Are you a fan of “Abbott Elementary?” If you haven’t seen the hit ABC mockumentary series yet, you should definitely check it out. The show chronicles the antics of teachers at an underfunded Philadelphia school as they attempt to provide the finest education possible despite several obstacles.
“Abbot Elementary” features relatable and humorous characters in addition to clever commentary on the American education system.
Given the show’s stellar writing combined with its talented cast, it’s no surprise that “Abbott Elementary” has firmly cemented its place as a must-watch series.
(L-R) Chris Perfetti, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Quinta Brunson, Lisa Ann Walter, Janelle James, William Stanford Davis, and Tyler James Williams, winners of the Best Comedy Series for “Abbott Elementary,” pose in the press room during the 28th annual Critics Choice Awards held January 15, 2023, at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
Let’s dive in and get to know the eclectic cast of seasoned actors and upcoming talents of “Abbott Elementary,” rank them from shortest to tallest, and see how they contribute to the show’s success.
Quinta Brunson (Janine Teagues) – 4′ 11″ (149.9 cm)
Show creator Quinta Brunson excels as the show’s hardworking and cheerful character Janine Teagues.
The American actress, writer, and comedian stands at 4 feet and 11 inches (149.9 cm) tall.
Quinta playfully revealed her petite height during an interview with Mike Hughes.TV, stating that she can fit comfortably in any airplane seat.
Quinta’s character, Janine, is a second-grade teacher described as the institution’s heart and soul. She is a hardworking and dedicated teacher who always puts her students first. Despite her good intentions, Janine can occasionally irritate her coworkers, but everyone can see that she has a kind heart.
Quinta Brunson, the petite American actress, comedian, and writer famous for her role in “Abbott Elementary,” stands at the height of 4 feet 11 inches (149.9 cm) (Credit: ABC)
Quinta’s character Janine — and the name of the show — may be based on Quinta’s sixth grade teacher, Ms. Joyce Abbott.
Quinta made an appearance during a February 2022 episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” where she was surprised when Ms. Abbott appeared on a video call. Quinta got emotional and started tearing up during the appearance.
Ms. Abbott said Quinta was an “awesome student” who was shy and timid when she first came to her class. However, Ms. Abbott worked to build confidence by challenging students to speak in complete sentences and to work hard toward their goals.
Quinta is only 33 years old, but has already established herself as a talented writer and performer. She received the 2022 Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for her work writing the pilot episode of “Abbott Elementary.”
Quinta served as the guest host on the April 1, 2023 episode of “Saturday Night Live.” During her appearance, Quinta talked about the hard work it took to land her hosting gig.
“I just created my own TV show, made sure it became popular, won a bunch of Emmys and then got invited to host it, so much easier,” she joked.
She went on to describe “Abbott Elementary” as “a network sitcom, like say Friends.”
“Except instead of being about a group of friends, it’s about a group of teachers,” she continued. “And instead of New York, it’s Philadelphia. And instead of not having black people, it does.”
During Quinta’s “SNL” appearance, she also discussed her “Abbott Elementary” character, and advocated for respect and fair pay for real-life teachers.
Quinta Brunson wears a custom Dolce & Gabbana draped gown, embroidered with Swarovski crystals, at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones held March 12, 2023 at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)
Quinta was hard at work even before “Abbott Elementary” became the beloved sitcom it is today. The multi-talented beauty built a fan base by creating and participating in online series for BuzzFeed.
The actress made her way onto the acting scene when she took the lead in the inaugural season of HBO’s “A Black Lady Sketch Show.”
Quinta has also appeared in several other television series, including “Miracle Workers,” “iZombie” and “Single Parents.” She also appeared in the 2022 film “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.”
Lisa Ann Walter (Melissa Schemmenti) – 5′ 3½” (161.3 cm)
American actress and comedian Lisa Ann Walter is 5-feet and 3½ inches (161.3 cm) tall.
Lisa brings her talent and experience to the role of Melissa Schemmenti in the television series “Abbott Elementary.”
Lisa Ann Walter, the American actress, comedian, and television producer renowned for her performances in “The Parent Trap” and “Abbott Elementary,” is 5 feet 3.5 inches tall (161.3 cm) (Credit: ABC)
Lisa’s character Melissa is a second-grade teacher from South Philly known for her stern and snarky attitude toward her students and coworkers.
Her amusing neighborhood ties add a unique flavor to the comedy, and her complicated family connections give the show an extra layer of drama.
Before landing the role of Melissa, the 59-year-old actress had already made a name for herself in Hollywood. She began her career in blockbuster movies and starred in several hit films before transitioning to television.
Lisa Ann Walter attends a session on her hit show “Abbott Elementary” as part of the 2023 PaleyFest LA, held April 1 at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Lisa is perhaps most known for her role as Chessy in the 1998 remake of “The Parent Trap.”
She also co-created and starred in her own short-lived ABC comedy, “Life’s Work,” in 1996. In 2005, Lisa played the pivotal role of Cheryl in the “War of the Worlds” adaptation.
Sheryl Lee Ralph (Barbara Howard) – 5′ 6¾” (170 cm)
Sheryl Lee Ralph, who stands at 5 feet and 6 ¾ inches (170 cm) tall, plays the role of Barbara Howard on “Abbott Elementary.”
Barbara is a kindergarten teacher who clashes with her younger colleagues due to a combination of her traditional teaching methods and stark opposition to technology.
Despite this, Barbara is able to mentor Janine effectively in the show.
Sheryl Lee Ralph is an American actress and singer known for her role as Deena Jones in the Broadway musical “Dreamgirls” and her portrayal of Barbara Howard on the ABC mockumentary sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” for which she has received several awards, including the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series at the 74th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, making her the first Black woman to win the award in 35 years (Credit: ABC)
The 66-year-old has been a well-known actress and singer in the entertainment industry for several decades.
She is renowned for her historic performances, including her creation of the part of Deena Jones in the Broadway production of “Dreamgirls,” for which she received a Tony Award nomination in 1981.
Maureen J. Reidy, the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Paley Center for Media, looks taller than actress Sheryl Lee Ralph (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
In addition to her work on stage, Sheryl has appeared in numerous films and television shows.
Her previous roles include playing Florence Watson in the 1993 film “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” and guest appearances on popular TV shows such as “Wonder Woman,” “ER” and “Criminal Minds.”
Janelle James (Ava Coleman) – 5′ 7″ (170.18 cm)
The talented Black comic Janelle James, who stands at 5 feet and 7 inches (170.18 cm) tall, brings her unique skills to the character of series villain Ava Coleman, the ludicrously incompetent principal of Abbott Elementary School.
Janelle’s character is both hilariously vengeful and somewhat annoying, and never misses an opportunity to disparage the hardworking educators at her school.
While some may compare her character to Michael Scott from “The Office,” Janelle infuses the zany and inexperienced manager role with her distinct flair.
Janelle James is an American comedian, actress, and writer famous for her role as Ava Coleman on “Abbott Elementary,” for which she has won several awards and nominations, including a Black Reel Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award and an NAACP Image Award (Credit: ABC)
Before picking up her role on “Abbott Elementary,” Janelle was primarily focused on stand-up and sketch comedy.
However, her performance as Ava Coleman has opened doors for her as a guest star on other shows like the animated sitcom “Tuca & Bertie.”
Janelle James wears an Elie Saab dress with metallic Prada shoes at the 2023 Writers Guild Awards West Coast Ceremony held March 5 at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
The accomplished actress and comedian also appeared on Netflix and performed at Montreal’s prestigious Just for Laughs festival.
Additionally, she has contributed writing to several acclaimed TV programs, including both “Corporate” and “Black Monday.”
Tyler James Williams (Gregory Eddie) – 5′ 8½” (174 cm)
Tyler James Williams, who towers at 5 feet and 8 ½ inches tall, brings his comedic talents to the character of Gregory Eddie in “Abbott Elementary.”
Tyler’s character Gregory is a substitute first-grade teacher who eventually lands a permanent position at the school.
Despite his disappointment at not being selected for the role of a school administrator, Gregory remains committed to his students and their education.
Tyler James Williams stars as Gregory Eddie on the ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” for which he has received critical acclaim, a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Credit: ABC)
Tyler’s deadpan reactions as Gregory lend themselves perfectly to the show’s mockumentary style, drawing laughs from viewers with his subtle expressions.
The 30-year-old actor has been acting since he was a child, and has appeared on “Saturday Night Live” and various other TV shows.
Tyler James Williams, who is also famous for his roles in “Everybody Hates Chris” and “The Walking Dead,” has a height of 5 feet 8.5 inches (174 cm) (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Tyler’s portrayal of Chris in the sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris” catapulted him to fame, earning him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
Tyler has also had leading roles in notable TV projects, including the role of Leo on Disney’s “Lab Rats” and a role on AMC’s “The Walking Dead.”
Chris Perfetti (Jacob Hill) – 5′ 11″ (180 cm)
Chris Perfetti is a seasoned actor known for his theater, film, and television work and is 5 feet and 11 inches (180 cm) tall.
In “Abbott Elementary,” Chris plays the role of Jacob Hill, a kind-hearted sixth-grade history teacher who always supports Janine’s off-beat schemes to improve the school.
Chris Perfetti is an American actor recognized for his performances as Tim Fletch in “Crossbones,” Brady in “Looking”, Ben in “In the Dark,” and for his role as Jacob Hill in “Abbott Elementary,” for which he received a Critics’ Choice Award nomination (Credit: ABC)
Despite his somewhat awkward nature, Jacob is always there to lend a hand and offer a dose of realism to Janine’s idealistic plans.
Although Chris has appeared in numerous plays, films and TV shows, his role in “Abbott Elementary” is his series breakout role.
The 34-year-old actor has previously appeared in Stephen Karam’s play “Sons of the Prophet” and the 2020 drama film “Surrogate.” He also guest-starred in the HBO series “Looking,” and had a recurring role in the television show “In the Dark.”
Chris Perfetti wears a Richard James suit paired with a Paul Smith turtleneck and Christian Louboutin shoes at the 54th annual NAACP Image Awards held February 25, 2023 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California (Credit: Koi Sojer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
Chris also showed off his comedic chops as Kyle in a memorable guest role on the hit show “What We Do in the Shadows.”
William Stanford Davis (Mr. Johnson) – 5′ 11″ (180 cm)
William Stanford Davis, who stands at 5 feet and 11 inches (180 cm) tall, plays Mr. Johnson, the school’s slightly strange but unquestionably competent janitor.
Mr. Johnson is an eccentric character, fully devoted to surprising conspiracy theories. Despite his quirks, Mr. Johnson is one of the most intelligent characters on the show.
William’s character was promoted from a guest role to a full-fledged primary cast member in season two.
William Stanford Davis is famous for his role as Mr. Johnson on the ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” which earned him a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 54th annual NAACP Image Awards, and his career has included both minor and recurring roles on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “Ray Donovan” and “Swagger” (Credit: ABC)
William is a talented actor with a long list of both TV and film credits dating back to the 1990s.
The 71-year-old talent has a commanding presence on screen, and his stage experience as a comedian and musician likely contributed to his ability to captivate an audience.
William Stanford Davis and his shorter co-star Quinta Brunson attend the 74th annual Primetime Emmy Awards Performers Nominee Reception held September 9, 2022 at the Television Academy in Los Angeles (Credit: Xavier Collin / ABACA / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
William has proved his versatility as an actor through various roles in movies and TV series, such as in 1998’s “City of Angels,” as the character Potato Pie in “Ray Donovan,” and in “Snowpiercer” as Mr. Riggs.
In addition to his acting credits, William directed a short film in 2014 titled “I’m Sorry Samantha.”