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Bradley Whitford as Josh Lyman
Bradley Whitfords credits in film, television and theater allowed him to work with some of the most noted writers, directors and playwrights in the arts, and have benefited the Juilliard-trained actor. But stardom is something else altogether, and it remained elusive at least until 1999, when he joined NBCs acclaimed political drama and winner of three Emmy Awards for best dramatic series, "The West Wing." Last year, Whitford won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, for his role as Josh Lyman and received another Emmy nomination in 2002.
Growing up in Wisconsin, Whitford spent his youth at a decidedly slower pace. "I participated in theater in high school, but I never thought you could actually be an actor for a living," he says. Nevertheless, he went on to study drama and English literature at Wesleyan University and earned a masters degree in theater from the prestigious Juilliard Theater Center.
Whitfords first professional performance was in the off-Broadway production of "Curse of the Starving Glass," with Kathy Bates. Ironically, he also starred in the Broadway production of "The West Wing" and in creator Aaron Sorkins "A Few Good Men." His additional theater credits include "Three Days of Rain" at the Manhattan Theatre Club, "Measure for Measure" at the Lincoln Center, and the title role in "Coriolanus" at the Folger Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Some of Whitfords most recognizable performances came in such films as "The Muse" with Albert Brooks and "Bicentennial Man" with Robin Williams. He has also appeared in "Scent of a Woman," "A Perfect World," "Philadelphia," "The Client," "My Life," "Red Corner," "Presumed Innocent" and "My Fellow Americans."
Whitford guest-starred on such hit series as NBCs "ER" (in the critically acclaimed "Loves Labor Lost" episode), "The X-Files" and "NYPD Blue."
Whitford lives in Los Angeles with his wife, actress Jane Kaczmarek ("Malcolm in the Middle"), and their children, Frances and George. His birthday is October 1
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Janel Moloney as Donna Moss
Emmy Award nominee Janel Moloney loved performing from an early age. "I grew up at the time that Annie was really popular and subjected my family (including her fraternal twin sister, Carey) to endless performances of Tomorrow (the hit song from that musical)," says Moloney. "The sad part of the story though was that singing was not my strong suit!"
Moloney, who was born and raised in Woodland Hills, California, studied ballet from ages 5 to 15, but acting was her first passion. "There were two junior high school acting teachers in town -- Mrs. Martin and Mr. Mallot -- who were incredible," she says. "From the time I was in the fourth grade, Id go see every one of their shows. They were the whole reason I wanted to act."
As a high school student, Moloney appeared in her first play, "Taming of the Shrew," in the role of Bianca. After graduation, she studied acting briefly at the State University New York-Purchase, but soon returned to Los Angeles to begin classes with acting teacher Roy London, whom Moloney cites as her biggest inspiration.
Moloneys film credits include appearances in the critically acclaimed independent feature "The Souler Opposite," as well as "Desperate Measures" and "Til There Was You." She guest-starred on the Christmas episode of the television series "Sports Night" thus introducing her to "Sports Night" (and "The West Wing") executive producers Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme. "Aaron and Tommy are my kind of people," says Moloney. "I fell in love with them."
After her "Sports Night" experience, Moloney was called in to audition for the role of "The West Wing" press secretary C.J. Cregg, but was ultimately cast as Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lymans (Bradley Whitford) sarcastic, but lovable secretary, Donna Moss. "I had a feeling about this role," said Moloney. "Right from the beginning, I felt like a member of the cast."
In describing Donna, Moloney says, "If shes not having a good time, somethings wrong. She enjoys what she does." And about the incredible chemistry between Donna and Josh? "Donna couldnt have been created without Josh. He brought her out. Brad is hysterically funny and one of the best people Ive ever met. Hes stellar."
Moloney will appear alongside Tom Cavanagh (NBCs "Ed") and Ben Foster in the upcoming cable film "Bang, Bang Youre Dead!" Her additional television credits include roles on NBCs "ER," which introduced her to "The West Wings" other executive producer, John Wells. She also appeared in the television movies "Then She Was Gone" and "To Save a Child."
Moloneys birthday is October 3.
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