Most Famous Janets in the World

The name Janet has become well-known over the years thanks to many successful women in entertainment – including singers, actors, and creators in film, TV, and theater. These Janets have achieved significant recognition through awards, popular songs and movies, memorable performances, and lasting careers.

Here’s a look at some famous people named Janet, and what made them well-known. We’ll cover their biggest achievements – like popular songs, awards, memorable roles, and important contributions – to show why they’re considered among the most famous Janets.

Janet Jackson

I’ve always been amazed by Janet Jackson. She’s not just a singer, but a total performer – a songwriter, dancer, and actress too! Her albums, especially ‘Control,’ ‘Rhythm Nation 1814,’ and ‘janet.’, really changed the sound of pop and R&B. It’s no surprise she’s won so many Grammys and been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. And her concerts and music videos? They were groundbreaking – she took choreography and storytelling to a whole new level. She’s a true icon.

Before she became *the* Janet Jackson we all know and love, she actually started out on TV – I remember seeing her on shows like “Good Times” and “Diff’rent Strokes”! Then she made the jump to film with “Poetic Justice” and a bunch of other roles. But it’s not just about the music and movies with Janet; she’s always been really committed to giving back, and consistently ranks among the best-selling artists of all time – a true icon, honestly.

Janet Leigh

Janet Leigh was a celebrated American actress, most famously known for her iconic performance in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” which earned her a Golden Globe award and an Oscar nomination. Throughout her career, she appeared in films like “Touch of Evil” and “The Manchurian Candidate,” demonstrating her talent in a variety of genres, including film noir, suspense, and drama.

Janet Leigh was more than just an actress; she also wrote books sharing stories from her life and the making of the film “Psycho,” giving readers an inside look at classic Hollywood. Coming from a family deeply involved in the film industry – including spouses and children who also worked in movies – she remained a public figure, frequently appearing at events and participating in career retrospectives.

Janet Gaynor

Janet Gaynor was a celebrated American actress and the very first to win an Academy Award for Best Actress. She was recognized for her work in several films as movies moved from the silent era to include sound. Later in her career, she received another Academy Award nomination for “A Star Is Born” and continued acting successfully on stage and television, proving her talent spanned both the silent and sound film periods.

Lorna Gaynor successfully combined her work as a performer with passions like painting, and she often partnered with other artists and designers. She’s best remembered for her contributions during the early days of the Academy Awards and the exciting transition in filmmaking from silent movies to those with sound.

Janet McTeer

Janet McTeer is a well-known British actress with a successful career in theater, film, and television. She won a Tony Award for her performance in “A Doll’s House” and has been nominated for an Academy Award twice, for her roles in “Tumbleweeds” and “Albert Nobbs.” She’s also appeared in popular TV shows like “Damages,” “Jessica Jones,” and “Ozark.”

Imelda Staunton is a classically trained actress who has directed productions for both the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre. She often plays strong, complex characters who speak in the style of earlier eras, and has received awards in the UK for her work in theatre.

Janet Suzman

Janet Suzman is an actress and director originally from South Africa, but now based in Britain. She’s known for her film roles, including playing the lead in “Nicholas and Alexandra,” for which she received an Academy Award nomination. She’s also a celebrated theatre performer, praised for her thoughtful approach to texts and her ability to lead on stage, performing both Shakespeare and contemporary plays.

Suzman is a highly experienced director and educator who has successfully staged classic plays for modern audiences in both the UK and South Africa. Her dedication to acting, directing, and arts education has been recognized with a Damehood.

Janet Street-Porter

Janet Street-Porter is a British TV and media professional who played a key role in developing youth and feature programming in the UK. She pioneered fresh, modern approaches to television production, giving a platform to new talent, and later became a senior editor at several national newspapers.

I’ve always enjoyed seeing Janet Street-Porter on TV – she’s a regular face on talk shows and debates, and it’s clear she really knows her stuff thanks to years in the media. It’s no surprise she’s been honored for her work in journalism and broadcasting; she’s done it all – from deciding what gets made, to being on screen herself, and leading editorial teams. She’s a true pro!

Janet Mock

Janet Mock is a writer, director, and producer known for her work on the TV series “Pose,” where she started as a writer-producer and later directed episodes, taking on more creative control. She’s also the author of two memoirs, “Redefining Realness” and “Surpassing Certainty,” which share her life story, career, and work as an advocate.

Jane Mock has entered into a multi-year agreement with a leading streaming service to create both movies and TV shows, allowing her to take on more roles behind the scenes. She’s also a frequent speaker on topics like fair representation, improving work environments in newsrooms and writers’ rooms, and the value of diverse hiring practices in the entertainment industry.

Janet Varney

Janet Varney is an American actress and comedian who is widely recognized as the voice of Korra in “The Legend of Korra.” She’s also appeared in live-action roles, notably starring in the horror-comedy “Stan Against Evil” and making guest appearances on many TV shows and streaming series.

As a huge comedy fan, I’ve always admired what Varney’s done with SF Sketchfest. She co-founded it, and it’s become this amazing, long-standing festival showcasing everything from stand-up and improv to panels and film screenings. But it’s not just the festival – she’s also really good at bringing people together. Through her podcasts and live interviews, she’s created this incredible space where fans can connect with performers and the people *behind* the scenes, which is something I really appreciate.

Janet Waldo

Janet Waldo was an American voice actress best known for voicing Judy Jetson in “The Jetsons” and Penelope Pitstop. She began her career in radio and live-action performances before finding success in animation, becoming a familiar voice to generations of television viewers.

Throughout her long career, June Foray – known as Waldo – revisited beloved characters in updated series and specials. Her work was incredibly influential in shaping the sound of American animation, and her voice performances are still enjoyed by audiences today through reruns and streaming platforms around the globe.

Janet Margolin

Janet Margolin was an American actress who first gained recognition for her performance in “David and Lisa.” This success led to notable roles in films like “Take the Money and Run” and “Annie Hall.” She was a versatile performer, equally comfortable in dramatic and comedic roles, and continued to work consistently on television throughout her career.

She successfully worked in movies, television, and theater, gaining experience on both small independent films and large studio productions. Her work with well-known directors and writers resulted in appearances in several memorable projects that people still enjoy today.

Share your favorite famous Janets—and any great ones we missed—in the comments!

2025-09-18 03:51