Jenna Ortega has shared how Wednesday, the character she plays in the widespread adaptation of The Addams Family, has affected her real life in amusing ways. The show unexpectedly became a sensation on television towards the end of 2022, sparking a viral dance and generating discussions about fandom and relationships in teen dramas. It also helped to change the perception around Netflix by proving that it could still produce massive hits. Furthermore, the series has firmly established Ortega’s status as a rising star.
During an interview with The Cut, Ortega disclosed that portraying Wednesday Addams had an unintended impact on her fashion choices. When asked if she incorporated her character’s style into her own wardrobe, the actor responded that it varies depending on the surface. However, she shared that while playing Wednesday, she found herself exclusively wearing black:
Do you feel like you incorporate the style of the characters you play into your own? It depends on the character. When I was working on Wednesday, I suddenly only ever wore black. I didn’t know why. For some reason, my closet just lost all its color. But I have played characters where, no matter how good or at ease I felt in the clothes, it’s just not something I would typically wear or I think is a good representation of myself.
Jenna Ortega’s Impactful Portrayal of Wednesday
Wednesday incorporated essential ingredients for success as a teen drama, including a passionate audience. However, the show’s triumph hinged on the perfect person to lead it. Ortega’s portrayal of the titular character was integral to its success. In various interviews, she has discussed the challenges of working on the Netflix series, including enduring lengthy shooting hours and filming the viral Wednesday dance while battling COVID. Additionally, she had to acquire new skills for the role while also delving into the protagonist’s tough exterior to unveil her vulnerabilities.
Wednesday’s trademark style has been a constant across all versions of the character. For the contemporary series, Ortega drew inspiration from Wednesday’s distinctive appearance, resulting in her own interpretation of the character. Ortega’s portrayal of Wednesday has earned her nominations for prestigious accolades like the SAG Awards and the Golden Globes, with the possibility of an Emmy nomination on the horizon.
After the overwhelming triumph of Wednesday, Ortega adopted some aspects of her character’s style into her personal life. The show’s extraordinary success has sparked discussions about why it resonated so deeply with audiences. Perhaps, it was due to the seamless pairing of the perfect character with an actor who fully embraced the role.
