Janel Moloney Net Worth
Janel Moloney is an American actress with an estimated net worth of $4 million. She is best known for her breakout role as Donnatella “Donna” Moss on NBC’s award-winning political drama The West Wing, a performance that earned her widespread recognition and multiple Emmy nominations.
Moloney has built a steady career in television, film, and theater, with more than 40 acting credits to her name.
| Janel Moloney Net Worth | $4 Million |
| Date of Birth | October 3, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California |
Early Life
Janel Wallace Moloney was born on October 3, 1969, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California. She comes from a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry—her aunt by marriage is Christine Ebersole, a Tony Award-winning actress and former Saturday Night Live cast member.
Moloney studied acting at SUNY Purchase, attending the school’s prestigious acting conservatory, where she refined the skills that would later shape her television career.
Career
Moloney made her television debut in 1987 on the NBC sitcom Roomies. She went on to appear in several TV movies in the early 1990s, including To Save a Child and …And Then She Was Gone.
Her film debut came with “Dream Lover” (1993), followed by roles in Safe (1995), Wild Bill (1995), and ’Til There Was You (1997). During this period, she also guest-starred on popular television series such as ER, Murder, She Wrote, and Sports Night.
Breakthrough with The West Wing
Janel Moloney’s career reached new heights in 1999 when she was cast as Donna Moss on The West Wing. Although initially credited as a guest star in season one, she appeared in every episode and was promoted to a series regular beginning in season two.
Her portrayal of Donna—senior assistant and eventual love interest to Josh Lyman (played by Bradley Whitford)—became one of the show’s most beloved characters. Moloney earned two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for the role.
The West Wing ran for seven seasons (1999–2006) and won more than 100 awards, including multiple Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series and a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama.
Film and Television Roles After The West Wing
After the series ended, Moloney continued working steadily in television and film. In 2002, she starred in the Showtime movie “Bang Bang You’re Dead,” which won a Peabody Award and a Daytime Emmy.
She appeared in the TV movie “Amber Frey: Witness for the Prosecution” (2005) and had a recurring role on Showtime’s crime drama “Brotherhood” in 2007. Her guest appearances include roles on House, 30 Rock, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and The Good Wife.
Moloney also appeared in films such as Concussion (2013), The Leisure Seeker (2017), and Stay Then Go (2014).
The Leftovers and Recent Work
From 2014 to 2017, Moloney played Mary Jamison on HBO’s critically acclaimed drama The Leftovers. She began as a recurring character in season one and was promoted to a main cast member in later seasons. The series received numerous award nominations and was widely praised by critics.
She later appeared in Amazon Prime Video’s Alpha House, Showtime’s The Affair, ABC’s American Crime, and HBO’s miniseries “The Undoing” (2020).
In 2022, Moloney had a recurring role as Deputy Inspector Lillian Goldfarb on NBC’s Law & Order: Organized Crime.
Theater Work
In addition to screen acting, Moloney has appeared in Off-Broadway productions, including Kate Fodor’s 100 Saints You Should Know and Nora and Delia Ephron’s Love, Loss, and What I Wore, further contributing to her long-running acting career.
Personal Life
Janel Moloney married composer Marcelo Zarvos in January 2010. The couple has two sons, Julian Francis and Fernando Luca. Zarvos is known for composing music for films such as The Equalizer and Wonder.
Janel Moloney Awards
Moloney’s accolades include:
- Two Primetime Emmy nominations for The West Wing
- Gold Derby Award nomination
- Screen Actors Guild Award wins as part of The West Wing ensemble
Her performance as Donna Moss remains one of the most memorable supporting roles in modern television.
Janel Moloney Net Worth
Janel Moloney net worth is estimated to be $4 million.