Janel Moloney

Emmy Award nominee Janel Moloney loved performing from an early age. “I grew up at the time that ‘Annie’ was really popular and subjected my family (including her fraternal twin sister, Carey) to endless performances of ‘Tomorrow’ (the hit song from that musical),” says Moloney. “The sad part of the story though was that singing was not my strong suit!”

Moloney, studied ballet from ages 5 to 15, but acting was her first passion. “There were two junior high school acting teachers in town -- Mrs. Martin and Mr. Mallot -- who were incredible,” she says. “From the time I was in the fourth grade, I’d go see every one of their shows. They were the whole reason I wanted to act.” As a high school student, Moloney appeared in her first play, “Taming of the Shrew,” in the role of Bianca. After graduation, she studied acting briefly at the State University New York-Purchase, but soon returned to Los Angeles to begin classes with acting teacher Roy London, whom Moloney cites as her biggest inspiration. Moloney’s film credits include appearances in the critically acclaimed independent feature “The Souler Opposite,” as well as “Desperate Measures” and “‘Til There Was You.” She guest-starred on the Christmas episode of the television series “Sports Night” – thus introducing her to “Sports Night” (and “The West Wing”) executive producers Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme. “Aaron and Tommy are my kind of people,” says Moloney. “I fell in love with them.” After her “Sports Night” experience, Moloney was called in to audition for the role of “The West Wing” press secretary C.J. Cregg, but was ultimately cast as Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman’s (Bradley Whitford) sarcastic, but lovable secretary, Donna Moss. “I had a feeling about this role,” said Moloney.

“Right from the beginning, I felt like a member of the cast.” In describing Donna, Moloney says, “If she’s not having a good time, something’s wrong. She enjoys what she does.”

And about the incredible chemistry between Donna and Josh? “Donna couldn’t have been created without Josh. He brought her out. Brad is hysterically funny and one of the best people I’ve ever met. He’s stellar.” Moloney will appear alongside Tom Cavanagh (NBC’s “Ed”) and Ben Foster in the upcoming cable film “Bang, Bang You’re Dead!”

Her additional television credits include roles on NBC’s “ER,” which introduced her to “The West Wing’s” other executive producer, John Wells. She also appeared in the television movies “Then She Was Gone” and “To Save a Child.”

Moloney’s birthday is October 3.