Janelle James is reflecting on another major milestone in a career built through persistence, comedy, and plenty of hard work.
The actress has earned her fifth consecutive Emmy nomination for playing Principal Ava Coleman on Abbott Elementary. The recognition comes as the ABC sitcom enters its fifth season.
James, 46, told People that the nomination still feels surreal. She also sees it as proof that she continues to stand out among talented performers.
“Every year, I’m like, ‘Oh, wow, that’s surreal.’”
For James, the nomination is about more than personal recognition. She believes it also shows how much Abbott Elementary has grown.
Janelle James Celebrates Her Fifth Emmy Recognition
James said receiving another nomination reminds her that she is still doing strong work. She also praised the talented actors competing alongside her.
She noted that the show continues to receive recognition despite being a sitcom. That achievement means even more after five seasons.
“It means that I’m standing out among all these super-talented people who are nominated.”
The actress also pointed to the show’s wider success. Abbott Elementary has earned 37 Emmy nominations and four wins since its 2021 debut.
The series received seven nominations this year. Those include Outstanding Comedy Series and acting nominations for James, Quinta Brunson, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Ava Coleman Helped Janelle James Find a New Side of Herself
James has made Principal Ava Coleman one of the show’s most memorable characters. Ava is confident, funny, ambitious, and often completely unpredictable.
However, James says she shares several traits with Ava. There is one important difference, though.
“I come to [the role] already embodying a lot of the characteristics that she has—minus the meanness.”
James was drawn to Ava because of her desire for attention and fame. That quality made the character especially interesting to play.
She also enjoys how Ava brings cameras into the school. The character almost seems determined to turn her own life into a show.
‘Abbott Elementary’ Gave James Room to Grow
James credits the show’s writers for keeping Ava fresh. They have expanded her story without changing her basic personality.
That balance has helped James remain interested in the character. It has also pushed her to grow as an actress.
“Playing [Ava] has enabled me, especially this long, to become a better actor.”
The role has also allowed James to reconnect with her feminine side. Before Abbott Elementary, she spent 15 years performing stand-up comedy.
James joked that she had been “cosplaying as a man” during much of that period. Playing Ava helped her return to a different sense of style and femininity.
Janelle James Built Her Career Through Comedy and Hustle
James’ success did not happen overnight. Before becoming a television star, she built her name through stand-up comedy.
She appeared in two Netflix comedy specials. She also opened for Chris Rock during his 2017 Blackout Tour.
James also worked behind the scenes as a television writer. Her writing credits include shows such as Central Park and Black Monday.
Her journey included plenty of smaller jobs too. During a 2025 appearance on Conan O’Brien’s Needs a Friend, she recalled taking on different jobs and side gigs.
She described herself as someone who had tried “every hustle in the book.” Those experiences helped shape the career she has today.
Janelle James Says She Keeps Moving Through Career Ups and Downs
James says persistence remains one of her biggest personal lessons. She has experienced setbacks and uncertainty throughout her career.
Still, she chooses to keep moving instead of dwelling on what could go wrong.
“I’ve had so many ups and downs. I’ve had so many of those. And I just keep moving.”
That mindset has now brought her five Emmy nominations. James sees the recognition as confirmation that her approach is working.
“I just keep going. So that’s what I’m proud of. And it’s working out.”
Janelle James Wants More From Ava’s Story
James is not ready to stop exploring Ava’s world. She wants to see more of Ava’s relationships develop.
She is especially interested in Ava’s friendship with Janine, played by Quinta Brunson. She also enjoys working with Tyler James Williams, who plays Gregory.
James said Williams pushes her to raise her performance. She also hopes viewers learn more about Ava’s family and past.
The actress is particularly interested in Ava’s relationship with O’Shon. She believes their moments together bring another side of the character forward.
For now, James remains focused on staying the course. Her fifth Emmy nomination is another milestone in a career built through years of persistence.
Her story also offers a simple lesson for other women building their own careers: keep moving, keep working, and keep going.
