Janina Gavankar is an American actress and musician best known for her role as Luna Garza in the HBO series True Blood. Her diverse filmography and contributions to technology and social media mark her as a multifaceted figure in the entertainment industry.
Janina Zione Gavankar was born on November 29, 1980, in Joliet, Illinois. Her father, Peter Ganesh Gavankar, was an engineer originally from Mumbai, India. Demonstrating an early interest in the arts, Janina attended a summer program at the prestigious Yale School of Drama during her teenage years, helping lay the foundation for her future in performance.
Gavankar has built a varied acting portfolio. Aside from her role in True Blood, she has appeared in numerous television series, including The L Word, Stargate Atlantis, Grey’s Anatomy, The Cleaner, Dollhouse, Arrow, The Vampire Diaries, The Mysteries of Laura, The History of Us, and Sleepy Hollow. She also made a guest appearance on the reality cooking show Hell’s Kitchen.
Her film credits include several independent and mainstream titles. These include the short film Code Academy (2014), Think Like a Man Too (2014), Pee-wee’s Big Holiday (2016), The Vanishing of Sidney Hall (2017), Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), Blindspotting (2018), and White Orchid (2018).
Recognized for her early and innovative use of digital media, Gavankar was among the first actresses to adopt Twitter, reportedly signing up in 2006 while at Richard Branson’s Necker Island. In 2010, she was awarded the Gravity Summit Award for Excellence in Social Media, acknowledging her influence and leadership in the digital space.
In 2011, Gavankar further advocated for creative professionals by designing a free online template to help actors and artists manage and enhance their online presence effectively.
Gavankar's contributions to entertainment and advocacy for digital literacy have not gone unnoticed. In 2008, she received a nomination for an Asian Excellence Award, a recognition of her impact as a woman of South Asian descent working in American media.
An acknowledged gamer, Gavankar has spoken openly about her passion for gaming and technology, blending these interests with her professional work. Her engagement in both the entertainment industry and the digital world reflects her adaptability and forward-thinking approach in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
| Birth Date: | 29 Nov, 1980 |
| Age: | 39 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Joliet |
| Education: | University of Illinois at Chicago |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American actress |
| Net Worth 2021: | 500 thousand |
