# Janelle James > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Janelle_James > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Janelle_James.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janelle_James > Source revision: 1341349990 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|American comedian (born 1979)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}} {{Use American English|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox person | name = Janelle James | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|09|23}} | birth_place = [St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands](/source/St._Thomas%2C_U.S._Virgin_Islands){{Cite web |last=Longeretta |first=Emily |date=2023-04-19 |title=Janelle James on Refusing to Disclose Her Age, Hoping 'Abbott Elementary' Doesn't Last Forever and Why She's Not Interested in 'Sexy' Roles |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/features/janelle-james-age-abbott-elementary-future-sexy-roles-1235587065/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite magazine |last=Ford |first=Rebecca |date=2023-04-17 |title=Janelle James, "Reluctantly Famous" |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/04/janelle-james-abbott-elementary-interview-awards-insider |access-date=2025-02-24 |magazine=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}} | death_date = | death_place = | education = [Fashion Institute of Technology](/source/Fashion_Institute_of_Technology){{cite web | url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/features/janelle-james-age-abbott-elementary-future-sexy-roles-1235587065/ | title=Janelle James on Refusing to Disclose Her Age, Hoping 'Abbott Elementary' Doesn't Last Forever and Why She's Not Interested in 'Sexy' Roles | date=April 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226045036/https://variety.com/2023/tv/features/janelle-james-age-abbott-elementary-future-sexy-roles-1235587065/ |archive-date=February 26, 2024 }} | occupation = {{hlist|Comedian|writer|actress}} | years_active = 2009–present | children = 2 }} '''Janelle James''' (born September 23, 1979){{Cite Instagram |last= James |first=Janelle |author-link=Janelle James |user=janellejamescomedy |postid=DAQ98D9v0WE |date=September 23, 2024 |title=It's my birthday. I look exactly the same. Gorgeous. ♎️♎️♎️💅🏾 |script-title= |trans-title= |language=English |location= |access-date=January 25, 2025 |link=https://www.instagram.com/janellejamescomedy/p/DAQ98D9v0WE/?hl=en |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |ref=}}{{cite web |last=Jordan |first=Julie |title=Abbott Elementary's Janelle James Made a Huge Style Error at the Emmys: 'Every Photo of Me Smiling Is a Lie' (Exclusive) |url=https://people.com/janelle-james-says-she-made-a-huge-style-error-at-emmys-8761682 |date=December 15, 2024 |magazine=[People](/source/People_(magazine)) |publisher=[Dotdash Meredith](/source/Dotdash_Meredith) |access-date=January 25, 2025}} is an American comedian, actress, and writer. She is best known for her role as [Ava Coleman](/source/List_of_Abbott_Elementary_characters) in the [ABC](/source/American_Broadcasting_Company) television series ''[Abbott Elementary](/source/Abbott_Elementary)'', for which she won a [Critics Choice Award](/source/Critics_Choice_Award), a [Screen Actors Guild Award](/source/Screen_Actors_Guild_Award) and two [NAACP Image Awards](/source/NAACP_Image_Awards), in addition to nominations for four [Primetime Emmy Awards](/source/Primetime_Emmy_Awards), and a [Golden Globe Award](/source/Golden_Globe_Award). Her writing credits include ''[The Rundown with Robin Thede](/source/The_Rundown_with_Robin_Thede)'' and ''[Black Monday](/source/Black_Monday_(TV_series))'', and she acted on the programs ''[Crashing](/source/Crashing_(American_TV_series))'', ''[Corporate](/source/Corporate_(TV_series))'', and ''[Central Park](/source/Central_Park_(TV_series))''. Her debut comedy album ''Black and Mild'' was released in 2017. She was named one of ''[Variety](/source/Variety_(magazine))''{{'}}s 10 Comics to Watch for 2020.{{cite web |last=Garrett |first=Diane |date=2020-10-02 |title=Variety's 10 Comics to Watch |url=https://variety.com/lists/varietys-10-comics-to-watch/ |access-date=December 30, 2022 |website=[Variety](/source/Variety_(magazine))}} == Early life and education == James was born and raised on [St. Thomas](/source/Saint_Thomas%2C_U.S._Virgin_Islands) in the [Virgin Islands](/source/United_States_Virgin_Islands).{{Cite web |last=Longeretta |first=Emily |date=2023-04-19 |title=Janelle James on Refusing to Disclose Her Age, Hoping 'Abbott Elementary' Doesn't Last Forever and Why She's Not Interested in 'Sexy' Roles |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/features/janelle-james-age-abbott-elementary-future-sexy-roles-1235587065/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite magazine |last=Ford |first=Rebecca |date=2023-04-17 |title=Janelle James, "Reluctantly Famous" |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2023/04/janelle-james-abbott-elementary-interview-awards-insider |access-date=2025-02-24 |magazine=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}} Her father had a food truck, and starting at age 7, she helped out by selling beers on the beach to tourists. At age 16, she and her mother moved to New York.{{Cite web |last=Castleberry |first=Tony |date=November 17, 2017 |title=Janelle James returns to Wilmington to deliver more jokes |url=https://www.wect.com/story/36866362/janelle-james-returns-to-wilmington-to-deliver-more-jokes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118221810/http://www.wect.com/story/36866362/janelle-james-returns-to-wilmington-to-deliver-more-jokes |archive-date=November 18, 2017 |access-date=January 29, 2022 |website=wect.com}} While in high school, she once stood in line for 12 hours to audition for [MTV](/source/MTV)'s ''[Wanna Be a VJ](/source/Wanna_Be_a_VJ)''. After high school, she enrolled at the [Fashion Institute of Technology](/source/Fashion_Institute_of_Technology), but left after a few years. == Career == James began her career in 2009 at an open mic she attended while living in [Champaign, Illinois](/source/Champaign%2C_Illinois).{{Cite web|last=Kai|first=Maiysha|date=August 31, 2018|title=Pretty, Funny: Comedian Janelle James Ain't No Joke|url=https://theglowup.theroot.com/pretty-funny-comedian-janelle-james-aint-no-joke-1828734014|access-date=September 11, 2020|website=The Root|language=en-us}}{{Cite web|last=Kozell|first=Isaac|date=October 2, 2017|title=Janelle James on Her Debut Album 'Black and Mild' and Comedy's Point of No Return|url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/10/janelle-james-on-her-debut-album-black-and-mild-and-comedys-point-of-no-return.html|access-date=September 11, 2020|website=Vulture|language=en-us}} She described her style of comedy as "just talking shit" and her stand-up includes a range of topics such as the [Trump administration](/source/First_presidency_of_Donald_Trump), motherhood, being a woman over 35, and dating.{{Cite web|date=September 1, 2018|title=Janelle James on Netflix's 'The Comedy Lineup' and making 'white man power moves'|url=https://www.dailydot.com/upstream/janelle-james-the-comedy-lineup-netflix/|access-date=September 11, 2020|website=The Daily Dot|language=en-US}} James named [Bill Burr](/source/Bill_Burr), Hadiyah Robinson, [John Early](/source/John_Early_(comedian)), [Wanda Sykes](/source/Wanda_Sykes), [Richard Pryor](/source/Richard_Pryor), and Kareem Green as favorite comedians.{{Cite web|last=Terrell|first=Kellee|date=February 8, 2022|title='Abbott Elementary' Star Janelle James Is Addicted To Making Us Laugh|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/janelle-james-abbott-elementary_n_6201757be4b0f8a1b8481f47|access-date=February 9, 2022|website=HuffPost|language=en}} In 2016, James' work was recognized by [Just for Laughs](/source/Just_for_Laughs) and [''Brooklyn''](/source/Brooklyn_Magazine) magazine.{{Cite web|last=Chafin|first=Chris|date=June 2, 2016|title=Brooklyn's 50 Funniest People: Janelle James|url=https://www.bkmag.com/2016/06/02/brooklyns-50-funniest-people-janelle-james/|access-date=September 11, 2020|website=Brooklyn Magazine|language=en-US}} She gained wider prominence as the opening act for [Chris Rock](/source/Chris_Rock)'s 2017 Total Blackout tour. That year, she released her debut comedy album, ''Black and Mild''. The show was recorded at Acme Comedy Company in [Minneapolis](/source/Minneapolis)'''.''' She performed on [Netflix](/source/Netflix)'s 2018 comedy series ''The Comedy Lineup''. In 2019, she hosted ''Strong Black Laughs'', an interview podcast featuring a variety of established Black comedians, including [Luenell](/source/Luenell) and [Sherri Shepherd](/source/Sherri_Shepherd).{{Cite web |last=Kramer |first=Mark |date=November 21, 2019 |title=This Week in Comedy Podcasts: Janelle James Takes Over Strong Black Lead |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/11/this-week-in-comedy-podcasts-janelle-jamess-strong-black-laughs.html |access-date=January 22, 2022 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}} She hosted ''You In Danger, Gurl'', a comedy podcast about relationship [red flags](/source/Red_flag_(idiom)) and bizarre dating experiences, in 2020.{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2020 |title=This Week in Comedy Podcasts: Janelle James, Red-Flag Expert |url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/09/this-week-in-comedy-podcasts-janelle-james-red-flag-expert.html |access-date=January 22, 2022 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}} James was a staff writer for ''[The Rundown with Robin Thede](/source/The_Rundown_with_Robin_Thede)'' (2017) and the [Showtime](/source/Showtime_(TV_network)) comedy ''[Black Monday](/source/Black_Monday_(TV_series))'', and also acted in a recurring role on the show.{{Cite web|last=McDonald|first=Soraya Nadia|date=October 13, 2017|title=With 'The Rundown,' Robin Thede adds a smart new perspective to late-night|url=https://andscape.com/features/bet-the-rundown-robin-thede-smart-new-perspective-to-late-night/|access-date=January 22, 2022|website=[Andscape](/source/Andscape)|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Here Are Variety's 10 Comics To Watch For 2020 {{!}} The Comic's Comic|url=https://thecomicscomic.com/2020/08/18/here-are-varietys-10-comics-to-watch-for-2020/|website=thecomicscomic.com|date=August 18, 2020 |access-date=September 11, 2020|language=en-US}} She has also appeared on the shows ''[Crashing](/source/Crashing_(American_TV_series))'', ''[Corporate](/source/Corporate_(TV_series))'', and is both a writer and voice actor for ''[Central Park](/source/Central_Park_(TV_series))''. She was also slated to perform at the network's inaugural Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival based in Los Angeles in 2020.{{Cite web |last=Turchiano |first=Danielle |date=March 2, 2020 |title=Netflix Is A Joke Fest Brings Weeklong Standup and Improv Events to Los Angeles |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/netflix-is-a-joke-fest-los-angeles-inaugural-the-hall-dave-chappelle-kevin-hart-pete-davidson-1203520403/ |access-date=September 11, 2020 |website=Variety |language=en}} She was a featured comic on Netflix's ''[The Standups](/source/The_Standups)'' in 2021.{{Cite magazine|last=Jones|first=Marcus|title='Abbott Elementary' star Janelle James talks playing a 'chaotic' principal 'you hate to love'|url=https://ew.com/tv/abbott-elementary-star-janelle-james-interview/|access-date=January 22, 2022|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|language=en}} She gained wide prominence in her role as a main cast member on the [ABC](/source/American_Broadcasting_Company) comedy ''[Abbott Elementary](/source/Abbott_Elementary)''.{{Cite web|last=Nelson|first=Jenny|date=January 6, 2017|title=Janelle James (@janellejcomic) on Inanimate Objects and Hot Dudes|url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/01/janelle-james-janellejcomic-on-inanimate-objects-and-hot-dudes.html|access-date=September 11, 2020|website=Vulture|language=en-us}} Her performance as the self-involved principal Ava Coleman has been hailed by critics.{{Cite web |last=Lloyd |first=Robert |date=January 4, 2022 |title=Three new sitcoms worth your time — and one that needs time to grow |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2022-01-04/abbott-elementary-grand-crew-pivoting-american-auto-review |access-date=January 29, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Roush|first=Matt|title=Roush Review: Workplace Humor in 'Abbott Elementary,' 'American Auto'|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/1027236/abbott-elementary-american-auto-review-matt-roush/|access-date=January 29, 2022|website=TV Insider|date=January 4, 2022 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-01-20 |title=Everyone should be attending 'Abbott Elementary' |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/01/20/1074368246/everyone-should-be-attending-abbott-elementary |access-date=January 29, 2022 |website=Pop Culture Happy Hour (NPR) |language=en}} James garnered award nominations including a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, a TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy, a Golden Globe Award, and a Critics' Choice Award.{{Cite web |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |date=July 12, 2022 |title=Emmy Nominations: The Complete List |url=https://deadline.com/2022/07/2022-emmy-nominations-list-1235062260/ |access-date=July 12, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Nordyke |first=Kimberly |date=January 10, 2023 |title=Golden Globes: Full List of Winners |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/golden-globes-2023-winners-list-1235294541/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111023550/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/golden-globes-2023-winners-list-1235294541/ |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=[The Hollywood Reporter](/source/The_Hollywood_Reporter)}}{{Cite web |last=Nordyke |first=Kimberly |date=January 15, 2023 |title=Critics Choice Awards: Full List of Winners |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/critics-choice-awards-winners-list-full-2023-1235300137/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116052049/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/critics-choice-awards-winners-list-full-2023-1235300137/ |archive-date=January 16, 2023 |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=[The Hollywood Reporter](/source/The_Hollywood_Reporter)}}{{Cite web |last=Cordero |first=Rosy |date=June 16, 2022 |title='Abbott Elementary' Scores Most TCA Award Nods; 'Squid Game' & 'Only Murders In The Building' Also Among Honorees |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/tca-awards-2022-nominees-1235046381/ |access-date=June 16, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} In 2022, James hosted the ABC game show ''[The Final Straw](/source/The_Final_Straw_(TV_series))''.{{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=May 23, 2022 |title='Abbott Elementary's Janelle James To Host ABC Game Show 'The Final Straw' With Peyton Manning As EP |url=https://deadline.com/2022/05/janelle-james-host-abc-final-straw-peyton-manning-1235030391/ |access-date=May 23, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} She hosted the 2023 [Writers Guild of America Awards](/source/Writers_Guild_of_America_Awards).{{Cite web |last1=MacCary |first1=Julia |last2=Reul |first2=Katie |last3=Flam |first3=Charna |date=2023-02-17 |title='Abbott Elementary' Star Janelle James to Host Writers Guild Awards (TV News Roundup) |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/abbott-elementary-janelle-james-host-wga-awards-1235525423/ |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} She appeared as a supporting character in the 2025 buddy comedy ''[One of Them Days](/source/One_of_Them_Days)''.{{Cite web |last=Gyarkye |first=Lovia |date=2025-01-15 |title=‘One of Them Days’ Review: Keke Palmer and SZA Make a Rowdily Funny Duo in Issa Rae-Produced Comedy |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/one-of-them-days-review-keke-palmer-sza-1236107759/ |access-date=2026-01-08 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} James is a voice actress for the principal character Sheila Flambé on the [Netflix](/source/Netflix) series ''[Strip Law](/source/Strip_Law)''. == Personal life == After college, James married a teacher, with whom she had two sons. They split while living in [Champaign](/source/Champaign%2C_Illinois), Illinois. For many years she was based in [Brooklyn](/source/Brooklyn), New York, but moved to Los Angeles in 2022 after the success of ''[Abbott Elementary](/source/Abbott_Elementary)'''s first season. == Awards and nominations == * 2016 – [''Brooklyn''](/source/Brooklyn_Magazine)'s 50 Funniest People * 2016 – [Just for Laughs](/source/Just_for_Laughs) New Faces{{Cite web |title=Janelle James |url=https://www.sharkpartymedia.com/janellejames |access-date=January 22, 2022 |website=Shark Party Media |language=en}} * 2020 – ''[Variety](/source/Variety_(magazine))'''s 10 Comics to Watch {| class="wikitable sortable" !Year !Award !Category !Nominated work !Result !Ref. |- | rowspan="6" |2022 |[Black Reel Awards for Television](/source/Black_Reel_Awards_of_2022) |[Outstanding Supporting Actress, Comedy Series](/source/Black_Reel_Award_for_Outstanding_Supporting_Actress%2C_Comedy_Series) | rowspan="20" |''[Abbott Elementary](/source/Abbott_Elementary)'' |{{won}} |{{Cite web |last=Complex |first=Valerie |date=June 16, 2022 |title=6th Annual Black Reel Television Awards Nominations Announced |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/6th-annual-black-reel-television-awards-1235047279/ |access-date=July 8, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} |- |[Dorian Awards](/source/Dorian_Awards) |Best Supporting TV Performance |{{nom}} |{{Cite web |last=Coates |first=Tyler |date=June 23, 2022 |title='Hacks' and 'Somebody Somewhere' Lead Dorian TV Nominations |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2022-dorian-tv-awards-nominations-nominees-list-1235170948/ |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} |- |[Gotham Independent Film Awards](/source/Gotham_Awards) |Outstanding Performance in a New Series |{{nom}} |{{Cite web |last=Phang-Lyn |first=Tobi |date=October 25, 2022 |title=2022 Gotham Awards Nominations Full List |publisher=The Gotham |url=https://thegotham.org/press/2022-gotham-awards-nominations-full-list/ |access-date=October 25, 2022 |language=en-US}} |- |[Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards](/source/2nd_Hollywood_Critics_Association_TV_Awards) |Best Supporting Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Series, Comedy |{{won}} |{{Cite web |last=Verhoeven |first=Beatrice |date=July 7, 2022 |title='This Is Us,' 'Succession,' 'Severance' Lead 2022 HCA TV Nominations |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2022-hollywood-critics-association-broadcast-cable-tv-nominations-1235176458/ |access-date=July 7, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} |- |[Primetime Emmy Awards](/source/74th_Primetime_Emmy_Awards) |[Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series](/source/Primetime_Emmy_Award_for_Outstanding_Supporting_Actress_in_a_Comedy_Series) |{{nom}} |{{Cite web |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |date=July 12, 2022 |title=Emmy Nominations: The Complete List |url=https://deadline.com/2022/07/2022-emmy-nominations-list-1235062260/ |access-date=July 12, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} |- |[TCA Awards](/source/38th_TCA_Awards) |[Individual Achievement in Comedy](/source/TCA_Award_for_Individual_Achievement_in_Comedy) |{{nom}} |{{Cite web |last=Cordero |first=Rosy |date=June 16, 2022 |title='Abbott Elementary' Scores Most TCA Award Nods; 'Squid Game' & 'Only Murders In The Building' Also Among Honorees |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/tca-awards-2022-nominees-1235046381/ |access-date=June 16, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/tca-television-critics-awards-2022-abbott-elementary-1235335161/ |title='Abbott Elementary' Tops 2022 TCA Awards |last=Hailu |first=Selome |date=August 6, 2022 |website=[Variety](/source/Variety_(magazine)) |access-date=August 6, 2022}} |- | rowspan="6" |2023 |[Critics' Choice Television Awards](/source/28th_Critics'_Choice_Awards) |[Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series](/source/Critics'_Choice_Television_Award_for_Best_Supporting_Actress_in_a_Comedy_Series) |{{nom}} |{{Cite web |last=Nordyke |first=Kimberly |date=January 15, 2023 |title=Critics Choice Awards: Full List of Winners |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/critics-choice-awards-winners-list-full-2023-1235300137/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116052049/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/critics-choice-awards-winners-list-full-2023-1235300137/ |archive-date=January 16, 2023 |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=[The Hollywood Reporter](/source/The_Hollywood_Reporter)}} |- |[Golden Globe Awards](/source/Golden_Globe_Awards) |[Best Supporting Actress – Television Series](/source/Golden_Globe_Award_for_Best_Supporting_Actress_%E2%80%93_Series%2C_Miniseries_or_Television_Film) |{{nom}} |{{Cite web |last=Nordyke |first=Kimberly |date=January 10, 2023 |title=Golden Globes: Full List of Winners |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/golden-globes-2023-winners-list-1235294541/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111023550/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/golden-globes-2023-winners-list-1235294541/ |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=[The Hollywood Reporter](/source/The_Hollywood_Reporter)}} |- |[Independent Spirit Awards](/source/Independent_Spirit_Awards) |Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series |{{nom}} |{{Cite web |last1=Hipes |first1=Patrick |last2=Petski |first2=Denise |date=December 13, 2022 |title=Film Independent Spirit Awards TV Nominations: 'Abbott Elementary', 'Pachinko', 'The Bear' 'Severance', More |url=https://deadline.com/2022/12/2023-spirit-awards-tv-nominations-list-film-independent-1235197133/ |access-date=December 14, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} |- |[NAACP Image Awards](/source/NAACP_Image_Awards) |Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series |{{won}} |{{Cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Hilary |date=January 12, 2023 |title=NAACP Image Awards 2023: 'Wakanda Forever,' 'The Woman King' Among Top Film Nominees |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/naacp-image-awards-2023-nominations-list-nominees-1235297888/ |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} |- |[Primetime Emmy Awards](/source/75th_Primetime_Emmy_Awards) |[Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series](/source/Primetime_Emmy_Award_for_Outstanding_Supporting_Actress_in_a_Comedy_Series) |{{nom}} |{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/2023-emmy-nominations-list-1235666521/|title=Emmys 2023: The Complete Nominations List|date=July 12, 2023|accessdate=July 13, 2023|work=Variety|first=Jordan|last=Moreau}} |- |[Screen Actors Guild Awards](/source/29th_Screen_Actors_Guild_Awards) | [Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series](/source/Screen_Actors_Guild_Award_for_Outstanding_Performance_by_an_Ensemble_in_a_Comedy_Series) |{{won}} |{{Cite web |last1=Hipes |first1=Patrick |date=January 11, 2023 |title=SAG Awards Nominations: The Complete List |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/2023-sag-awards-nominations-list-film-tv-nominees-screen-actors-guild-1235216790/ |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} |- | rowspan="3" | 2024 |[Critics' Choice Television Awards](/source/29th_Critics'_Choice_Awards) |[Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series](/source/Critics'_Choice_Television_Award_for_Best_Supporting_Actress_in_a_Comedy_Series) |{{nom}} |{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/critics-choice-awards-2024-winners-list-8424908 |title=Oppenheimer, Barbie, The Bear lead 2024 Critics Choice Awards: See the full winners list |last=Brathwaite |first=Lester Fabian |magazine=[Entertainment Weekly](/source/Entertainment_Weekly) |date=January 14, 2024 |accessdate=January 15, 2024}} |- |[Primetime Emmy Awards](/source/76th_Primetime_Emmy_Awards) |[Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series](/source/Primetime_Emmy_Award_for_Outstanding_Supporting_Actress_in_a_Comedy_Series) |{{nom}} |{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2024 |url=https://www.emmys.com/sites/default/files/Downloads/76thnominations-list-v1.pdf?q=2024&q1= |title=76th Emmy Awards Complete Nominations List |access-date=July 18, 2024 |website=Television Academy}} |- | rowspan="2" |[Screen Actors Guild Awards](/source/Screen_Actors_Guild_Awards) | rowspan="2" |[Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series](/source/Screen_Actors_Guild_Award_for_Outstanding_Performance_by_an_Ensemble_in_a_Comedy_Series) | {{nom}} |{{cite press release|url=https://www.sagawards.org/media/news/releases/nominations-announced-30th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awardsr|title=Nominations Announced for the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®|publisher=[Screen Actors Guild](/source/Screen_Actors_Guild) |date=January 10, 2024|access-date=January 10, 2024}} |- | rowspan="3" | 2025 | {{nom}} | {{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/sag-awards-winners-2025-1236313200/|title=SAG Awards 2025 Full Winners List: 'Conclave,' 'Only Murders in the Building' and 'Shōgun' Take Home Top Honors|last=Lang|first=Brent|website=[Variety](/source/Variety_(magazine))|date=February 23, 2025|access-date=February 23, 2025|language=en-US}} |- |[Critics' Choice Television Awards](/source/30th_Critics'_Choice_Awards) |[Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series](/source/Critics'_Choice_Television_Award_for_Best_Supporting_Actress_in_a_Comedy_Series) |{{nom}} |{{cite magazine |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/critics-choice-awards-2025-winners-list-1236300265 |title='Wicked,' 'Emilia Pérez' and 'The Substance' Lead Critics Choice Awards, but 'Anora' Nabs Best Picture: Full Winners List |last=Zee |first=Michaela |website=[Variety](/source/Variety_(magazine)) |date=February 7, 2025 |accessdate=February 7, 2025}} |- | [Primetime Emmy Awards](/source/77th_Primetime_Emmy_Awards) |[Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series](/source/Primetime_Emmy_Award_for_Outstanding_Supporting_Actress_in_a_Comedy_Series) | {{nom}} | {{cite web |last1=Nordyke |first1=Hilary Lewis,Kimberly |title=Emmys 2025: List of Nominees |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/emmys-nominations-2025-nominees-list-1236314909/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=15 July 2025}} |- | rowspan="3" | 2026 |[Critics' Choice Television Awards](/source/31st_Critics'_Choice_Awards) |[Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series](/source/Critics'_Choice_Television_Award_for_Best_Supporting_Actress_in_a_Comedy_Series) | {{won}} |{{Cite web |last=Hurley |first=Laura |date=2026-01-06 |title=After Janelle James Finally Won Big For Abbott Elementary At The Critics Choice Awards, I Love Her Picks For Other Comedies Ava Should Join |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/interviews/janelle-james-won-for-abbott-elementary-critics-choice-awards-her-picks-other-comedies-ava-join |access-date=2026-01-08 |website=Cinemablend |language=en}} |- | rowspan="2" |[NAACP Image Awards](/source/NAACP_Image_Awards) |[Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series](/source/NAACP_Image_Award_for_Outstanding_Supporting_Actress_in_a_Comedy_Series) |{{Won}} | rowspan="2" |{{Cite web |last=Neglia |first=Matt |date=2026-01-12 |title=The 2025 NAACP Image Award Nominations |url=https://nextbestpicture.com/the-2025-naacp-image-award-nominations/ |access-date=2026-01-13 |website=Next Best Picture |language=en-US}} |- |[Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture](/source/NAACP_Image_Award_for_Outstanding_Supporting_Actress_in_a_Motion_Picture) |[One of Them Days](/source/One_of_Them_Days) |{{Nominated}} |} == Discography == * 2017: ''Black and Mild''{{Cite web |last=Fanelli |first=Laurie |date=January 29, 2018 |title=Interview: Laughing Along with 'Black and Mild' Comedian Janelle James |url=https://rebelliousmagazine.com/interview-laughing-along-black-mild-comedian-janelle-james/ |access-date=September 11, 2020 |website=Rebellious Magazine |language=en-US}} == Filmography == === Television === {| class="wikitable sortable" !Year !Title !Role !Notes |- | rowspan="2" |2017 |''[The Rundown with Robin Thede](/source/The_Rundown_with_Robin_Thede)'' |N/A |Writer |- |''[Crashing](/source/Crashing_(American_TV_series))'' |Julie |1 episode |- |2018 |''The Comedy Line-Up'' |Herself |Stand-up special |- |2019 |''[Laff Mobb's Laff Tracks](/source/Laff_Mobb's_Laff_Tracks)''{{Cite web |title=Laff Mobb's Laff Tracks: Season 2, Episode 2 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/laff_mobbs_laff_tracks/s02/e02 |access-date=2023-04-13 |website=[Rotten Tomatoes](/source/Rotten_Tomatoes) |language=en}} |Herself |1 episode |- |2020–2021 |''[Black Monday](/source/Black_Monday_(TV_series))'' |Joyce |Recurring role, 4 episodes; also writer |- |2020 |''[Corporate](/source/Corporate_(TV_series))'' |Maggie |1 episode |- |2020–2022 |''[Central Park](/source/Central_Park_(TV_series))'' |Investor #2, Fran, Martha |Voice, recurring role, 11 episodes; also writer |- |2021–present |''[Abbott Elementary](/source/Abbott_Elementary)'' |Ava Coleman |Main role |- |2021 |''[The Standups](/source/The_Standups)'' |Herself |Stand-up special |- | rowspan="2" |2022 |''[Life & Beth](/source/Life_%26_Beth)'' |Aminata |1 episode |- |''[Tuca & Bertie](/source/Tuca_%26_Bertie)'' |Partridgina |Voice, 1 episode |- |2023 |''[Star Trek: Lower Decks](/source/Star_Trek%3A_Lower_Decks)'' |Katrot |Voice, 1 episode |- | rowspan="2" |2024 |''[Monsters at Work](/source/Monsters_at_Work)'' |Joy |Voice, 4 episodes |- |''[Kite Man: Hell Yeah!](/source/Kite_Man%3A_Hell_Yeah!){{Cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=September 14, 2023 |title='Harley Quinn' Spin-Off 'Kite Man: Hell Yeah!' Ready to Soar with New Teaser |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/09/harley-quinn-spin-off-kite-man-hell-yeah-ready-to-soar-with-new-teaser/ |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=www.animationmagazine.net}}'' |[Queen of Fables](/source/Queen_of_Fables) |Voice |- | rowspan="2" |2025 | ''[It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia](/source/It's_Always_Sunny_in_Philadelphia)'' | Ava Coleman | Episode: "The Gang F***s Up Abbott Elementary" |- |''[Super Duper Bunny League](/source/Super_Duper_Bunny_League)'' |Narrator |Voice, first bridge series |- |2026 |''[Strip Law](/source/Strip_Law)'' |Sheila Flambé |Voice, main role |} === Film === {| class="wikitable sortable" !Year !Title !Role !Notes |- |2020 |''[Tom of Your Life](/source/Tom_of_Your_Life)''{{Cite web|title=TOM OF YOUR LIFE|url=https://burbankfilmfest.festivee.com/tom-of-your-life|access-date=January 22, 2022|publisher=Burbank International Film Festival|language=en-US}} |Agent Parker | |- |2024 |''[The Garfield Movie](/source/The_Garfield_Movie)'' | Olivia | Voice Role |- |2025 |''[One of Them Days](/source/One_of_Them_Days)'' | Ruby | |} == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == *{{Official website}} * {{IMDb name}} {{Navboxes |title = Awards for Janelle James |list = {{Black Reel Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress, Comedy Series}} {{Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series}} {{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series}} }} {{authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:James, Janelle}} Category:Living people Category:1979 births Category:Fashion Institute of Technology alumni Category:American women comedians Category:American women screenwriters Category:21st-century American actresses Category:Comedians from Brooklyn Category:American women podcasters Category:American comedy podcasters Category:American stand-up comedians Category:African-American stand-up comedians Category:African-American women comedians Category:21st-century African-American women Category:21st-century African-American people Category:American people of United States Virgin Islands descent Category:American people of Caribbean descent Category:Actresses from Brooklyn Category:American film actresses Category:American television actresses Category:American voice actresses --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Janelle James](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janelle_James) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janelle_James?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.