After completing her academic pursuits at Mather College, Western Reserve, in Cleveland, Ohio, Janis earned two prestigious degrees in arts and music in 1935. This marked the beginning of her journey towards a career in opera, a dream she had nurtured for a long time. To sustain herself financially, she took up various jobs, including waitressing, singing in churches, modeling, and writing radio scripts. Her determination and hard work eventually paid off when she won an audition with the Metropolitan Opera, but unfortunately, her nerves got the better of her, and she failed to impress the judges.
Undeterred by this setback, Janis continued to pursue her passion for the performing arts. She landed a part in the Broadway musical "I Married an Angel" and went on to appear in "DuBarry Was a Lady" and "Panama Hattie," the latter of which featured a solo number. Her impressive performance caught the attention of Darryl Zanuck, the renowned film producer, who was so impressed that he offered her a contract with 20th Century-Fox.
Janis relocated to Hollywood in February 1941 and spent the next 12 years working in the film industry, appearing in over 30 movies for various studios, including 20th Century-Fox, MGM, Columbia, and RKO. However, after a successful stint in Hollywood, Janis decided to return to her hometown of New York and transition into television.
She began working in television, acting in numerous shows, both drama and comedy, and eventually became the hostess of the popular NBC quiz show "Feather Your Nest" alongside Bud Collyer in 1954. Janis's professional life took a new turn in 1956 when she married Julius Stulman and retired from the entertainment industry.
Post-retirement, Janis remained committed to her community, actively participating in various cultural activities, primarily in Sarasota, Florida. Her enthusiasm and dedication to her community work were reminiscent of her earlier pursuits, a testament to her enduring passion for life and her unwavering commitment to her craft.
