{
  "id": 2945217,
  "title": "#SHOWBIZ: 'I would go all day without eating': Jenna Ortega recalls child actor struggles",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/showbiz-i-would-go-all-day-without-eating-jenna-ortega-recalls-child",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-24T04:51:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2026/08/1517650/showbiz-i-would-go-all-day-without-eating-jenna-ortega-recalls"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jenna Ortega has shared her harrowing experiences as a child actor, revealing the extreme lengths she went to avoid causing any disruption on set. The 23-year-old actress admitted to going entire days without water or food, fearing that even the smallest lapse could jeopardize her career. Ortega's passion for acting was ignited at the tender age of seven, and her parents' unwavering support helped her secure her first film role at nine years old in Iron Man 3.\n\nDespite the grueling schedule, Ortega remained committed to her craft, often limping to the car after work with a smile on her face. She refused to leave the wheelchair on set, ready to be called upon at any moment. Reflecting on her early years, Ortega acknowledged that neglecting her own well-being was a mistake, emphasizing the importance of adhering to strict SAG-Aftra guidelines and state laws to protect child performers.\n\nOrtega's career has since flourished, with notable roles in Disney Channel series Stuck In The Middle and Jane The Virgin, as well as films like Scream and Beetlejuice.",
  "summary": "LOS ANGELES: Jenna Ortega has opened up about the extreme measures she took as a child star to avoid causing any disruption on set, constantly fearing she might jeopardise her budding career.",
  "key_points": [
    "Jenna Ortega endured days without food or water on set.",
    "Passion for acting ignited at age seven, first role at nine in Iron Man 3.",
    "Reflects on neglecting well-being, emphasizes SAG-Aftra guidelines."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}