He was the son of author and theatrical producer Russell Janney,[1][2] and he attended the School for Professional Children.

His other Broadway credits include Great Music (1924) Four O'Clock (1933), Take My Tip (1932), Tommy (1927), and Bridge of Distances (1925).

[4] His biggest regret was not taking the role in Tol'able David (1930) after Columbia boss Harry Cohn offered it to him.

"[5] Janney may be best remember for playing Hoppy's brother in Hopalong Cassidy Returns (1936).

A few films later North of the Rio Grande it is mentioned that Hoppy's brother was killed off.