Janel Moloney

Birth Name:

Janel Wallace Moloney

Birth Place:

Woodland Hills, California, United States

Profession

Actress, Soundtrack

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․"
Almost gave up on acting in her 20s, but stuck with it because of her mother's encouragement
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
Originally tried out to be Press Secretary C․J․ Cregg on "The West Wing" instead of the role that would eventually bring her acclaim

Fast Facts