Jenna Ortega recalls writing letters to Barack Obama and Oprah as a child

Jenna Ortega has reflected on an unusual childhood phase when she believed she had a crush on former U.S. President Barack Obama, later realizing that she simply wanted to follow in his political footsteps.

The 23-year-old Wednesday star shared the story during a recent appearance on Big Bro with Kid Cudi, where she reflected on her early ambitions before entering Hollywood.

“When I was 6, I was really into politics, and Obama got inaugurated that year. So I would write him letters,” Ortega said, recalling how she once attempted to reach the president directly. “Hey, love your work. Can I come to the White House? … and he never responded.”

Ortega said she initially interpreted her fascination as a childhood crush, but later understood it differently.

“I used to think it was like a crush of some sorts, but I just wanted his job,” she explained. “Like I wanted to go to the White House to get an understanding of okay, the Oval Office is going to be my space.”

The actress added that when her letters went unanswered, she shifted her attention to media icon Oprah Winfrey, hoping she could help bridge the gap.

“And then I started writing Oprah because I saw a photo of them together in a magazine,” Ortega said. “I was like, ‘Hey Oprah, I know you know Obama… he’s not getting back to me.’”

Ortega’s early political curiosity ultimately gave way to a career in entertainment, with the actress beginning to land roles in television and film as a child, including appearances in Jane the Virgin and Stuck in the Middle.