Janina Gavankar
Biography
Janina Zione Gavankar, born on November 29, 1980, is a talented American actress and musician with a diverse skill set that includes piano, vocals, and orchestral percussion. She pursued her passion for the performing arts by studying Theatre Performance at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Throughout her career, Gavankar has showcased her versatility across various television series. Notable performances include her role as a police officer in the supernatural drama The Gates, as well as her memorable portrayal of Ms. Dewey, the animated embodiment of a Microsoft search engine that interacted with users. She gained recognition for her character Shiva in the acclaimed comedy series The League and brought depth to the shapeshifter Luna Garza on HBO’s hit show True Blood. Additionally, Gavankar appeared as McKenna Hall in The CW’s popular superhero series Arrow and played Meredith Bose in NBC’s The Mysteries of Laura. Her role as Diana Thomas in Fox's Sleepy Hollow further solidified her reputation as a dynamic actress.
In addition to her acting career, Gavankar's musical talents extend her creative reach, making her a multifaceted artist in the entertainment industry. With her extensive body of work, Janina Gavankar continues to captivate audiences and contribute significantly to the world of film and television.
Filmography
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Encounter (2021)
2021 • Piya
The Way Back (2020)
2020 • Angela
Borderlands
2024 • Knoxx
The Vanishing of Sidney Hall
2018 • Gina
Blindspotting
2018 • Val
Cup of My Blood
2005 • Iona
The White Orchid
2018 • Tina
Sleepy Hollow
2013
The League
2009 • Shiva
The Mysteries of Laura
2014 • Meredith Bose
The Mighty Ones
2020 • Kensington (voice)
Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi
2022 • Pav-ti (voice)