Janelle James

ABOUT JANELLE JAMES

Actress, comedian, and writer known for playing principal Ava Coleman in the ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary . She also played Joyce and wrote for the Showtime comedy Black Monday . She's appeared in the television series Crashing , Corporate , and Central Park, which she also wrote for.

Her first screen appearance was in the 2013 television series Money Talks.

Her debut comedy album Black and Mild was released in 2017. She hosted the podcasts, Strong Black Laughs and You In Danger, Gurl. She was named one of Variety's 10 Comics to Watch in 2020. Her other acting roles included Life & Beth and the 2020 film Tom of Your Life.

She has two sons.

Her costars in Abbott Elementary include Quinta Brunson and Tyler James Williams .