Radio
Now Playing
Quickyla Radio โ€” Click to play
Open โ†’
3 min left

Jenna Ortega recalls going days without food as child actor

Jenna Ortega revealed she frequently went days without food or water as a child actor due to the pressures of Hollywood, fearing she would be "in the way." Her experience highlights the hidden struggโ€ฆ

Jenna Ortega says she โ€˜would go all dayโ€™ without food or water when she was a child actor
NBC News โ€” 12 August 2026
Text:
3 0 0

Jenna Ortega revealed that as a child actor, she often went entire days without food or water. This admission came during a recent interview where she discussed the intense pressures of working in Hollywood at a young age. Ortega, now 21, shared that her fear of being "in the way" led her to neglect her basic needs while on set.

This revelation sheds light on the often-hidden struggles child actors face in the entertainment industry. Many young performers grapple with immense pressure to deliver strong performances, which can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Ortega's comments resonate with broader conversations about mental health and well-being among child stars, who may feel compelled to prioritize their careers over their health.

Ortega's experience is not an isolated case. Other former child actors have similarly opened up about their struggles, highlighting a culture in Hollywood that sometimes prioritizes productivity over the welfare of young performers. These discussions are becoming increasingly important as the industry faces scrutiny over its treatment of child actors. The conversation around mental health and well-being is gaining momentum, with advocates pushing for better protections and support systems for young performers.

Moving forward, Ortega's candidness may encourage more open dialogues about the pressures of fame and the importance of self-care. As the industry continues to evolve, there is hope that reforms will emerge to create a safer environment for young actors. This could lead to better practices that prioritize their health, ensuring that future generations do not have to sacrifice their well-being for success.

Read Full Story at NBC News โ†’
Advertisement
React:
Sources
Sponsored

More to Read

Sony's Screen Gems wins bidding for horror film "Mime" starโ€ฆ
๐ŸŽฌ Entertainment
Sony's Screen Gems wins bidding for horror film "Mime" starring Washington
Deadline Hollywood ยท 6 days ago
How the World Cup Boosted Canal+ Results
๐ŸŽฌ Entertainment
How the World Cup Boosted Canal+ Results
Hollywood Reporter ยท 15 days ago
NFL Star George Kittle To Make Acting Debut In โ€˜Dinosaurs Oโ€ฆ
๐ŸŽฌ Entertainment
NFL Star George Kittle To Make Acting Debut In โ€˜Dinosaurs Of The Wild Westโ€™ From โ€˜Primitiโ€ฆ
Deadline Hollywood ยท 13 days ago
Iran war live: Trilateral Mecca defence pact signed, as Horโ€ฆ
๐ŸŒ World News
Iran war live: Trilateral Mecca defence pact signed, as Hormuz deal looms
Al Jazeera ยท 4 days ago
Anne Sweeney Resigns From Netflix Board After 11 Years
๐Ÿ’ฐ Business
Anne Sweeney Resigns From Netflix Board After 11 Years
Variety ยท 13 days ago
Saudi intelligence chief meets Iraqi PM, renews Riyadh visiโ€ฆ
๐ŸŒ World News
Saudi intelligence chief meets Iraqi PM, renews Riyadh visit invitation
Al Jazeera ยท 4 days ago
Full view