In a surprising turn of events on The Masked Singer Season 10, actress Janel Parrish, best known for her role as Mona in Pretty Little Liars, was unveiled as the Gazelle. While the panelists struggled to guess the identity behind the mask, eagle-eyed Pretty Little Liars fans quickly cracked the code, relying on their deep knowledge of Parrish’s past performances.
Parrish, 35, spoke exclusively to Us Weekly about the amusing experience of being identified by PLL fans. “I saw a hilarious comment from one of the PLL fans,” she shared. “They were like, ‘You can’t hide, Mona, we know it’s you!’ I was like, ‘Oh, wow.’ Those PLL fans, they’re little sleuths! They know what’s up.”
The connection between Parrish and the Gazelle became evident when a clue package included a test paper with an A-minus, reminiscent of Parrish’s character Mona, who famously orchestrated schemes as the original “A” in Pretty Little Liars, which aired from 2010 to 2017.
Parrish admitted that her family, despite the show’s strict confidentiality measures, didn’t need clues to identify her. “She [Parrish’s aunt] said she thought that it was my voice, but then when she saw my mannerisms, even as Gazelle with the filter on my voice, she knew that it was me just from my body mannerisms,” Parrish told Us Weekly.
Despite the efforts to keep her participation in The Masked Singer a secret, Parrish’s aunt saw through the disguise, showcasing the actress’s unique mannerisms that couldn’t be concealed.
Fans and family weren’t the only ones onto Parrish’s secret. The actress shared that she did a lot of denying, even resorting to what she called “bad lying” when questioned by family members. “I know you’re lying, but it’s fine, you probably can’t tell me,” was their response.
Janel Parrish, beyond her acclaimed role in Pretty Little Liars, surprised many by showcasing her vocal talent on The Masked Singer. She revealed her background in musical theater, mentioning that her first job ever was as Little Cosette on Broadway in Les Misérables. Parrish expressed vulnerability about her singing abilities, as her career shifted more towards TV and film.
The Masked Singer Season 10 not only provided entertainment but also uncovered a hidden talent and brought joy to Pretty Little Liars fans who were quick to recognize their beloved Mona behind the Gazelle mask.