Abbott Elementary cast shows pride with teachable moments

ABC's Abbott Elementary is a comedic television series set in a West Philadelphia public school. The show is filmed as a documentary where the characters speak directly to the camera crew and viewers periodically.

Quinta Brunson created and stars in the smash hit, which has been nominated for 30 Primetime Emmy Awards. Brunson's portrayal of Janine Teagues has earned her many trophies and accolades, including a Peabody Award in 2022. She broke the glass ceiling by being the first Black woman to be nominated three times in the comedy category of the Primetime Emmys and the first Black woman to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy in over 40 years.

She's not the only one with important representation, educating others at the school. Out actor Chris Perfetti plays an openly queer history teacher named Jacob Hill. He constantly gives humorous takes on hot topics in the hallways as a fully nuanced character who is not afraid to be the butt of the joke. He was honored at the Critics Choice Association's Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television with the Breakthrough Performance Award in 2024. His cast mate Sheryl Lee Ralph introduced him at the ceremony and both Quinta and Lisa Ann Walter, who plays Melissa Schemmenti on Abbott, attended in support. I congratulated him on his accomplishment that night at the Fairmont Plaza and the class clown, who is usually full of jokes, was visibly shaken and emotional.

There are many life lessons to be found inside the underfunded institution and season five comes with staffing changes and a new guidance counselor. Brunson kicked off a recent press conference by saying, “We're actually getting to show the struggles of public schools more than ever this season.” She also stated that the focus this season will remain on comedy and fun, while veering away from the current political climate.

Sheryl Lee Ralph portrays Barbara Howard with gusto and described the show as “a balm for people globally.” Lisa complimented Ralph with “when Sheryl speaks, we go to church.”

Quinta shared stories on creating the character's names, with many of them based on teachers from her past and Melissa was the name of her mother's past classmate. Janine originated from Quinta's college friend.

At the press conference, Perfetti confessed, “I was a terrible student and I think my teachers wouldn't let me within a mile radius of them at this point.” He later mentioned how humbling it is to meet so many fans and educators when out and about.

I asked the group about their proudest moment from working on Abbott Elementary so far. Chris answered first with, “I remember shooting the pilot and running into Sheryl. I remember the first time I was Tyler (James Williams, who plays Gregory Eddie) and I never would have imagined this creative collaboration would be so unbelievably fulfilling. I love coming to work every day and it feels like a family.”

Lisa's proudest moment was winning a Golden Globe Award and said, “It was one of the first ones where we were all onstage together.”

Ever the team player, Quinta said, ”There are many proud moments for me on this show. We shot at a live baseball game, which was damn near impossible to do. Our crew pulled it off and worked hard to make it a good show. Our assistant director, Ricky Weaver, calls the kids on set “Heartbeats” to show they are a crucial part of this show and that fills me with pride.”

Willard R. Abbott Elementary School reconvenes on ABC in December after a brief recess.