Suvechha Sarkar
One of the four new challengers in episode 8 of Netflix’s ‘Star Search’ was Janine Harouni. During the second night of the Semifinals, she was featured in the Comedy Category to face off against JR De Guzman. Janine carried the unmistakable confidence of someone who knew exactly where she belonged. From the beginning, she said she was there not to use music like her opponent, but simply to offer comedy. Utilizing her quirky comedic lines, sharp observational humor, and an effortlessly smart delivery, Janine quickly struck the balance between wit and relatability. She succeeded in drawing laughter from both the audience and the judges, who ultimately awarded her 4 points each. The final verdict came when she received the overall score of 3.66, helping her secure the victory in her category.
Janine Harouni Overcame Adversity to Become an Award-Winning Comedian
Janine Harouni is originally from Staten Island, New York, where she was born and raised. She eventually completed her education at Community College before moving on to explore her career options. However, her life took a massive turn when a near-fatal car accident left her leg paralyzed, but she gradually reclaimed her life. In 2012, she made the bold decision to move to London, England, where she attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Over the next few years, Janine carved out a unique professional path as a stand-up comedian. Her talent didn’t go unnoticed, as she turned out to be the winner of the Laughing Horse New Act of the Year in 2019. By the following year, Janine also attained the BBC New Comedy Award.
Furthermore, in 2019, Janine performed her debut show, ‘Stand Up with Janine Harouni (Please Remain Seated).’ Additionally, she was nominated for the Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards in 2019 and, once again, received a nomination there in 2023. Beyond comedy, the contestant also explored acting, appearing in several short films like ‘Anti Social: Comic Relief’ (2017) and ‘Thin Skinned’ (2023), among many others. Janine also starred in ‘The Batman’ and ‘The People We Hate at the Wedding’ in 2022. She also features in multiple well-known TV shows, such as ‘Avoidance’ (2022), ‘The Franchise’ (2024), and many others.
Janine’s Career Has Gained Momentum With Her Elaborate Comedy Tours
By November 2025, Janine began her comedy tour in several major cities and countries across the world, including Paris, France, Norwich, England, Luxembourg, and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In that same month, she announced that her Amsterdam tour tickets had sold out, highlighting the success of her comedic career. In December, the contestant appeared on Mike Birbiglia’s podcast ‘Working It Out,’ where they discussed their belief in God during an in-depth interview. Around that same time, Janine was interviewed on another podcast ‘Loud About Nothing,’ where she reflected on Staten Island Christmas traditions and how they differed from her experiences.
Janine also performed at the Don’t Tell Comedy event, and clips from it were shared on YouTube, garnering 50,000 views within just one day. January 2026 brought even more milestones as Janine appeared on ‘Celebrity Mastermind.’ She then proceeded to appear on the ‘Red Talks’ podcast, where she opened up about her near-fatal accident, details about her rescue, and the pain she felt in the aftermath. At the beginning of the year, Janine further confirmed her upcoming tours in Leeds, Brighton, Birmingham, Manchester, and several other locations. Moreover, she announced her upcoming live performance at Union Chapel in London on March 10, featuring three other incredible comedians.
Beyond this, Janine continues to connect with fans through social media. With over 452K followers on Instagram and a community of 342.2K on TikTok, she regularly shares clips from her stand-up sets, career milestones, and tour updates. It also includes the promotion of her website, where her 2026 tour tickets are currently available. It commences on March 6 and concludes on May 22. As of writing, the tickets for her Reading show have already sold out, with only a few tickets left for her Liverpool and Brighton shows. Despite the toll her work takes, Janine continues to tell the story of resilience and relentless ambition.
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Janine Finds Her True Happiness in Her Partner, Son, and Furry Companion
Janine has always carried a great pride in her rich heritage. Her father is of Lebanese-American origin, while her mother brings the Italian and Irish roots into the family. In an April 2022 interview, she revealed that her father has always been supportive of her career and even referred to him as one of her biggest fans. In one instance, Janine’s father even traveled to London to watch her perform. Family has always been the cornerstone of her life, mostly because she never wants to lose any opportunity to celebrate traditions together. Whether it be Thanksgiving or Christmas, Janine cherishes every single moment she spends with her loved ones.
Janine’s personal life took a memorable turn in 2016 when she first met her soulmate, Andrew Nolan, who is also a Film Director. They began their lives together in an unconventional way at a disused youth hostel. As their relationship blossomed over time, they eventually tied the knot in the presence of their loved ones. In September 2023, Janine and Andrew’s lives were lit up with joy when they welcomed their son, Miles, into the world. As a family, they frequently spend time at the playground and enjoy weekend trips together. The couple often makes time for romantic dates and creates comedic videos together.
Janine never shies away from expressing her love for Andrew. It became more visible when she shared a serious situation when Miles was rushed to the hospital due to an emergency, but his father remained completely calm to handle the predicament. Janine expressed, “We’re so lucky to have you, Andrew. Even if you never bring the laundry up or put the toilet seat down. You’re the best dad I could ever hope for Miles to have. Happy Father’s Day.” Her household also includes their furry pup, who is also a part of their daily adventures. Whenever Janine and Andrew get the chance, they set out to explore different corners of the world, including their memorable trip to Phuket, Thailand in December 2021.
