Adam Patla
For the past five seasons on Abbott Elementary, Janelle James has been stealing scenes and making a household name for herself as Principal Ava Coleman. Initially unqualified and unprofessional, Ava has emerged as a fierce advocate for her school with a heart of gold beneath the pointed insults . As Ava evolves, so does James as a performer.
“I know just thinking about Season 1 and halfway into 2 just being like ‘Okay, I’m the jokester, I’m here for comedic relief’ which I’m good at,” she says. “Of course as the seasons go on and they’ve expanded her character and given her layers and given her costars to pay off of such as family members or a love interest I’ve gotten to one: not be bored and two: display and show her different layers and different layers of my talent.”
James, who burst onto the scene as a stand-up, isn’t intimidated when it comes to Ava’s more serious moments, though.
“I’m a comedian, it’s how I started and that’s what I’m known for, but I always say underneath comedy there’s usually some sadness,” she explains. “I know for myself and many comedians we’re pretty serious people even though we’re doing jokes most of the time…this has been just as…smooth to do those different flavors of her like the softness. I was an actor and also as a viewer wanting to see that from her anyway so it was a treat and pleasurable to play. The family dynamic of meeting her father and having those serious moments, I wanted to see why is she is the way that she is. She’s a jokester but very guarded and mean sometimes and we know that’s frequently a shield for something…. I think what makes her super interesting and fun to play is that we’ll have those moments but she’s instantly back into comedy.”
In James capable hands, Ava rises from reliable comedic relief to a well-rounded human and an incredible testament to growth and purpose. Season 5 in particular feels like a culmination of Ava’s journey so far as we witness her embody her role as principal with confidence and grace. All of this shines while underscored by deliveries that will have you laughing so loud you miss the next line.
Another major avenue to explore Ava’s growth has been via her relationship with Abbot’s school secretary Dia (Pam Trotter). James and Trotter embody a dynamic that’s contentious but bubbling with a begrudging dependence and love.
“Ava had this sisterly dynamic with Janine (Quinta Brunson),” James explains. “To bring in Pam [Trotter] it’s almost like another sister. That’s how it feels to me when I’m playing with her….. Maybe she’s my older sister that checks me and then I’m a middle child, that’s how I think about it. It’s fun and great to play with her and get to show yet another layer with Pam…. It also illustrates how all these people are her in the school are basically her family.”
Speaking about her “family,” Ava’s previously established relationships also get opportunities to shift and play this season. The back half of the season sees Ava team up with Jacob (Chris Perfetti) to try and get Janine and Gregory back together after a devastating breakup.
“Chris is the homie regardless so anytime we get to do a scene together is amazing,” she gushes. “He’s such an amazing actor. He’s also a great comedic actor which I don’t think people give him credit for…so I’m always excited for that. I think our characters on the show are so different it’s already like ‘What’s gonna happen here?’ He’s another one where we have like a frictional relationship and we kind of actually like each other.”
Likewise, the tables get turned a bit on Janine and Ava’s relationship after a night out. James and Brunson run with the revelation that Janine is a mean drunk and craft what is one of the funniest moments of the season.
“That’s something I’ve been waiting for since Season 1!” James quips. “That was so satisfying for everyone to see Ava get a little comeuppance and it also illustrates in a great funny way how much…Janine has grown, that she’s finding herself and her personality. I feel like even though it kind of burnt a little bit, Ava was proud of her.”
Part of James’ magic is her ability to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the ensemble. You can place her with any performer with their own distinct comedic style and she’ll expertly mine the interaction for comedic gold. She’s malleable and understands the art of playing with her costars. Even through the duration of our interview, she’s sprinkling quick one-liners with ease, proving how adept she is with anyone in earshot.
For James though, it all comes back to the work environment.
“I always say I don’t wanna work anywhere I don’t feel good,” she says. “Of course nobody wants to work, certainly not Ava, but if I must why don’t I go to a good environment where I like people and I’m kind to people and it’s something that I really work at not only on this show but myself. It’s just a better way to move through life.”
Over the course of the series, it’s been a genuine delight to watch James grow as a performer and deepen her character all while moving through the ever-chaotic industry with a winning smile and a sly quip at her disposal.
Make sure to tune into Janelle James’ work on Abbot Elementary. All five seasons are available to stream on Hulu. Check out Awards Radar’s full interview with Janelle below!
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