‘Abbott Elementary' star Janelle James on her Emmy nomination and the evolution of Principal Ava: ‘She's become more of a real person'
Gold Derby: What does the nomination mean to you personally and professionally?
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Janelle James: Personally, this is something that was never in my life view. I never have been like, "Oh, one day I'm going to win an Emmy." So personally, it's been another lesson on me continuing whatever path clears before me. I really keep myself open to possibility, to opportunity. The saying is, you stay ready, so you don't have to get ready. It's just a culmination of all the skills that I have been working on and sacrificing for and doing, not with an end goal in mind, but because I enjoy it.
Was there an episode or scene this season you're most proud of?
I feel like a lot of people will agree that this was an Ava season. Thanks to the writers and Quinta [Brunson, the show creator and star] for trusting me with this material. I was so excited to stretch in a way that Ava hasn't been able to before. There's always been nuggets of wisdom from Ava and solemn moments and serious moments, but she's basically been a joke machine to a great response. That's a skill that I'm very proud of being able to land those jokes and make this character so dynamic by saying a little. But then in this past season, to show different flavors of her in a way that she hadn't before, giving her more to work with has been amazing.
How has your character evolved over the seasons?
I feel like she was more of a ham in the earlier seasons. She brought this documentary crew in. She was like, this is my show. I'm going to look in the camera and wink and smile, and every entrance is like ta-da. She's become more of a real person now. I made a conscious decision to not do camera looks as often. In previous seasons, she's the most aware that a camera is on her and it's less so now.
How has working together over multiple seasons impacted your bond with the cast?
I always say I came into this show with masters of their craft. I think when you do that for any profession, you toss yourself into something where everyone else is an expert, you either sink or swim. It made me swim and rise to their level. To see Quinta being such a boss and taking on this huge responsibility of a show to be responsible for not only the show, but all of us and then to jump in front of the camera and be Janine has been inspirational.
Do you have similarities to Ava in real life? How do you relate to her?
I am also a Black woman who is very confident, fashionable and funny. I use humor a lot to cover, to placate, to soothe people to diffuse. That's how I've used this skill that I'm sure has come from my own trauma. A lot of funny people, we've just figured out how to turn those things into jokes. I relate to her in that way.
Besides , what shows are you loving right now?
I love and had just finished watching Bad Sisters on Apple TV+. Sharon Horgan is the creator and she's the main sister on that show and it's such great writing. This is somebody I want to work with. I'm going to just say that out loud. I loved her previous shows, especially Catastrophe that she did with Rob Delaney. But this show, I love the five female leads. I think it's the most accurate and devastating portrayal of emotional abuse I've ever seen. That villain, if I see this actor on the street, he is getting a load of it. Because just like everyone who sees me thinks that I am Ava Coleman, I think this guy, he did such a great job, that I think this guy is the villain that he portrayed. It's such a great show.
What has been your favorite encounter from fans?
I love when young ladies, in their early 20s, particularly Black women, come up to me and say that they see themselves in me. That is gratifying. This type of character is very lacking for Black women — someone who doesn't have it all together, someone who's portraying these layers. And teachers. I've had really good teachers in my life. Something I've always known innately is how important teachers are. It's almost sad to me when teachers come up and say, thank you for representing us, because it feels like you shouldn't need a TV show to drive that home. What do you mean you don't know how hard it is to have 30 kids in a room? You got your two kids at home and you're disheveled and tired. And then not only to wrangle them, but to teach them and then shape them into the adults that will be around you in the world. Why do you need a TV show to do that? But honored to help spread the message along.
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The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as exhibiting 'aromas of caramel apple, orange-pecan creme brûlée, and nutmeg along with flavors of cinnamon, buckwheat, and linden honey. Rich and balanced classic bourbon that is a joy to drink on the rocks or in a classic cocktail.' Heaven Hill 7 Year Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $49 Bottled-in-bond and aged at least 7 years, this expression replaced the previous 6-year-old version. It scored 95 points and was awarded a gold medal. The bourbon features aromas of aged leather, baking spices, nougat, and citrus peel. It's rich and robust on the palate, showcasing flavors of honey, rye spices, toasted marshmallow, and seasoned oak. The finish is long with a candied sweetness and lingering notes of caramel and vanilla fudge. The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as featuring 'aromas of peanuts, butterscotch, and dried caramel along with flavors of cinnamon oatmeal, maple, and pecans. 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