The West Wing Cast: Where Are They Now?

There are few characters on television that have ever been as selfless and altruistic as Donna Moss. Janel Moloney’s role on the West Wing wasn’t supposed to be a major one, with Josh’s assistant initially imagined as a glorified background part, much like that of Leo’s Margaret, Toby’s Ginger or C.J’s Carol.

A scene incorporated into the pilot episode at the last minute to pad it for time led to Sorkin realising that she and Bradley Whitford played off each other well, however, leading to her expanded role as a character over time.

Their platonic relationship finally became romantic in the show’s final season, giving closure to a will they/won’t they arc that incorporated both of them nearly losing their lives (Josh in season one’s shooting and Donna in season five’s terrorist attack).

Prior to the West Wing, Janel Moloney’s only credits were in minor or background roles such as ‘Hairdresser’ or ‘Bridesmaid’, though she did work with Sorkin on an episode of Sports Night that may have led to her being considered for the Donna role. It remains the most notable of her career, but she has since been able to channel her success into a few higher profile parts, including a 3-year tenure on HBO’s The Leftovers and a small selection of multi-episode arcs on shows like The Blacklist.

Most recently she appeared on HBO once more, co-starring alongside High Grant and Nicole Kidman in miniseries The Undoing.