega's mother drove her up to five days a week, facing a six-hour journey each way.

Initially struggling due to limited roles for Latinas, Ortega focused on commercials and landed parts in 12 national campaigns.

Balancing her acting career with school, she attended public schools in California before dropping out during eighth grade to pursue acting full-time, particularly Disney projects.

Notably, she secured a role in 'Stuck in the Middle' (2016–2018) and divided her time between Los Angeles and home on weekends during this period.

Jenna Ortega's favorite things

Jenna Ortega, aside from her talents in singing and acting, has a deep love for writing, making it one of her absolute favorite hobbies.

As per The Strategist, when it comes to her must-have items, Jenna swears by Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, Moju Ginger Shots, Lesser Evil Organic Popcorn, Tapatio Sauce Hot, 5 GUM Sugar Free Chewing Gum in Peppermint Cobalt, a 35-stick pack, Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones, and the classic Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Core Hi.

Additionally, Buzz Feed interview says Jenna Ortega has a delightful list of favorites, that includes anything chocolate, especially chocolate fudge brownie and chocolate chip cookie dough, spicy foods, with a particular fondness for jalapeños, the joy that puppies bring.

In the entertainment realm she loves coffee-flavored ice cream for a sweet treat, enjoying the music of Rihanna, being captivated by the mysterious world of 'Stranger Things', and nostalgia hitting moments with the memories of 'Hannah Montana'.

Who is Jenna Ortega’s personal trainer?

There is currently no information available on who is Jenna Ortega's personal trainer. However, it is reported that the young actress is a regular to the gym and follows a strict diet to maintain her physique.

Does Jenna Ortega have a social media account?

Jenna Ortega's role in Netflix's 'Wednesday' propelled her to global stardom, with the Tim Burton-led series achieving record-breaking success.

Garnering over 411 million hours of watch time in its opening week, the show contributed to Jenna gaining over 10 million Instagram followers in just 10 days.

In a candid conversation with Elle Fanning for Variety's 'Actors on Actors' series, Jenna discussed the impact of social media on her life and career, highlighting the "very obvious shift" in her online presence after the series premiered.

She also touched on the industry's pressure for actors to maintain a significant social media following. Nevertheless, she has an active Instagram and Facebook account.

Physical attributes

Jenna Ortega's height: 5 ft 1 inches (155 cm)

Jenna Ortega's weight: 47 kilograms (103 lbs)

Eye color: Dark Brown

Hair color: Black

Build: Slim

Does Jenna Ortega's height play into her character as Wednesday Addams?

Jenna Ortega, in her role as Wednesday Addams in the Tim Burton-produced Netflix series 'Wednesday', has received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of the iconic character.

The relatively short Disney alum revealed her height in a 'Wired' autocomplete interview in November 2022.

Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams quickly made her a fan favorite and there are several reasons why she connected so well with viewers. Height is not one of them.

As a standout member of the eccentric and peculiar Addams family, Wednesday distinguishes herself with her sharp wit and clever observations.

While her family members engage in their own strange activities, Wednesday serves as the anchor with her love of reading, mysterious and gothic persona, and a sardonic sense of humor coupled with a dry wit.

The name Wednesday Addams, based on the character created by Charles Addams, likely originated from a slightly creepy nursery rhyme.

Wednesday, as the daughter of the Addams family, is believed to have been named after a line from the nursery rhyme that goes, "Wednesday's child is full of woe."

This poem, dating back to at least 1838, attributes specific personalities to children based on the day they were born, providing a fitting and eerie inspiration for the character's name.

There was also a huge cultural success with some of the most popular Halloween costumes among fans portraying Wednesday Addams.

While Wednesday Addams' costume in the show is custom-made, you can find similar pieces on Amazon or easily recreate it at home with separate items.

To achieve her look, you can gather a long pleated skirt, a blazer, a tie, a knitted vest, tights or long socks, and a structured white shirt. With these pieces, you can capture the iconic style of Wednesday Addams for your own costume.

Height as a visual element in the Netflix show 'Wednesday'

Jenna Ortega, the star of "Wednesday," has been steadily rising in her career with over 40 acting credits at just 20 years old.

Jenna Ortega's relatively short height is disguised by her platform boots, a gothic fashion staple, contributing to the show's distinctive style. It also gives the actress a more towering presence, complemented by facial close-ups or slightly low-angle shots.

Besides defining Wednesday's character, the platforms serve a practical purpose, minimizing height differences between her and the other actors and thus, prioritizing their performances.

What is Jenna Ortega’s net worth?

Jenna Ortega's estimated net worth is around $5 million, primarily attributed to her earnings as an actress, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth.

Jenna Ortega’s family

Who are Jenna Ortega’s parents?

Jenna Ortega's parents are Edward and Natalie Ortega. Jenna Ortega's family lived in the California desert near Palm Springs, and her mom made the lengthy journey to Los Angeles for Jenna's auditions.

This sacrifice proved worthwhile, leading to Jenna securing roles at the age of 12 in shows like Jane the Virgin and Stuck in the Middle.

During her hosting stint on Saturday Night Live in March 2023, Jenna took a moment to express gratitude to her parents in the opening monologue.

Reflecting on her childhood, she shared a charming anecdote, saying, “When I was a kid, I wasn’t old enough to watch SNL yet, so I took a tour of the SNL building with my parents.”

It was a touching shout-out that highlighted her journey from being a young visitor to the SNL set with her parents to eventually gracing the iconic stage as a host.

Edward and Natalie established their home in Coachella Valley near Palm Springs, California.

Natalie, an emergency room nurse, and Edward, a businessman of Mexican American heritage, fostered a culturally rich environment.

Jenna, in a PopSugar interview, shared traditions like celebrating birthdays with pinatas and making tamales at Christmas. While Edward's Instagram is private, Natalie's public account boasts over 122,000 followers.

How many siblings does Jenna Ortega have?

Jenna Ortega has five siblings, including older ones Isaac, Mariah, and Mia, and younger ones Aaliyah and her twin Markus. While Jenna has found success in the entertainment industry, her siblings seem less inclined toward fame.

Isaac, the eldest, holds a degree from Grand Canyon University, but details about his career are scarce.

Mariah maintains a private personal life. Mia, with over 44,000 Instagram followers, sells clothing on DePop and occasionally shares sibling photos. Younger siblings Aaliyah and Markus, particularly Markus, prefer a private online presence.

Who is Jenna Ortega’s boyfriend?

Reportedly, Since Jenna's ascent to stardom, she has been romantically associated with various celebrities, including her Wednesday co-star Percy Hynes White.

Additionally, speculation arose about her relationship with Jacob Sartorius after she featured in the music video for his song 'Chapstick', but she was quick to dismiss it.

In October 2018, Jenna was romantically linked to Asher Angel following their joint attendance at the official Just Jared Annual Halloween Party, where they cleverly dressed up as Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson.

However, it seems that Jenna is currently not romantically involved with anyone. In a March 2023 interview with Elle Magazine, she provided a significant update on the status of her relationships.

I hate being googoogaga over a boy,” she explained.

“I think it’s secretly a pride thing. It’s a problem with a lot of female characters, that a lot of them are guy oriented or what they’re expressing or emoting is based on a guy’s position and a guy’s story.”

Jenna Ortega's relationships, love life and career

Past relationships and public perception

Renowned for her discreet approach to personal matters, the 20-year-old actress is not one to unveil details of her life on social media. Despite maintaining a private demeanor, past speculations have linked Jenna to notable individuals.

After captivating audiences with her portrayal of Wednesday on the Netflix series, conjecture emerged regarding a potential romantic connection between Jenna and co-star Hunter Doohan, known for his role as Tyler Galpin.

However, any such romantic musings were promptly dispelled with the revelation that Hunter is happily married to his husband, Fielder Jewett. Their joyous union was marked by a charming woodland ceremony, attended by close friends and family.

In 2018, the spotlight turned to Jenna's relationship status when she accompanied actor Asher Angel to Just Jared's Annual Halloween Party.

Their decision to dress as the then-couple Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson piqued the interest of fans. Despite being seen together at various events, any romantic affiliation between them remained unverified.

Earlier in the same year, speculation surrounded Jenna and singer Jacob Sartorius following their on-screen kiss in his music video for 'Chapstick.'

Nevertheless, Jacob later revealed his relationship with 'Stranger Things' star Millie Bobby Brown, leading to a waning of speculation about Jenna's romantic life. The couple eventually went their separate ways in 2018.

In 2022, Who What Wear characterized Jenna Ortega's off-screen persona as "poised, mature, and wise beyond her years," highlighting an essence of grounded relatability that she exudes.

The article acknowledged her remarkable maturity, portraying her as someone who possesses a sense of poise uncommon for her age.

Elle's cover story in 2023 further delved into Jenna's personality, describing her as "naturally introverted."

Megan Park, who directed Jenna in The Fallout, commended her for possessing a rare understanding of when to give her all and when to hold back as a performer, demonstrating a level of self-awareness unusual for someone of her youth.

This ability to navigate the nuances of performance at such a young age was deemed exceptional by Park.

Comparing Jenna's acting style to silent film acting, another perspective was offered by a source. According to this view, Jenna has a unique way of expressing emotion through her eyes, relying on subtlety without relying on words.

Educational milestones and career path

Jenna Ortega began her education in public school, starting at Amelia Earhart Elementary School and later attending John Glenn Middle School.

However, she made the decision to leave school during eighth grade to pursue acting in Disney projects.

Following her role in 'Stuck in the Middle' (2016–2018), she secured an apartment in Los Angeles, marking a significant step in her acting career.

Jenna Ortega spent her childhood in La Quinta, California. Her passion for acting ignited at the age of six, and for three years, she persistently urged her mother to allow her to pursue a career in the field.

Despite attempts to divert her focus to activities like soccer and school, Ortega contemplated quitting acting for the former.

In a pivotal moment, her mother purchased a monologue book and recorded a video of nine-year-old Ortega showcasing her performance.

This video caught the attention of a casting director, leading to Ortega's signing with an agency and setting her on the path to her acting career.

Acting Career

Starting as a child actress, she gained acclaim for portraying young Jane in 'Jane the Virgin' (2014–2019). From 2016 to 2018, she took the lead as Harley Diaz in Disney's 'Stuck in the Middle', earning an Imagen Award.

In 2019, she joined the thriller series 'You' as Ellie Alves and headlined the Netflix family film 'Yes Day' (2021).

From 2012 to 2017, Ortega ventured into acting, debuting in "Rob" (2012) and featuring in 'CSI: NY' as an accidental shooting victim.

Her 2013 film debut in 'Iron Man 3 and role in the successful 'Insidious: Chapter 2' marked her first box office triumphs.

Notably, from 2014 to 2019, Ortega portrayed a younger Jane Villanueva in 'Jane the Virgin', earning acclaim for her departure from child actor stereotypes.

Her diverse roles included 'The Little Rascals Save the Day' (2014), 'Richie Rich' (2015), and 'After Words' (2015).

Leading Disney's 'Stuck in the Middle' (2016–2018) as Harley Diaz, Ortega's authentic performance earned her praise and three Imagen Award nominations, securing a win in 2018.

Additionally, she voiced Princess Isabel in 'Elena and the Secret of Avalor' (2016) and 'Elena of Avalor' (2016–2020).

From 2018 to 2021, Ortega shifted to mature roles, challenging perceptions tied to her Disney roles.

After contemplating quitting due to casting challenges, she starred in the Netflix thriller series 'You' in 2018, receiving acclaim for her standout performance.

Unable to return for subsequent seasons due to scheduling conflicts, she continued with diverse projects, including the Netflix horror film 'The Babysitter: Killer Queen' (2020), voice acting in 'Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous' (2020–2022), authored 'It's All Love' (2021), and starred in the Netflix comedy 'Yes Day' (2021).

Leading the high-school drama 'The Fallout' (2021), Ortega's portrayal earned praise for its nuanced and moving authenticity.

In the 2022 slasher film 'Scream', the fifth installment of the franchise, Ortega portrayed Tara Carpenter.

Directors praised her for blending horror and comedic tones and also her distinctive scream.

Despite Ortega's initial nerves about appearing in the franchise, the film was both critically and commercially successful, with Ortega winning the MTV Movie Award for 'Most Frightened Performance'.

She later appeared in Studio 666, a Foo Fighters-led horror film, and starred in the slasher film 'X', earning her best-reviewed film status on Rotten Tomatoes.

Ortega's notable role as Wednesday Addams in Netflix's 'Wednesday' garnered acclaim, earning her award nominations and recognition, marking a significant chapter in her evolving career.

Awards and achievements

According to IMDB, Jenna Ortega has 6 wins & 22 nominations in total. She was the 2023 winner of BreakTudo Award International Actress; CCA Super Award for Best Actress for 'Wednesday'; MTV Movie + TV Award for the Most Frightened Performance for 'Scream'; MTV Movie + TV Award for Best Performance in a 'Show'; Blimp Award for Favorite Female TV Star (Family) for 'Wednesday'; Imagen Award for Best Young Actor - Television for 'Stuck in the Middle'.

As per The Hollywood Report, in 2023, Jenna Ortega achieved an Emmy nomination for her role in Netflix's 'Wednesday', making her the second-youngest nominee for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy.

How old Is Jenna Ortega?

Jenna Ortega, born September 27, 2002, in 21 years old as of 2023.

Where does Jenna Ortega live?

Jenna Marie Ortega currently resides in the scenic Coachella Valley, nestled within the beauty of Palm Desert, California, in the United States of America.

Is Jenna Ortega married?

As of 2023, Jenna appears to be single and not dating anyone and also not married. The actress is also quite private about her romantic life.

Where is Jenna Ortega from?

Jenna Ortega hails from Coachella Valley, Palm Desert, California, United States.

Is Jenna Ortega taller or shorter than the average US woman?

Jenna Ortega is thought to stand at a height of approximately 5ft 1 inches (154.94 cm), placing her below the average height for American women, that is, about 5 foot 4 inches (162.56 cm)

Has Jenna Ortega ever mentioned her height in any interviews or public statements?

According to Just Jared, in a recent interview, the 20-year-old Wednesday star opened up about one of her unique talents, and it's tied to her height.

Jenna shared her thoughts, saying, “I don’t know if it’s insecurity about my height, or if it's the idea that, because of my height, my body sort of said…you should be able to run in heels,” during a candid conversation with Vogue.

As per the Wired, Ortega once said, "I'm six foot four. I've got my head in the clouds. No, I'm actually, I'm five foot one or maybe a touch less."