From Taraji P. Henson to Vince Staples, All of "Abbott Elementary"'s Best Guest Stars
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"Abbott Elementary" has been passing with flying colors since it first premiered in December 2021, and the cameos are only getting better. The ABC series — which stars Quinta Brunson (Janine Teagues), Tyler James Williams (Gregory Eddie), Janelle James (Ava Coleman), Lisa Ann Walter (Melissa Schemmenti), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Barbara Howard), Chris Perfetti (Jacob Hill), and William Stanford Davis (Mr. Johnson) — sprinkled in a few familiar faces during its first installment, but this season, the award-winning series has upped the ante with the latest guest star being none other than Taraji P. Henson.
Variety broke the news of Henson's casting on April 1, though many initially thought it was just an April Fools Joke. But the "Empire" alum did, indeed, make her exciting debut on the sitcom on April 12, just a week ahead of its season two finale.
In just two seasons, "Abbott Elementary" has quickly become a TV game changer, with viewers tuning in week after week to keep up with their favorite Philadelphia teacher bunch. Not to mention anyone else who may pop up in any given episode. In March 2022, Brunson told Entertainment Tonight that a dream guest star she and the writers are manifesting is Kid Cudi. And it seems he's up for the job as he later quoted-tweeted her interview on Twitter, writing, "🥺🙏🏾 if u call me, im there. I got u- Scott."
With "Abbott Elementary"'s third season officially on the way, more guest appearances are surely in the cards. Ahead, see every cameo on the show so far.
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Taraji P. Henson
The "Empire" star made her "Abbott Elementary" debut in season two's penultimate episode, "Mom," as Janine's infamous mother, Vanetta. Ahead of her April 12 guest appearance, Henson told People why she was so drawn to star in the sitcom. "I actually have an affinity for teachers," she said. "I was a substitute teacher before my career took off. So I really have a fondness for that show." The actor continued her "Abbott Elementary" praise, noting, "It's witty, it's smart. I see myself in it. And I'm just proud of Quinta. I'm proud of her. I just applaud her."
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Zack Fox
The comedian and rapper has become a fan favorite on "Abbott Elementary" ever since viewers first met him as Janine's boyfriend in season one's second episode, "Light Bulb." Though the two characters are no longer together, that hasn't stopped Fox from popping up in season two episodes ("Development Day," "Attack Ad," "Festival") to treat fans to his hilarious school-friendly raps and one-liners.
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Vince Staples
The rapper stepped into the world of "Abbott Elementary" in season two's midseason finale, "Holiday Hookah," playing the role of Gregory's friend Maurice (and Janine's boyfriend-turned-ex). Staples also appeared in the second season's "Fundraiser," "Valentine's Day," and "Mural Arts" episodes.
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Ayo Edebiri
"The Bear" breakout star made her first appearance in season two as Janine's sister Ayesha, whom the teacher Facetimes during the "Valentine's Day" episode. Edebiri then made her official in-person debut in the sitcom in episode 18, "Teacher Appreciation."
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Orlando Jones
Jones, who plays Gregory's stern father Martin Eddie, also made his first appearance on "Abbott Elementary" virtually when his son Facetimed him during season one's eighth episode, "Work Family." He then appears in the flesh in season two's "Fight" episode when he comes to visit Gregory on the job.
This isn't the first time Williams and Jones have shared the screen together. The two acted opposite of each other in an old episode of "Everybody Hates Chris" when their roles were slightly reversed. Jones played Williams' substitute teacher, whom Williams' character Chris gets rid of for forcing him to take a practice exam.
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Keyla Monterroso Mejia
The "On My Block" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" actor has a recurring guest star role in "Abbott Elementary" as a goofy teacher's aide named Ashley. So far, Mejia's appeared in season two episodes like "Story Samurai," "Juice," "Candy Zombies," and "Educator of the Year."
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Leslie Odom Jr.
The "Hamilton" star recurs in season two as Draemond, a former "Abbott Elementary" student (taught by Barbara) who, as the owner of a string of Philadelphia charter schools, tries to convert his alma mater into another one of his many institutions. Odom Jr. first appeared in the "Attack Ad" episode before his last appearance in "Festival."