Janel Parrish
She evolved from a Broadway child star into the cunning and beloved 'A' who kept audiences guessing for years.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American actress and musician·Birthday: October 30·Millennials
Biography
Janel Parrish's career began on the stage, a small but significant role as Young Cosette in Les Misérables on Broadway hinting at her future in performance. She navigated the transition from child actor to teen star with roles in film and television, but it was the mystery-thriller series 'Pretty Little Liars' that made her a household name. As Mona Vanderwaal, Parrish masterfully portrayed a complex character whose shifting allegiances and brilliant manipulations became the spine of the show's early mysteries. This role showcased her range, allowing her to oscillate between vulnerability and chilling menace. Since then, she has balanced franchise work in the 'To All the Boys' film series with leading roles in Hallmark movies, proving her versatility across genres.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Janel was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Janel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Janel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the pivotal role of Mona Vanderwaal across seven seasons of 'Pretty Little Liars' and its spin-off.
- Played Margot Covey in the successful Netflix film trilogy 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before'.
- Finished in third place on the tenth season of 'The Masked Singer' as the 'Anonymouse'.
- Starred as Young Cosette in the Broadway production of 'Les Misérables' as a child.
- Headlined numerous original movies for the Hallmark Channel, such as 'Love, Romance & Chocolate'.
Did You Know?
She is of Korean and Caucasian descent.
She is a trained pianist and released a pop album in 2007.
She performed the song 'Kiss Me' on the 'Pretty Little Liars' soundtrack.
She was a finalist on the reality show 'The Search for the Next Doll' for the Bratz movie.
She married her long-time boyfriend, Chris Long, in a ceremony in Hawaii in 2018.
“Mona is the girl you love to hate and hate to love.”
