Janelle James stars in the scene-stealing role of Ava Coleman in the
Emmy® Award-nominated ABC comedy series “Abbott Elementary” that
will return for a fifth season on Oct. 1, 2025. James continues to
receive accolades for her performance, including four consecutive Emmy
nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, as
well as nominations for Golden Globe®, Independent Spirit, Critics’
Choice and Gotham Awards. She also earned the 2023 NAACP Image Award
for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, nominations for the 2024
and 2025 NAACP Image Awards for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series,
and three nominations for the Television Critics’ Association Award
for Individual Achievement in Comedy. Up next, James will be featured
in the adult animation series “Strip Law” that is set to premiere
on Netflix on Feb. 20, 2026.

Previously, James served as both a writer and actor for Showtime’s
“Black Monday” and Apple’s animated series, “Central Park.”
Her stand-up career has seen her tour with Chris Rock, Amy Schumer and
David Cross, among others. James’ latest stand-up special is
featured in Season 3 of Netflix’s “The Stand Ups.” Her comedic
chops have seen her featured as one of Variety’s Top Ten Comedians
to Watch in 2020 and a “New Face” at the Just For Laughs Festival
Montreal in 2016 while also being named one of The 50 Most Funny
People in Brooklyn in the same year. Her debut comedy album, “Black
and Mild,” was released on all major streaming networks in 2017 to
rave reviews.

James’ hosting duties have included the 2023 Writers Guild of
America Awards and the 2022 ABC game show, “The Final Straw.” She
also took over the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival, now known as the
Janelle James Comedy Festival, in Brooklyn.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
BIRTHDATE: September 23
HOMETOWN: New York, New York
