Janelle James, who shot to fame in the role of tone-deaf principal Ava Coleman in the sitcomAbbott Elementary, has revealed that there’s another big role she’s still upset about losing. James, who has played the role of Ava since the pilot episode in 2021, has received a Primetime Emmy nomination for her work on the show.
Abbott Elementarypremiered on ABC in December 2021 to strong viewership and critical acclaim, and the talented ensemble cast, inventive humor, and prescient social commentaries have made it a continual hit. James has played a key role in the evolution of the show, but her breakout role could have happened much sooner.
PerDeadline, James discussed her career on theLet’s Talk Off Camerapodcast, andrevealed that she missed out on a role in the iconic TV showGLOW, despite seemingly nailing the audition. She stated that she auditioned for the role of a female wrestler, and that she is still salty she didn’t get the part. Check out her comments below:
“I haven’t thought about this in a while. Another thing I was excited about that I auditioned for once wasGLOW. Do you remember that? The female wrestling.
I really wanted that role. It was for one of the female wrestlers and we had to make up an ’80s rap and perform it in the audition, and also do a fight scene with ourselves. I did this rap and then I did a round kick.
And I remember leaving that audition like, ‘Nailed it.’ And did not get that role… I have not watched one second of that show. I’m so salty. Maybe I’ll watch it today.”
What This Means For How James’s Career Could Have Unfolded
She May Never Have Wound Up In The Cast Of Abbott Elementary
In many cases,actors wind up on certain career trajectories because of fate and happenstance, and this could well be what happened with James. Her missing out on the role inGLOWmight have pushed her career in such a direction that she ultimately ended up joining thecast ofAbbott Elementary.
In fact,had she won the part in her audition, she may never have ended up onAbbottin the first place.GLOWran three seasons from 2017-2019, and was canceled right around lockdown, but a role in the show might have steered James in a new direction afterward, as sometimes happens with actors.
While her comments that she is still salty about missing out on the part were almost certainly tongue-in-cheek, there is perhaps an element of truth to what she’s saying.GLOWwas a big hit, and could have resulted in an ongoing working relationship with Netflix, which might have resulted in more prominent projects.
Our Take On James Missing Out On GLOW
Her Career Has Blossomed Since
BothGLOWand James have enjoyed success since her audition, and sometimes things simply don’t work out. There could be a wealth of reasons why James didn’t get the role despite a great audition, but ultimately, she has enjoyed a successful period of acting since then, so it has all worked out okay.
There is little doubt that James, as Ava, will be one of the key components ofAbbott Elementaryseason 5. Even if the show is to end after just one more season, James will almost certainly go on to have a strong and successful career. With a hit network show as her big breakout, it’s undeniable she’ll be a hot commodity wherever she lands next.
Abbott Elementary
Cast
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary comedy series centered around a group of dedicated teachers at a struggling public school in Philadelphia. The show highlights their efforts to overcome bureaucratic challenges and underfunding, while showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact on their students' lives.
