Key Highlights:
- Jenna Ortega revealed she has stopped complimenting fans wearing Wednesday-themed costumes after multiple awkward encounters left her feeling like a “creep.”
- Speaking on Greatest Hits Radio during a UK press tour for Klara and the Sun, Ortega recalled alarming both an older fan dressed as Enid Sinclair and a six-year-old admirer.
- The 24-year-old actor dismissed the idea of ever dressing up as Wednesday Addams for Halloween, calling the prospect “a bit too on the nose.”
Awkward Fan Encounters in Brooklyn and Beyond
Jenna Ortega has built a prolific acting resume at just 24 years old, portraying characters such as young Jane, Harley Diaz, Tara Carpenter, and Wednesday Addams. While widely celebrated as Gen Z’s scream queen, Ortega has candidly discussed taking some time away from the limelight and stepping back from public view. During a recent interview, she shared that when she does encounter viewers in public, she has decided to stop offering unexpected compliments to fans dressed up as characters from her hit Netflix series, Wednesday.
The realization followed a pair of Halloween-themed interactions that did not go as planned. While in the United Kingdom promoting her upcoming film Klara and the Sun alongside co-star Amy Adams, Ortega appeared on Greatest Hits Radio with host Zoe Ball. When asked if she would ever be tempted to go out as Wednesday
herself for the spooky season, Ortega quickly shut down the concept.
Not as myself, no,
Ortega responded, joking let’s get over yourself
before remarking, It’s a bit too on the nose.
The Decisions Behind Retiring Public Costume Praises
Ortega then reflected on why she now avoids praising fans who dress as characters from the Addams Family universe. The actor recalled walking through Brooklyn, New York, during Halloween several years ago when she noticed a fan dressed up as Enid Sinclair—Wednesday’s vibrant werewolf roommate portrayed in the show by Emma Myers.
I saw this Enid and I said, ‘oh my God, I love your costume, you look great,’
Ortega recalled. However, the interaction fell flat: And she looked at me like I was a creep.
A similar misunderstanding took place shortly after while Ortega was buying a beverage. Her wig was falling off. And I told her, ‘oh, you look so beautiful’. And she looked at me and then ran back to her classmates,
Ortega continued, referring to a six-year-old blonde girl
she spotted. The child’s frightened reaction confirmed the actor’s fears: I was like, ‘oh my god, I just scared this girl.’
Determined not to cause further confusion or distress among unsuspecting fans, the actor confirmed she now keeps her distance. I’m done in that department,
Ortega explained, noting that she prefers to simply leave them be.
Why This Matters
Since its launch in late 2022, Wednesday has developed into a major pop-culture phenomenon for Netflix, generating a surge of seasonal merchandise, social media trends, and widespread Halloween costume adoption across multiple demographics. For prominent actors like Jenna Ortega, navigating massive global recognition often complicates everyday public interactions. Her decision to refrain from commenting on fans’ cosplay reflects the strange boundary between a high-profile performer and audience members who may not recognize—or expect to encounter—the person behind the role in normal, real-world settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Would Jenna Ortega ever dress up as Wednesday Addams for Halloween?
No. When host Zoe Ball asked Ortega if she would dress up as her famous character, the actor dismissed the idea, stating, Not as myself, no,
and explaining that doing so would feel a bit too on the nose.
Why did Jenna Ortega decide to stop complimenting fans in costume?
After complimenting a pedestrian dressed as Enid in Brooklyn who treated her like I was a creep
and subsequently startling a six-year-old girl who ran away after being praised, Ortega concluded that her unexpected comments were causing awkwardness rather than delight, leading her to announce, I’m done in that department.
