From Loyal Fan to Lead Role: Ashionye Raccah Joins Jenna Ortega in a Scene Fans Won’t Forget From Wednesday Season 2

The global success of Netflix’s Wednesday has ushered in fresh opportunities and cross-cultural collaboration, spotlighting talent from different corners of the world. This season, Nollywood actress Ashionye Michelle Raccah appeared alongside lead star Jenna Ortega, bringing her own depth of passion for the Addams Family universe and her Nollywood pedigree into the hauntingly stylized halls of Nevermore Academy.

From Lifelong Fan to On-Screen Performer: Ashionye’s Personal Triumph

For Ashionye Michelle Raccah, the journey to Netflix’s Wednesday Season 2 was both professional and deeply personal. A devoted Addams Family fan, her first encounter with the franchise dates back to the 1991 film starring Anjelica Huston. That early exposure sparked a fascination that remained for decades.

When Wednesday launched on Netflix, Raccah watched the first season and was immediately impressed. So when she was cast in the second season, the moment was nothing short of surreal. She appeared in Episode 3, portraying a minister officiating the funeral of former Sheriff Donovan Galpin. In a stoic black priestly gown, her solemn demeanor perfectly complemented the show’s gothic aesthetic.

Despite being a short appearance, the role was transformative for her career. “It meant a step towards building my career globally,” Raccah explained. Sharing the screen with industry heavyweights like Jenna Ortega, Thandiwe Newton, and Luyanda Unati Lewis‑Nyawo was a meaningful milestone. “It was pleasant to work with Jenna, Thandiwe, and Unati… I got to share moments between takes with them,” she recalled.

Behind the Scenes: The High Standards of a Netflix Production

Ashionye offered a rare glimpse into what it’s like working on a major Hollywood set. The day began with rehearsals, hair and makeup, a session with the director Paco Cabezas, and wardrobe fittings. Hours later, she was driven to the set to film the final version.

The attention to detail stunned her. “It was quite an experience… they only shot two scenes in 12 hours. It was a short, sharp, interesting scene, but it took a couple of hours. That experience being on set for that day changed my perspective.”

One of her most cherished memories from the shoot was being styled by Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood. “Very surreal,” she described it. To her surprise, she was offered eight different costumes to try—four in black, four in grey—for just one scene.

This level of preparation starkly contrasted with her experiences in Nollywood, where creativity often compensates for limited budgets. “We’re run by independent filmmakers. Every production is from an independent filmmaker’s pocket. In Hollywood, it’s a lot different. You have different companies coming together to fund it.”

Third Time’s the Charm: The Role She Almost Didn’t Get

Interestingly, Ashionye didn’t land the role on her first try. She sent in multiple self-tape auditions for different characters but was rejected each time. That is, until her third attempt — a tape that she filmed with help from an unexpected director: her 8-year-old daughter.

“We go into the room, and I set up everything. She tells me what to do as I run the lines. And she’s like, ‘No, no, no, no. I’m directing you. You’re doing it this way. Move your hands like that.’ I was like, Why is my eight-year-old daughter directing my self-tape? But I took her directions.”

Soon after, the call came confirming she had landed the part.

Bridging Nollywood and Hollywood: A Journey of Learning

Despite her success in Nigeria with films like Breath of Life, Never Saw It Coming, and Public Property, Raccah recognized the need to grow further for an international stage. “I had to learn and relearn things that I had learned in Nollywood,” she admitted.

She enrolled in drama school after relocating to Europe and even hired an accent coach. “I’m presently working with one to help me achieve some other accents that I presently don’t have… Because here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter how talented you are. If a role calls for a certain accent and you can’t achieve that, you’re probably not going to get it.”

More Than Just a Role — A Representation of Africa

For Raccah, this opportunity represents more than just another acting credit. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger.

“This project means a whole lot. It means a step towards achieving my dream as an actor on a global stage. This is not just every Nollywood actor’s dream, but every African actor’s dream — to be on a global stage and to have such an opportunity to, like we say in Nigeria, sell our market.”

Her appearance in Wednesday places her among a growing list of African actors making strides internationally — such as Diana Yekini in Heart of Stone and Somkhele Iyamah-Idhalama in Star Trek: Discovery.

Jenna Ortega: Leading the Way with Authenticity

Meanwhile, Jenna Ortega continues to be the beating heart of Wednesday, bringing depth, sarcasm, and quiet vulnerability to her portrayal of Wednesday Addams.

In multiple interviews, Ortega has spoken about her connection to the character. Like Wednesday, she has often felt like an outsider in her own life. “I think I’ve always had a hard time relating to people… That sort of thing just amplifies with the job that we do,” she once said.

Ortega started acting young, which meant missing out on many normal life experiences. Still, like her character, she’s grown to embrace her uniqueness and build her own community. “I’ve actually started hanging out with people who share similar interests with me. It’s been really exciting finding a sense of community now.”

Two Women, Two Worlds, One Shared Stage

Though they come from vastly different backgrounds, Jenna Ortega and Ashionye Raccah share something vital — the courage to be different, to stay authentic, and to bring their whole selves into their craft.

Raccah’s appearance may be brief, but it is significant — a merging of Nigerian passion and Hollywood scale. Ortega, the face of the series, continues to inspire fans and fellow cast members alike with her thoughtful approach to performance.

Together, they reflect what makes Wednesday such a global phenomenon — it’s not just the gothic architecture or moody visuals. It’s the deeply human stories behind every stare, sigh, and shadow.

Conclusion: A Gothic Stage for Global Dreams

The convergence of Ashionye Michelle Raccah and Jenna Ortega on Wednesday Season 2 represents more than a casting decision — it’s a celebration of cultural diversity, personal growth, and artistic ambition.

Raccah brought with her the heart of Nollywood and the aspirations of countless African actors dreaming of global recognition. Ortega continues to embody the strength of individuality and emotional resilience that defines Wednesday as a character — and as a show.

In this eerie, enchanting world of outcasts, outsiders, and nevermores, both actresses found their place — and in doing so, inspired audiences across continents.