Jenna Ortega says that, when she was a child actor, she sometimes went an entire day without eating or drinking on set. She tells outlets that she would avoid asking for food or water for long stretches, describing it as a “rookie mistake” tied to how she felt she had to behave at work.
Ortega frames the decision as an effort to avoid being a burden to others. In interviews referenced by multiple outlets, she says she wanted to make sure she was not “in the way of anybody” and that she was focused on staying low-maintenance while trying to fit in. Some reports emphasize the specific detail that she would not ask even for “one sip” of water, while others highlight her motivation to avoid taking up attention or resources.
The outlets agree on the core account: Ortega occasionally skipped food and water during filming as a child, linked to fear of inconveniencing crew or fellow cast. Coverage differs mainly in wording and emphasis—some focus on the pressure of being seen as “in the way,” while others stress the unusual length of time she says she went without asking for basic needs.
