• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James say 'Abbott Elementary' cast 'handpicked' by creator Quinta Brunson

6:10
Janelle James and Sheryl Lee Ralph talk season 2 of ‘Abbott Elementary’
ABC
ByJamia Pugh
May 17, 2022, 9:08 PM

Sheryl Lee Ralph and Janelle James of the hit ABC comedy sitcom "Abbott Elementary" are opening up on the magic of the series.

While appearing on "Good Morning America" Tuesday, the two revealed why they wanted to join the breakout series, and said one of the "easy" parts of being on the show is working alongside the special ensemble cast.

"We all just came right together," Ralph said, speaking of the group of stars, which includes show creator Quinta Brunson and actors Tyler James Williams, Lisa Ann Walter and Chris Perfetti.

Related Articles

MORE: 'Abbott Elementary' renewed for a second season, hosts free book fairs at public schools

"I really think that a lot of that has to do with Quinta," she said. "Quinta really handpicked each one of us and put this cast together."

James said she feels that each character is relatable, even hers -- the antagonist school principal, Ava Coleman.

"Everybody's had that boss, where you get to that level and you're just like, 'How did you get this job?' So it like reaffirms, like, 'Oh, I'm not crazy. These people exist,'" James said.

Editor’s Picks

'Abbott Elementary' renewed for a second season, hosts free book fairs

  • Mar 15, 2022

'Abbott Elementary' star, 'GMA' surprise Philadelphia teacher, school

  • Feb 28, 2022

‘Abbott Elementary’ star, ‘GMA’ surprises Philadelphia teacher

  • Feb 28, 2022

On how she became apart of the popular series, James says it was the compelling script, as well as the "hilarious" pilot that drew her in. And while she did audition for her role, the comedian joked that she'd "clean up in the background if that's what needs to happen."

Related Articles

MORE: 'Abbott Elementary' star, 'GMA' surprise Philadelphia teacher, school

As for Ralph, the 65-year-old actress -- who also vied for the role of Principal Coleman -- says she realized how special the show would be during a moment shared with co-star James Williams while taping the pilot episode.

"We both looked at each other and we were like, 'Whoa, something is really happening here.'"

Ralph described that moment as someone "stirring a pot of magic."

Editor’s Picks

'Abbott Elementary' renewed for a second season, hosts free book fairs

  • Mar 15, 2022

'Abbott Elementary' star, 'GMA' surprise Philadelphia teacher, school

  • Feb 28, 2022

‘Abbott Elementary’ star, ‘GMA’ surprises Philadelphia teacher

  • Feb 28, 2022

Up Next in Culture—

'The View' co-hosts and more step out for world premiere of Barbara Walters doc

June 12, 2025

Johnny Gaudreau's widow pens heartbreaking Father's Day tribute to late NHL star

June 12, 2025

Brad Pitt shares simple life 'equation' he lives by in his 60s

June 12, 2025

Arnold Schwarzenegger's family supports him at 'FUBAR' premiere

June 12, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News