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Jenna Ortega Credits Denzel Washington Film For Inspiring Acting Career

Jenna Ortega arrives at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Jenna Ortega recently shared the name of the Denzel Washington film that sparked her passion for acting. The Emmy-nominated actress, known for her roles in popular projects like the Scream franchise, You, Wednesday, and the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel, revealed in an interview with Vanity Fair that the 2004 movie 'Man on Fire' had a profound impact on her.

'Man on Fire' directed by Tony Scott, stars Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning. The plot follows former CIA operative John Creasy on a mission to rescue a kidnapped girl he was hired to protect. Ortega expressed how watching Fanning's performance as a child in the film inspired her to pursue a career in Hollywood.

Reflecting on her journey, Ortega acknowledged her childhood aspirations of becoming a president and an astronaut, realizing that she was always seeking a way out. Her path to acting began when a video of her performing a dramatic monologue was shared on social media and caught the attention of a casting director.

She admired Dakota Fanning's performance in the movie as a child.
Jenna Ortega's passion for acting was inspired by the film 'Man on Fire'.
Ortega's journey to acting began with a viral video of her performing a monologue.

With her mother's support, Ortega embarked on auditions in Los Angeles, marking the start of her acting career. Despite the challenges and pressures that come with the industry, Ortega is coming to terms with the transformative nature of her life.

'There’s so much about the pressure that is put on this line of work that I do, that it’s laughable and it’s beautiful and it’s awful, sometimes all at once,' Ortega shared, highlighting the complex emotions that accompany her profession.

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