Get to Know the Cast of ABC’s ‘Abbott Elementary’

It’s back-to-school season! Elementary school, that is. ABC’s smash hit Abbott Elementary returns on September 21 for its sophomore season and we couldn’t be more excited. Last season, viewers became all too attached to TV’s toughest kindergarten teacher and the will-they-won’t-they romance between Jeanine and Gregory. The mockumentary-style series collected seven Emmy Nominations this year! And yes, it’s already taken home a win for best casting because this ensemble is really that great!

Now that Abbott Elementary has claimed its little gold men, it’s time to get back to class. The second season will feature the returning cast from season 1, and in case you forgot your teachers’ names, here’s your study guide.

Quinta Brunson

Age: 32
Instagram: @quintab
About Her: Quinta is the creator, writer, executive producer, and star of Abbott Elementary—so yeah, she’s busy. She was the first Black woman to be nominated three times in the comedy category at the 74th Emmy Awards and landed on the Time 100 Most Influential People list for 2022. An inspiration to all internet comedians, Brunson got her start at BuzzFeed, making million-hit videos and snagging Streamy Awards nominations.

Tyler James Williams

Age: 29

Instagram: @willtylerjames

About Him: If he looks familiar to you, it’s because Tyler James Williams has been onscreen since he was 4 years old. He made his (vocal) break as the voice of Bobby on Little Bill and went on to play lead in Everybody Hates Chris.

Janelle James

Instagram: @janellejamescomedy

About Her: If you watched season 1 of Abbott Elementary, then it’ll come at no surprise to hear that Janelle James is a true comedian. She plays the hilarious principal Ava Coleman on Quinta’s show but previously found herself on Variety’s 10 Comic to Watch list in 2020. Before Abbott Elementary, James wrote for The Rundown With Robin Thede and Black Monday and acted in comedies like Crashing and Central Park.

Lisa Ann Walter

Age: 59

Instagram: @lisaannwalter

About Her: Lisa Ann is best known for the role of a lifetime—Chessy in The Parent Trap. Beyond that legacy cinema, she’s acted in Bruce Almighty, Shall We Dance, and War of the Worlds. Along with her onscreen work, Lisa Ann has worked as a stand-up comedian and created an ABC sitcom of her own, Life’s Work.

Chris Perfetti

Age: 33
Instagram: @chrisperfetti

About Him: Before starring as Jacob Hill, Chris’s set was a stage. He’s performed in a number of productions and even snagged a Theatre World Award for his work in an off-Broadway play. Abbott is not his first taste of screen time, he’s previously starred in NBC’s Crossbones and HBO’s Looking.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Age: 65

Instagram: @thesherylleeralph

About Her: Sheryl Lee Ralph is an icon’s icon. Her career breakthrough came in 1981 when she won a Tony Award for her role as Deena Jones in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls—if you thought Beyoncé was the only Deena, meet Sheryl. She went on to star in movies like To Sleep With Anger and Sister Act 2, and television shows like Moesha and Instant Mom.

William Stanford Davis

Age: 71

Instagram: @thewilliamstanforddavis

About Him: Just like Mr. Johnson, William Stanford Davis has worn a number of hats throughout his career. He was a part of an R&B boy band, has been a stand-up comedian, and appeared on a number of shows. After appearing in a recurring role in the show’s first season, he was bumped up to starring making it the first time he’s been a main cast member on a TV show in his career. It’s about time!

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