When we talked about Quinta Brunson last week, Janelle James came up in the discussion. Janelle plays principal Ava Coleman on Abbott Elementary. She was a stand-up comedian and writer prior to Abbott. Quinta insisted Janelle be hired over some better-known actors for that role because she wanted to make Janelle known to a wider audience. Janelle is an absolute joy in the role. Now that she’s on more people’s radar, her star is quickly rising. Unfortunately when someone is recognized for their work, the trolls come to find them. When Janelle spoke with the Huffington Post, they asked her how she dealt with such things. Janelle said she’s been dealing with it for a while now because she’s a female comedian. She said that plenty of people don’t like women in comedy, so she’s learned to ignore that energy.
On criticisms of Ava’s portrayal of Black women: I saw that one post but didn’t dive into the comments. I’ve been online for a long time as a female comedian, and I already learned my lesson a long time ago to not care about what people say. This is a comedy, a sitcom, fictional work. The ratings will speak about whether it’s a good show or not, and so far they are saying it is. Of course, people are free not to like it. But just know: I don’t represent anybody but myself and this character. If I paid attention to every person who had something to say, I wouldn’t get anything done, so I don’t think about it all.
On how she’s learned to address criticisms: Comedy is a male-dominated profession, and a lot of times, women get a lot of shit online. Some people don’t think we exist. Some people don’t think we’re funny. Some people don’t want us here. Look, those are all things that people are allowed to think about, but they don’t need to bring that to me. That’s what people don’t understand: No one’s forcing you to listen to my albums, watch my stand-up, anything. So, that’s what I learned. I can’t engage with people who feel like they have to bring their bad news to my face. No matter what, I’m going to continue to do what I do. You know, I never know what their goal is, except what, hurt my feelings? So, my lack of reaction is less about my feelings being hurt and more about wasting my time, so I don’t pay attention.
On how she knew she wanted to do stand-up: I’ve always been a sarcastic person and people I dated would say, “Oh, you’re hilarious,” but it never occurred to me to be a comedian. I think most Black women are funny. Whether we get credit or not, we just are; we’re hilarious. So, this wasn’t me being some rebel or having this revelation. I never really thought about it. Honestly, it was just by chance. I did an open mic, and it was less about, “Oh, I think I’m funny now” and more about the feeling of getting laughs. That’s what I’m addicted to, so, the only way to get what I’m addicted to is to be funny. That’s how it works for me. I really like comedy, and making people laugh is one of the few pleasures of being alive. It’s a gift ― that’s how I look at it.
When people say comedy is male-dominated, they mean it with a heavy emphasis on the dominated part of that phrase. There is very little interest in evolving that boys club, too. Some male comedians that have truly made it big take a female comedian under their wings but mainly it’s women looking out for each other. Even though we’re seeing a lot more women in comedy now, it doesn’t mean things have actually improved for them. Janelle puts it succinctly in her answer about online abuse. I’d even argue it’s not that people don’t find women funny, it’s that they don’t want to find them funny. It really is weird how focused some people are on tearing women comedians down. But I appreciate Janelle’s ability to put their issues in perspective and move past it. I love her line, “they don’t need to bring that to me.” I should start using that in my own life. I could stand to learn from most of what Janelle says here.
Janelle’s episode of The Standups is the fourth episode of season three on Netflix. It won’t shock you to know that I thought it was terrific. If you haven’t checked her out as Principal Ava on Abbott Elementary, you should. She really is amazing in that role.
Photo credit: Instagram
I’ve caught a few episodes of Abbott elementary and there’s no doubt, she is the best part of that show.
I just l love he character,v so amazingly deluded, smart and funny. Just a great, well written, well acted character
Abbott Elementary is so much fun and Janelle gets all the best lines. She’s so so funny and I can’t wait to watch more of her work. Go Janelle!!
Also go Quinta for pushing her talented friend to the front of the line. I like her even more now.
If Principal Ava is in a scene, she steals it! Janelle is a riot, I watched her Netflix special and it is terrific
Quinta was correct in casting her- the whole show is great but by far the funniest character is Principal Ava. She is hilarious and one of the best, most ridiculous tv characters. I saw a tweet describing her thus, “if out of pocket was a person” and it is 100% accurate.
So glad for the success of the show and its amazing cast.
the principal is by far the funniest character in the show
I love the show and she is hilarious on it, I’m glad she’s getting a chance to showcase her talent to a wide audience. And she seems to have a great attitude about her industry.
I loved her Netflix stand up and while I adore everyone on Abbot Elementary she is the most incredible character. Good for Quinta, fighting for her.
All of the cast is amazing and hilarious. Janelle is really great in it, I really started to loathe the character 😄
I recommend this show wholeheartedly!
I love her and her character on Abbott Elementary, I definitely going to check out her standup on Netflix.
Everyone on AE is stellar, but James has been the standout for me. Her comedic timing is sheer perfection, and her facial expressions and glances at the camera just kill me!
Great to see this post.
“I’d even argue it’s not that people don’t find women funny, it’s that they don’t want to find them funny.”
THIS. This sums up so much about toxic fandoms and gatekeeping in general. You could replace ‘funny’ with any number of descriptors and it would still apply. These are people that have already made up their minds, consciously or subconsciously, that women can’t be *fill-in-the-blank*.
Wow, she is so charming. Thank you for telling us about this show, which I’d never heard of. I am catching up on ABC.com