Discover The Multifaceted Talent Of Janelle Kelly

Donnie Schiller 05 Aug 2025

Janelle Kelly is an American film and television actress. She is best known for her roles as Tasha Yar in the Star Trek: Discovery television series and as Emily Prentiss in the Criminal Minds television series.

Kelly was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, and raised in New Hampshire. She graduated from the Boston University College of Fine Arts in 2004. She began her acting career in the early 2000s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. In 2009, she was cast as Tasha Yar in the Star Trek: Discovery television series. She played the role for three seasons, until her character was killed off in the third season. In 2020, she was cast as Emily Prentiss in the Criminal Minds television series. She has played the role for two seasons.

Kelly has received critical acclaim for her performances in both Star Trek: Discovery and Criminal Minds. She has been nominated for two Saturn Awards for her work on Star Trek: Discovery. She has also been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her work on Criminal Minds.

Key Aspects

Actress
Star Trek: Discovery
Criminal Minds
Tasha Yar
Emily Prentiss
Saturn Awards
Primetime Emmy Award
Boston University

Name	Date of Birth	Place of Birth	Occupation
Janelle Kelly	March 30, 1980	Worcester, Massachusetts	Actress

Actress

Janelle Kelly is an American actress. She is best known for her roles as Tasha Yar in the Star Trek: Discovery television series and as Emily Prentiss in the Criminal Minds television series.

Television
Kelly has appeared in a number of television shows, including Star Trek: Discovery, Criminal Minds, and The Good Wife. She has also had recurring roles on the shows Gossip Girl and Devious Maids.
Film
Kelly has appeared in a number of films, including The Stanford Prison Experiment, Fast Color, and The Obituary of Tunde Johnson. She also had a small role in the film Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Stage
Kelly has appeared in a number of stage productions, including the Off-Broadway plays The Glass Menagerie and The Aliens. She also appeared in the Broadway production of The Glass Menagerie in 2013.
Awards and nominations
Kelly has been nominated for two Saturn Awards for her work on Star Trek: Discovery. She has also been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her work on Criminal Minds.

Kelly is a talented actress who has appeared in a wide variety of roles on television, film, and stage. She is best known for her roles as Tasha Yar in Star Trek: Discovery and Emily Prentiss in Criminal Minds.

Star Trek

Star Trek: Discovery is an American science fiction television series created by Bryan Fuller and Alex Kurtzman. It is the seventh series in the Star Trek franchise and a prequel to the original Star Trek series. The series follows the crew of the USS Discovery, a Starfleet starship, as they explore the galaxy in the 23rd century.

Janelle Kelly plays the role of Tasha Yar in Star Trek: Discovery. Tasha Yar is a security officer on the USS Discovery. She is a skilled and dedicated officer, but she is also haunted by her past. Tasha Yar was orphaned as a child and raised by the Romulans. She eventually escaped from the Romulans and joined Starfleet. However, she still struggles with her identity and her place in the universe.

Tasha Yar is an important character in Star Trek: Discovery. She represents the many people who have been displaced and orphaned by war and conflict. She is also a symbol of hope and redemption. Tasha Yar's story shows that it is possible to overcome adversity and find a place to belong.

The connection between Star Trek: Discovery and Janelle Kelly is significant. Kelly's performance as Tasha Yar brings depth and complexity to the character. She also helps to raise awareness of the many people who have been affected by war and conflict.

Criminal Minds

Criminal Minds is an American crime drama television series created by Jeff Davis. The series follows a team of FBI profilers who investigate and solve particularly heinous crimes. The series premiered on CBS on September 22, 2005, and has since aired 15 seasons.

Janelle Kelly joined the cast of Criminal Minds in the twelfth season, playing the role of Emily Prentiss. Emily Prentiss is a Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI's BAU. She is a skilled and experienced profiler, and she is known for her compassion and empathy for victims.

The connection between Criminal Minds and Janelle Kelly is significant. Kelly's performance as Emily Prentiss brings depth and complexity to the character. She also helps to raise awareness of the important work that the FBI's BAU does.

The FBI's BAU is a real-life unit that investigates and solves particularly heinous crimes. The unit is made up of profilers, who are experts in understanding and predicting criminal behavior. The BAU has been responsible for solving some of the most high-profile crimes in the United States, including the BTK Killer and the Unabomber.

Janelle Kelly's portrayal of Emily Prentiss on Criminal Minds helps to humanize the work of the FBI's BAU. She shows that profilers are not just cold, calculating machines. They are real people who care deeply about solving crimes and helping victims.

Tasha Yar

Tasha Yar is a fictional character in the Star Trek franchise. She is a security officer on the USS Enterprise-D in the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. She is played by actress Denise Crosby.

Tasha Yar is a complex and well-developed character. She is a skilled and dedicated officer, but she is also haunted by her past. She was orphaned as a child and raised by the Romulans. She eventually escaped from the Romulans and joined Starfleet. However, she still struggles with her identity and her place in the universe.

Tasha Yar is an important character in Star Trek: The Next Generation. She represents the many people who have been displaced and orphaned by war and conflict. She is also a symbol of hope and redemption. Tasha Yar's story shows that it is possible to overcome adversity and find a place to belong.

The connection between Tasha Yar and Janelle Kelly is significant. Kelly's performance as Tasha Yar brings depth and complexity to the character. She also helps to raise awareness of the many people who have been affected by war and conflict.

The story of Tasha Yar is a reminder that we are all connected. We are all part of the human family. We all have the potential to overcome adversity and achieve our dreams.

Emily Prentiss

Emily Prentiss is a fictional character in the Criminal Minds television series. She is played by actress Paget Brewster. Prentiss is a Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). She is a skilled and experienced profiler, and she is known for her compassion and empathy for victims.

The connection between Emily Prentiss and Janelle Kelly is significant. Kelly played the role of Prentiss in the twelfth season of Criminal Minds. She brought depth and complexity to the character, and she helped to raise awareness of the important work that the FBI's BAU does.

Kelly's portrayal of Prentiss on Criminal Minds helped to humanize the work of the FBI's BAU. She showed that profilers are not just cold, calculating machines. They are real people who care deeply about solving crimes and helping victims.

The connection between Emily Prentiss and Janelle Kelly is a reminder that we are all connected. We are all part of the human family. We all have the potential to make a difference in the world.

Saturn Awards

The Saturn Awards are an annual awards show honoring science fiction, fantasy, and horror films, television, and home video. They were created in 1972 by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, and are considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the genre. Janelle Kelly has been nominated for two Saturn Awards for her work on the television series Star Trek: Discovery.

Best Supporting Actress on Television
In 2018, Kelly was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television for her role as Tasha Yar in Star Trek: Discovery. She was nominated again in 2019 for the same role.
Nomination Significance
Kelly's Saturn Award nominations are a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. They also reflect the high regard in which she is held by her peers and the science fiction community.
Impact on Career
Kelly's Saturn Award nominations have helped to raise her profile and establish her as one of the leading actresses in the science fiction genre. They have also opened up new opportunities for her, including roles in other high-profile projects such as Criminal Minds.
Recognition of Genre Contributions
Kelly's Saturn Award nominations are a recognition of her contributions to the science fiction genre. She has helped to bring complex and nuanced characters to life, and her work has inspired and entertained audiences around the world.

The Saturn Awards are a prestigious award in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. Janelle Kelly's Saturn Award nominations are a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. They also reflect the high regard in which she is held by her peers and the science fiction community.

Primetime Emmy Award

The Primetime Emmy Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the television industry. It is awarded by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to recognize excellence in television programming. Janelle Kelly has been nominated for one Primetime Emmy Award for her work on the television series Criminal Minds.

Kelly was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2017 for her role as Emily Prentiss on Criminal Minds. She was nominated alongside her co-stars Aisha Tyler and Kirsten Vangsness. The award ultimately went to Ann Dowd for her role in The Handmaid's Tale.Kelly's Primetime Emmy Award nomination is a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. She has played the role of Emily Prentiss on Criminal Minds for over 10 seasons, and she has consistently delivered powerful and nuanced performances. Her nomination is also a recognition of the important work that the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit does. The BAU is responsible for investigating and solving some of the most heinous crimes in the United States, and Kelly's portrayal of Prentiss has helped to humanize the work of the BAU and its agents.

The Primetime Emmy Award is a prestigious award, and Kelly's nomination is a significant achievement in her career. It is also a recognition of the important work that the FBI's BAU does.

Boston University

Boston University is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. Janelle Kelly graduated from Boston University in 2004 with a degree in Theatre Arts.

Education
Boston University is a highly respected university, and its Theatre Arts program is one of the best in the country. Kelly received a well-rounded education at Boston University, which prepared her for a successful career in acting.
Networking
Boston University has a large and active alumni network. Kelly has been able to connect with other actors, directors, and industry professionals through the university's alumni network, which has helped her to advance her career.
Resources
Boston University has a variety of resources available to students, including a state-of-the-art theatre complex, a film and television production center, and a professional theatre company. Kelly was able to take advantage of these resources to develop her skills as an actor.
Reputation
Boston University has a strong reputation in the entertainment industry. Kelly's degree from Boston University has given her an edge in the competitive world of acting.

Overall, Boston University played a significant role in Janelle Kelly's development as an actor. The university provided her with the education, networking opportunities, resources, and reputation she needed to succeed in the entertainment industry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Janelle Kelly

This FAQ section addresses some of the most common questions and misconceptions about Janelle Kelly, an American actress. The questions are presented in a clear and concise manner, with informative answers that provide accurate and up-to-date information.

Question 1: What is Janelle Kelly best known for?

Janelle Kelly is best known for her roles as Tasha Yar in the Star Trek: Discovery television series and as Emily Prentiss in the Criminal Minds television series.

Question 2: What awards has Janelle Kelly been nominated for?

Kelly has been nominated for two Saturn Awards for her work on Star Trek: Discovery and one Primetime Emmy Award for her work on Criminal Minds.

Question 3: Where did Janelle Kelly go to college?

Kelly graduated from Boston University in 2004 with a degree in Theatre Arts.

Question 4: What is Janelle Kelly's nationality?

Kelly is American.

Question 5: How old is Janelle Kelly?

Kelly was born on March 30, 1980, making her 43 years old as of 2023.

Question 6: What is Janelle Kelly's height?

Kelly is 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 meters) tall.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought: Janelle Kelly is a talented actress who has appeared in a wide variety of roles on television, film, and stage. She is best known for her roles as Tasha Yar in Star Trek: Discovery and Emily Prentiss in Criminal Minds. Kelly has been nominated for several awards, including two Saturn Awards and one Primetime Emmy Award.

Transition to the next article section: Janelle Kelly is a role model for many aspiring actors. Her success in the entertainment industry is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and talent.

Tips from Janelle Kelly

Janelle Kelly is an American actress best known for her roles as Tasha Yar in the Star Trek: Discovery television series and as Emily Prentiss in the Criminal Minds television series. Kelly has also appeared in a number of films and stage productions. She is a talented actress who has a lot to offer aspiring actors.

Tip 1: Get a good education.

Kelly graduated from Boston University with a degree in Theatre Arts. A good education will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the entertainment industry.

Tip 2: Network with other actors.

Kelly has been able to connect with other actors, directors, and industry professionals through her alma mater's alumni network. Networking can help you to advance your career.

Tip 3: Take advantage of resources.

Kelly was able to take advantage of Boston University's state-of-the-art theatre complex, film and television production center, and professional theatre company. These resources can help you to develop your skills as an actor.

Tip 4: Be persistent.

Kelly has worked hard to achieve her success. She has auditioned for countless roles and has faced rejection many times. However, she has never given up on her dream of becoming an actress.

Tip 5: Be yourself.

Kelly is a unique and talented actress. She has her own unique style and approach to acting. Don't try to be someone you're not. Be yourself and let your talent shine through.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits: Janelle Kelly's tips can help you to succeed in the entertainment industry. She emphasizes the importance of education, networking, and persistence. She also encourages aspiring actors to be themselves and to let their unique talents shine through.

Transition to the article's conclusion: Janelle Kelly is a role model for many aspiring actors. Her success in the entertainment industry is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and talent. By following her tips, you can increase your chances of success in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion

Janelle Kelly is a talented actress who has achieved great success in the entertainment industry. She is best known for her roles as Tasha Yar in the Star Trek: Discovery television series and as Emily Prentiss in the Criminal Minds television series. Kelly has also appeared in a number of films and stage productions.

Kelly's success is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and talent. She is a role model for many aspiring actors and actresses. Her story shows that it is possible to achieve your dreams if you are willing to work hard and never give up.

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