A Day in the Life of Jenna Ortega: Inside the Dark Glamour of a Rising Star

Jenna Ortega has become synonymous with gothic elegance, commanding screens with her portrayal of Wednesday Addams and her rising influence in fashion, film, and pop culture. But behind the brooding characters and polished red carpet appearances lies a young woman navigating the intensity of international fame—while staying deeply connected to her own rituals, preferences, and philosophies.

As Ortega embarks on a whirlwind press tour for season two of Netflix’s Wednesday, a snapshot of her day reveals the discipline, depth, and introspection that fuels her public persona. It’s not merely a routine; it’s a 24-hour rhythm shaped by identity, aesthetics, and emotional balance.

Morning in London: Coffee, Quiet, and Control

In London’s historic Westminster neighborhood, eight time zones away from her home on the U.S. West Coast, Ortega begins her day in characteristically understated fashion. Draped in a gray hotel robe, she clutches her morning essential: black coffee.

“I can do espresso, Americano; depending on the weather, maybe I’ll put some ice in it. But when I’m home, it’s coffee before I go to the bathroom to brush my teeth,” she has admitted. There’s nothing performative about her caffeine habit—it’s about function over flair. And on a morning thick with jet lag and looming interviews, that simplicity becomes a cornerstone.

Wrapped in early morning haze, Ortega prepares for a full day ahead, though she’s the first to confess: “I’m really not a morning person.”

Beauty Prep and Musical Precision

Getting ready for press isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s performance. Every look Ortega wears on tour is meticulously curated by makeup artist Melanie Inglessis and hairstylist Cesar Deleon Ramirez. And hidden within those flawless looks is an insider secret: Ortega is quietly debuting Rouge Dior On Stage, a new lipstick from Dior designed for 24-hour wear. As a Dior makeup ambassador, she’s been testing its endurance through the rigor of media days and public appearances.

Music, too, plays a critical role in her preparation. Tasked with setting the morning vibe, Ortega nixes pop and opts instead for the melancholic romance of Nick Cave’s “Into My Arms.” The choice isn’t just fitting—it’s revealing. Cave’s wife, Susie Cave, was the force behind the gothic fashion brand Vampire’s Wife, a frequent source of style inspiration for Ortega. “Susie is a real-life Morticia,” she notes, referencing the original Addams Family matriarch, linking Ortega’s real-world taste to her on-screen legacy.

Fashion as Expression: A Nod to Dior and Tradition

The outfit of the day? A preview of Jonathan Anderson’s first women’s collection for Dior, one of Paris Fashion Week’s most anticipated debuts. Ortega steps into a knit striped sweater and white skirt adorned with black bows and delicate carved shell flowers—a nod to lily of the valley, Mr. Dior’s famously superstitious lucky charm.

“I don’t really have something lucky that I carry around with me,” Ortega reflects. Instead, she reveals her inner ritualistic compass: “I have pretty intense OCD, so I’ve had the exact same routine for seven years. I count to a certain number in the shower. I put my clothes on in a certain order.”

The awareness she brings to her routine and mental space is not just for structure—it’s a form of self-soothing and control, something that many high-functioning creatives rely on. In Ortega’s world, even the smallest detail—like which sock goes on first—can dictate the tone of her entire day.

Midday Reflections: Dualities and Identity

While the day may be packed with interviews and photoshoots, Ortega’s internal world is constantly engaged. During downtime, she reads—currently carrying a copy of Peter Shaffer’s Equus, a 1973 play about spirituality, obsession, and horses. “I prefer to read plays in between jobs because they are a bit easier,” she says, a subtle nod to the balance she seeks between mental stimulation and emotional rest.

Despite being globally recognized for her character in Wednesday and now Astrid Deetz in the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel, Ortega does not let roles bleed into her personal aesthetic. “I’ve been on jobs where I’ve thought, Oh, I really love this lip color. But when I try to wear it afterwards, I can’t, because all I see is the character.”

This distinction between character and self is vital to her evolution. “I’m in a great phase of exploration in my life right now,” she shares. “And I don’t want to feel married to any one thing. When you have the opportunity to play, why don’t you?”

Evening Philosophy: Parks, Cemeteries, and Solitude

If she weren’t on a tight schedule, a dream evening for Ortega wouldn’t include lavish events or VIP lounges. Instead, she would begin with a walk—perhaps through a park or cemetery—followed by a theater performance, a quiet drink with friends, and then retreating home to read.

There is an old soul quality to her preferences. It’s less about escape and more about communion—communion with nature, with art, and with introspection. This balance between outward engagement and inward reflection seems to be what fuels Ortega’s resilience amid the demands of fame.

Beauty as Armor, Not Decoration

Back in her hotel suite, just before heading out, Ortega finishes her look with a bold red swipe of Rouge Dior On Stage #550. “A red lip isn’t a casual thing for me, though I wish it was,” she admits. “Naturally, I gravitate toward a nude lip because it’s safe and consistent. But a red lip feels like armor. It’s a statement.”

In this moment, her aesthetic becomes more than an accessory—it’s a signal. A signal to the world that she is present, prepared, and powerful, even if underneath there is fatigue, self-doubt, or pressure.

Embracing the Rhythm of the Unusual

Jenna Ortega’s day isn’t ordinary—not just because she’s a celebrity, but because she lives intentionally. Each choice, from her coffee to her lipstick to her literary preferences, forms a consistent rhythm—one that allows her to maintain her authenticity in the chaos of the spotlight.

The world may see her as the face of Wednesday, as the next great fashion muse, or as an ambassador for major brands. But beneath all of that is a 22-year-old woman crafting her own rituals, seeking solitude in busy cities, and navigating the evolving boundaries between self and character.

In a culture obsessed with constant visibility, Ortega’s quiet discipline and inward focus are not just refreshing—they are revolutionary.