Actress-comedian, Janelle James currently stars as the scene-stealing “Principal Ava” in ABC’s hit sitcom Abbott Elementary. Both an audience favorite and critical darling, Janelle has received multiple accolades for the role, including nominations for Best Supporting Actress in Comedy Series from the Emmys, Golden Globes, Independent Spirit Awards, Critic’s Choice Awards, and Gotham Awards and a nomination for the Television Critics Association’s Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy. 

Launching her stand-up career at an open mic night in a Biker Bar, James has since gone on to tour with Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, and David Cross among others. She was included in the Just For Laughs Montreal “New Faces” Category in 2016 and in the same year named one of the 50 Funniest People in Brooklyn.  

Her debut album Black and Mild was released on all major streaming networks. She has written and appeared on Showtime’s Black Monday and Apple TV+’s Central Park. Additionally, her podcast You in Danger Gurl was listed as one of Spotify’s Top Comedy Podcasts and Variety listed James as one of their “Top Ten Comedians to Watch”.    

James also recently served as the host of the ABC Summer Game Show The Final Straw and took over the reins of the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival, which is now known as the Janelle James Comedy Festival in Brooklyn.