Janel Moloney Biography

Fast Facts

• Her parents owned a hair salon in Los Angeles and none of her three sisters, including her maternal twin, were interested in show business
• Studied at the acting conservatory at SUNY Purchase
• Appeared in the two Off-Broadway productions, "100 Saints You Should Know" and "Love, Loss and What I Wore․"
• Best known for playing Donnatella "Donna" Moss on the political drama television series "The West Wing․"
• Moved to New York after completing "The West Wing," feeling that she'd already done the best television show she would do and seeking new horizons
• Almost gave up on acting in her 20s, but stuck with it because of her mother's encouragement
• Originally tried out to be Press Secretary C․J․ Cregg on "The West Wing" instead of the role that would eventually bring her acclaim