Janel Tanna: MD, ACTRESS AND MODEL MUSE

Photography: Hideki Aono | Cover: Avi Wiseman

She’s not just a powerhouse—she’s a one-woman interdisciplinary wonder. Actress, psychiatrist, model, and producer, Janel Tanna has completely owned the Fall 2025 season. Her unique ability to see the world through both a medical and artistic lens makes her career trajectory utterly fascinating. This is a profile of a true Hollywood polymath.

Janel Tanna: A Cultural Icon's Unmatched Fall Roster

Janel Tanna has executed an unparalleled trifecta of achievements this season, proving her mastery across disparate cultural arenas. Beyond her lauded performance in the Off-Broadway play I Made it To The Moon and her work in feature film development, Tanna also dedicated time to philanthropy by judging the Maxim Cover Girl competition. Her rare fusion of clinical expertise as a psychiatrist with her artistic drive provides the unique depth celebrated in her recent best actress award. This versatility across the medical, artistic, and fashion worlds confirms her status as a singular force in the industry.

The Mind-Body Connection: From Psychiatry to Performance

What’s the secret to Tanna’s success? Her background as a practicing psychiatrist. She applies the rigorous insight of medicine directly to her craft.

She believes the work is similar, whether she is analyzing a patient or creating a character. Her philosophy centers on a deep, humanistic approach to both fields. "Everyone is different, but how I approach the work in Psychiatry or in a character is similar," she explains. "It is about the human condition and what has created someone to where they are in the present day." This psychological grounding gives her performances a rare, compelling authenticity.

Award-Winning Momentum: Off-Broadway and Festival Gold

The buzz around Tanna’s acting career is deafening, fueled by recent, major achievements. She was the recipient of the prestigious Anita Garvin Best Actress Award at the Staten Island Shorts Festival in Summer 2025. This significant recognition underscores her commanding presence in independent film.

Adding to her theatrical pedigree, she recently starred as the female lead, Kristina Hendricks, in the Off-Broadway play, I Made it To The Moon. The acclaimed family drama was created by Karen Campion and directed by KM Jones. Tanna’s role anchored the great ensemble cast, showcasing her strength on the prestigious New York stage.

NYFW Dominance: A Return to the World's Biggest Catwalk

Janel Tanna didn't just attend New York Fashion Week—she owned the runway for multiple top names, cementing her status as a high-fashion model.

She was seen modeling for designer Shani Grosz in a historic fashion show held at the iconic Macy's in NYC. Further establishing her influence in high fashion, Tanna also walked for the designer Dechen this past fashion week. This powerful combination highlights her as both a serious dramatic actor and a seasoned runway veteran.

Hollywood's Future: Italy, Intrigue, and Production Power

Tanna is a producer and writer, not one to wait for roles—she’s actively creating them. Her career has shifted into a new gear with a transatlantic focus.

She is currently deep in pre-production for the film, The Island Within. This exciting new project was created with Italian screenwriter Alessandro Incalza. The ambitious film is set to shoot across both the US and Sicily, hinting at an international scale.

Meanwhile, she utilizes her modeling success to mentor others. The former 2019 Maxim Covergirl is now serving as a respected judge in the competition, bringing her experience full circle.

Dr. Janel Tanna is the gold standard for the modern professional. She proves that expertise in one field can be the ultimate superpower in another. Her star is only getting brighter.

Photography: Hideki Aono