Class is almost back in session at Abbott Elementary — but even the staff gets schooled sometimes.
During a panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, July 30, the cast of Abbott reflected on memories from filming while promoting the show’s upcoming fifth season. In a video shared by Vulture, Janelle James — who plays the ever-entertaining Principal Ava Coleman — recalled a moment when a younger cast member humbled her on set.
The young actress was Lela Hoffmeister, who plays Courtney, the sharp-tongued gifted student who’s always ready with a comeback. James joked that Hoffmeister is her “nemesis in real life.”
“She came up to me and she said, ‘Are you in any movies?’” James remembered. At the time, James hadn’t booked any film roles, with most of her credits being in TV and stand-up. “I said, ‘No, why do you ask?’ And she was like, ‘No reason.’”
When James flipped the question back, she got a stinging reply. “I said, ‘Why? Are you in any movies?’ She said, ‘Three!’”
Since then, James’ scene-stealing role as Ava has catapulted her into stardom. She’s now starred in two movies — as phlebotomist Ruby in One of them Days and as the voice of Olivia the cat in 2024’s The Garfield Movie. She may soon close the gap with her young rival.
Earlier this month, part two of the Abbott Elementary and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover aired on FX, featuring lost mockumentary footage and some hilarious f-bombs from both Ava and Quinta Brunson’s Janine.
Fans can catch the fifth season of Abbott Elementary when it premieres Wednesday, October 1 on ABC.
