Jenna Ortega almost quit acting after Disney's Stuck in the Middle. Discover why she doubted her future and how she overcame the transition from child star.
- April 9, 2026
AceShowbiz - Jenna Ortega is now one of the most prominent actresses in the industry, but she almost stepped away from acting during her teenage years. The Emmy-nominated performer recently shared that after her stint on Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle from 2016 to 2018, she considered quitting the profession altogether.
Ortega revealed that uncertainty about her future and the challenge of transitioning from child actor to adult roles left her unsure about continuing her career. Speaking on Kid Cudi’s Big Bro podcast, she explained, “I didn’t know what else I was gonna do. I’ve never really considered anything else—more so recently, just out of curiosity and wanting another life experience. But when I was a teenager, I'd gotten off a children's show, and I didn’t know what I was going to do.”
She described the difficulty of having to prove herself to new casting directors who were unfamiliar with her previous work. Despite this challenging phase, booking the role of Ellie Alves in Season 2 of Netflix’s You became a turning point in her career. This opportunity convinced her that she couldn’t give up on acting.
Jenna Ortega’s experience highlights the struggles many child actors face when growing up in the industry. Her story reflects the uncertainty and pressure of redefining oneself in a competitive field. Ultimately, her role on You reaffirmed her passion and commitment to acting, setting her on a path toward greater success.
