Janel Parrish

Early Life and Education

Janel Meilani Parrish was born in Kāne'ohe, Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in both Honolulu and California. Her mother, Joanne, is of Han Chinese descent, while her father, Mark Parrish, has German, Irish, and English roots. Growing up in a family of former bodybuilders, Janel was inspired to perform after seeing a production of "The Phantom of the Opera" at the age of nine. She began playing the piano and soon added acting, singing, and dance to her repertoire. By age 14, she had moved to Burbank, Los Angeles, to pursue her career in entertainment, transitioning to homeschooling to accommodate her busy schedule.

Career

Janel's career took off when she was cast as Young Cosette in the National Touring Company of "Les Misérables," later performing the role on Broadway. She gained recognition through various television roles, including a part in NBC's "Baywatch" and Disney's "Geppetto." Her breakout role came in the 2007 film "Bratz," where she played Jade, marking her first starring role in a motion picture. Janel also showcased her musical talent with the single "Everything" and participated in the tenth season of Fox's "The Masked Singer," finishing in third place in 2023.

Personal Life

Janel married chemical engineer Chris Long on September 8, 2018, in a picturesque ceremony at Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii. Their wedding was marked by emotional moments, especially as they remembered Chris's father, who had tragically passed away shortly before the event. However, the couple faced challenges and separated in early 2026, with Janel finalizing her divorce later that year. She has also been involved in philanthropy, notably participating in Disney's #ChooseKindness campaign to combat bullying, sharing her own experiences from high school.