Janel Meilani Parrish Long (born October 30, 1988) is an American actress and singer, who is best known for starring as Mona Vanderwaal in the mystery-drama franchise Pretty Little Liars (2010–2017, 2019) and as Margot Covey in the To All the Boys film series (2018–2021). She also portrayed Young Cosette in the Broadway production of Les Misérables (1996), and Jade in the teen comedy film Bratz (2007).
Did you know that Janel Parrish was originally considered for the role of Spencer Hastings in Pretty Little Liars before ultimately being cast as the iconic Mona Vanderwaal?
Janel Parrish's most defining career moment is undoubtedly her transformative portrayal of Mona Vanderwaal in Pretty Little Liars. Starting as a seemingly secondary character, she masterfully evolved Mona into one of television's most complex and memorable villains, later becoming an anti-hero. This nuanced performance garnered widespread critical acclaim and solidified her as a fan favorite throughout the franchise.
Janel Parrish's legacy is marked by her ability to embody complex characters in popular teen franchises, leaving a lasting impression on a generation of viewers. She is celebrated for her versatility as both an actress and singer, contributing significantly to modern pop culture.
Also known as: J. Parrish, Jan Parrish