Jenna Ortega stars as the lead in the new Disney Channel series, “Stuck in the Middle”. She plays Harley, a creative and engineering whiz kid who is navigating life as a middle child in a family of seven children. Jenna is well known for her role as “Young Jane” in the Golden Globe winning show “Jane the Virgin.”
Jenna was born in Coachella Valley, California and has been acting since the age of 8. Other tv credits include “CSI: New York” and “Days of our Lives.” Jenna has also appeared in feature films such as “Insidious: Chapter 2” and “Iron Man 3.”
Check out our recent interview with Jenna.
Photo Credit: Vince Trupsin
upfrontNY: What has been your favorite part of filming Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle?
Jenna Ortega: My favorite part of filming “Stuck In The Middle” is getting to work with amazing people. I love that our show is single camera and looks more realistic. I am really proud to be on a show with such great camera work.
upfrontNY: What have you enjoyed most about being a part of the Disney Channel family?
Jenna Ortega: Being on the Disney Channel was a childhood dream of mine. I still cannot believe it has come true. I tell my mom everyday that it still does not seem real!
Photo Credit: Vince Trupsin
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your character Harley?
Jenna Ortega: Harley is a smart, sassy and loves her family very much. She gets to make really cool inventions that she uses to help her family in some sort of way. I feel so blessed that I get to play her!
upfrontNY: You play a middle child and are one in real life. Do you have a favorite part of being the middle child?
Jenna Ortega: I love being the middle child, but most of all, I love being part of a big family. I always have someone to play with and confide in, we are all really close.
upfrontNY: What has it been like to portray Young Jane in Jane the Virgin?
Jenna Ortega: Playing Young Jane has been really fun. The “Jane The Virgin” set has such a talented cast and I was so thankful to be a part of it. Their show runner Jennie is an amazing human. I learned so much from all of them, but it is no secret that I absolutely love Gina Rodriguez. Being able to play the younger version of her was an amazing experience. I miss my onscreen Abuela, Ivonne Coll, she would always hang out with me in between takes. Justin, Brett and Jaime are so much fun.
Photo Credit: Vince Trupsin
upfrontNY: What other projects are you working on?
Jenna Ortega: Right now my focus is playing Harley Diaz on “Stuck In The Middle.” I am also voicing Isabel on Disney’s upcoming series “Elena of Avalor.” I would like to get a role in a movie while on hiatus from Stuck In The Middle, that would be another dream come true.
upfrontNY: When you are not acting, what do you enjoy doing for fun?
Jenna Ortega: When I am not acting, I enjoy hanging out with my family, friends and dog Ana. I also love playing soccer and tumbling with my sister.
Watch “Stuck in the Middle” Fridays 8:30/7:30c on the Disney Channel!
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