. Was Miss Nevada in 1989.
. Appeared on Wheel of Fortune on February 27, with her best friend Kirsten Wollner and won $8600, which they split.
. Dances at the Tropicana in the "Best of the Folies-Bergère".
. Appeared on Inside Edition and traded places with a librarian for one day.
. Her parents' names are Maria (also a former dancer, whose stage name was Ramy Blues) and Juan.
. Her name is probably derived from her father's name and therefore may be pronounced Wah-new. (like Juan)


History

As a child, Janu Tornell never aspired to be a showgirl. Tornell's Cuban-born mother, Maria, was a famous showgirl in Havana, but Tornell did not find her calling until many life experiences later and considers her mother one of her greatest inspirations for overcoming the hardships of life, including a successful battle with cancer. Tornell is equally inspired by her father, Juan, as he always told her that every experience in life gives you endurance.

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tornell attended Valley High School. She then spent time in Spain before moving to Los Angeles. She attended Los Angeles Valley Community College before moving back to Las Vegas to finish her studies and pursue a career as a showgirl. In 2004, after 20 years, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She most recently worked as the lead showgirl for a major Las Vegas hotel, performing two shows per night, six days per week. She also models. Tornell was previously employed as a restaurant manager, waitress and administrative assistant. Additionally, she was named 1989 Miss Nevada USA and was first runner-up in Miami's 1990 Miss Nuestra Belleza competition.

In her spare time, Tornell enjoys traveling, scuba diving, swimming, body surfing, reading, rock climbing and watching foreign films. She describes herself as honest, fun, outgoing and strong-minded. She is fluent in Spanish, Italian, French and English. Her hero is Audrey Hepburn for her talent, goodwill, beauty and her ability to be most beautiful to the least fortunate.

Tornell is an active member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Screen Actors Guild.

FAVOURITES
Colors Black, white, blue
Scents Fresh, China rain, masculine colognes
Flowers China lily, bougainvillea, gardenia, hyacinth
Board Games Monopoly, backgammon, chess
Video Games FreeCell, Pac-Man
Sports to Play Volleyball, soccer, softball
Sports Teams Italy and Brazil's soccer teams, women's beach volleyball
Outdoor Activities Running, swimming, scuba diving
TV Shows Sex in the City, Spanish soaps, SURVIVOR, BBC shows
Movies Breakfast at Tiffany's, Bourne Identity, Bourne Supremacy, foreign films
Actors Sir Anthony Hopkins, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson
Actresses Audrey Hepburn, Yadhira Carrillo, Angelina Jolie
Music Latin, Italian, Brazilian, French
Magazines Fashion, travel, Spanish People
Books/Authors Marlo Morgan, Dan Brown, JD Robb
Cereals Cap'n Crunch Peanut Butter Crunch, Life, Cornflakes, oatmeal
Fruits Mango, nectarine, papaya, banana, berries
Snack Foods Chips with chile (Sabritas)
Cookies Chocolate chip, oatmeal
Candy Bars Chocolate truffles, Aero chocolate bars
Alcoholic Drinks Tecate, Sambuca, Miller Lite, margaritas, tequila, mojitos, wine
Non-Alcoholic Coke, Squirt, Fanta Orange, Grape Gatorade, water, tea, coffee