When I log on to Zoom to interview Jenna Ortega, I can’t help but have a few stereotypical expectations of the teenage girl I’m about to meet, yet in 45 minutes, the actress defies them all. The second she popped up in the chat, one word came to mind—poised. She smiles at me, her eyes showing the repercussions of a relentless work schedule. Since her starring role in the second season of You, it seems the 20-year-old has been jumping from one noteworthy project to the next, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand young talents. Even finding time for this conversation proved arduous with her unpredictable pre-production schedule.

On the set of our cover shoot, Ortega was outfitted in glamorous, Technicolor looks designed by the likes of Miu Miu, Versace, and Valentino set against rich, velvety backdrops. During our interview, however, the curtains were drawn and costumes put aside. The actress was ready to show who she is away from the cameras.

 While decidedly timid at first, Ortega slowly but surely opened up, sharing some of her fears and the pressures that come with being at the current height of her career. Underneath all the glitz, glam, and success, she’s still figuring things out, and in that way, Ortega offers an essence of relatability. She’s able to admit when she’s afraid or intimidated, but she is also ready to put in the work required to get to where she wants to be.

On the set of our cover shoot, Ortega was outfitted in glamorous, Technicolor looks designed by the likes of Miu Miu, Versace, and Valentino set against rich, velvety backdrops. During our interview, however, the curtains were drawn and costumes put aside. The actress was ready to show who she is away from the cameras. While decidedly timid at first, Ortega slowly but surely opened up, sharing some of her fears and the pressures that come with being at the current height of her career.