Early Life and Family
Janel Parrish was born on October 30, 1988, in Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu, Hawaii. Her upbringing was enriched by a blend of cultures—her mother, Joanne, is of Han Chinese descent, and her father, Mark Parrish, has European roots including German, Irish, and English heritage.
She grew up with her older sister, Melissa Nohelani, who later served in the U.S. Army. The sisters shared a close bond despite their eight-year age difference. Melissa’s military path and Janel’s artistic one show just how diverse the Parrish household was.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Janel Meilani Parrish |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 30, 1988 |
| Age | 36 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Kāneʻohe, O‘ahu, Hawaii, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Chinese and European descent) |
| Height | 5′2″ (157 cm) |
| Parents | Mark Parrish (father), Joanne Mew (mother) |
| Siblings | Melissa Nohelani (older sister) |
| Marital Status | Married to Chris Long (since 2018) |
| Children | None |
| Profession | Actress, Singer, Dancer |
| Net Worth | Approx. $4 million |
| Famous For | Pretty Little Liars, To All the Boys ser |
Childhood and Education
As a child, Janel’s passion for performing was clear. After watching The Phantom of the Opera, she begged for piano lessons and soon began singing, acting, and dancing. At just six years old, she landed her first big stage role as Young Cosette in Les Misérables, first in touring productions and later on Broadway.
She started her education at Moanalua Elementary School in Hawaii and later enrolled at Moanalua High School. When her family moved to California to support her career, Janel transitioned to homeschooling, giving her more flexibility to focus on auditions and training.
Age, Height, and Appearance
As of 2025, Janel Parrish is 36 years old. She stands at a petite 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm), with a graceful presence that has always translated well on screen. Her expressive eyes and natural charm have made her a favorite both on television and film.
Janel has always emphasized health and balance, crediting her family background—her parents were once competitive bodybuilders—for instilling discipline and strength early in life.
Career Beginnings
Janel’s early career was a mix of stage, television, and commercials. She appeared on shows like Baywatch and The Bernie Mac Show in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Her film debut came in 2007 when she played Jade in Bratz, a role that also allowed her to showcase her vocal talents by contributing the single “Rainy Day” to the movie’s soundtrack. This was the first glimpse of her versatility as both an actress and singer.
Breakthrough with Pretty Little Liars
In 2010, Janel achieved international fame as Mona Vanderwaal in the hit series Pretty Little Liars. Initially introduced as a supporting character, Mona’s complexity and transformation into one of the show’s central figures cemented Janel’s place in pop culture.
Her performance was recognized with multiple Teen Choice Awards, including four wins in the “Choice TV Villain” category, making her one of the most awarded in the show’s history. Fans admired her ability to switch from vulnerability to cunning, creating one of the most iconic characters in teen drama television.
Other TV and Film Success
After her breakthrough, Janel continued to explore diverse roles. She starred in the Netflix franchise To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before as Margot Covey, the older sister of protagonist Lara Jean. The role introduced her to a younger, global audience and reaffirmed her versatility.
She has also appeared in TV movies like High School Possession, Holly & Ivy, and Family History Mysteries: Buried Past. Guest appearances on shows such as Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I. brought her back to her Hawaiian roots, something she has often said felt like a homecoming.
Reality TV and Competitions
Janel’s charm extended beyond scripted roles. In 2014, she joined Dancing with the Stars and impressed audiences with her grace and dedication, finishing third overall. She later revealed how much the experience boosted her confidence as a performer.
In 2023, she surprised fans again by competing as “Gazelle” on The Masked Singer. Her powerful vocals carried her to the finals, proving that her talent went far beyond acting.
Music and Singing Career
Music has always been a central part of Janel’s artistry. After signing with Geffen Records in 2007, she released singles like “Rainy Day” and later tracks such as When It’s Over and Everything.
She has also contributed to soundtracks for films and television, blending her acting with her musical skills. Fans admire her for staying true to her love of singing while building a successful acting career.
Awards and Recognition
Janel’s portrayal of Mona in Pretty Little Liars earned her consistent recognition. She holds the record for the most wins and nominations in the Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Villain category.
While she has yet to win a major mainstream acting award, her dedicated fanbase and critical praise speak to her influence in both television and film.
Personal Life and Marriage
Away from the spotlight, Janel enjoys a grounded lifestyle. She married Chris Long, a chemical engineer, in September 2018 in Hawaii. Their wedding was deeply emotional, as Chris’s father had tragically passed away in a drunk-driving accident just two weeks earlier. Janel has since been vocal about raising awareness around road safety.
The couple lives in Los Angeles with their two beloved dogs, Kleo and Moose, who often appear on Janel’s social media.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Janel Parrish’s net worth is estimated at around $4 million. Her income comes from acting in television and film, her music career, endorsements, and appearances.
Despite her success, Janel is known for living a balanced lifestyle, often sharing personal, unfiltered moments with her fans instead of only Hollywood glamour.
Social Media Presence
Janel is highly active on Instagram (@janelparrish), where she has millions of followers. She uses the platform to connect with fans, share behind-the-scenes moments, highlight her advocacy work, and celebrate family milestones.
She also maintains a presence on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, though Instagram remains her most popular platform. Her openness and relatability are part of why her audience has remained loyal through the years.
Advocacy and Challenges
In recent years, Janel has spoken candidly about her health journey, including her battle with endometriosis. In 2024, she underwent surgery and shared her experience to spread awareness and support other women facing the same condition.
She has also partnered with anti-bullying campaigns, including Disney/ABC’s #ChooseKindness initiative, using her platform to promote compassion and positivity.
Fun Facts About Janel Parrish
- She performed on Star Search at age nine, singing “On My Own” from Les Misérables.
- Both of her parents were former bodybuilders, which she credits for teaching her discipline.
- She has a deep love for dogs and often describes Kleo and Moose as her “fur babies.”
- She can play multiple instruments, including piano, which she started learning as a child.
Conclusion
From her early stage performances in Hawaii to becoming a star of global franchises, Janel Parrish’s journey is one of resilience, talent, and authenticity. She has built a career that spans acting, music, and reality TV while staying grounded in her values.
Her story continues to inspire fans who admire not only her work but also her honesty about life’s challenges, her advocacy, and her dedication to family. Whether on screen, on stage, or through social media, Janel Parrish remains a shining example of an artist who embraces every side of her journey.
FAQs About Janel Parrish
1. How old is Janel Parrish now?
Janel Parrish was born on October 30, 1988, which makes her 36 years old as of 2025.
2. Who is Janel Parrish married to?
She is married to Chris Long, a chemical engineer. They tied the knot in Hawaii in September 2018.
3. What is Janel Parrish best known for?
Janel is best known for playing Mona Vanderwaal in Pretty Little Liars and Margot Covey in Netflix’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy.
4. What is Janel Parrish’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $4 million, earned through her acting career, music projects, and brand work.
5. Does Janel Parrish have children?
As of now, Janel does not have children. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their two dogs, Kleo and Moose.
