Janelle James, known for her breakout role as the tone-deaf principal Ava Coleman in the comedy series Abbott Elementary, disclosed that there’s another significant part she regrets not landing. Since her debut in the pilot episode in 2021, James has gained a Primetime Emmy nomination for her performance on the show.
As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about “Abbott Elementary,” which debuted on ABC last December to a fantastic audience and overwhelming praise from critics. This remarkable series, with its gifted cast, clever humor, and insightful social observations, has kept me hooked week after week. It’s fascinating to see how my role has contributed to the show’s development, but I wish my breakout moment had come earlier in its journey.
By the specified deadline, James shared insights about her career on the “Let’s Talk Off Camera” podcast. During this discussion, she disclosed that she had a chance to be part of the legendary TV series GLOW but unfortunately missed it, even though her audition appeared to go well. She expressed that she is still upset about not landing the role as a female wrestler in the show. You can read more about her thoughts below:
It’s been some time since I last considered it. Remind me if you will, but there was another opportunity I pursued that really got me pumped – it was for a show called GLOW. Can you recall that one? It was all about female wrestling.
I deeply yearned for that role, particularly the part reserved for one of the ’80s wrestlers. The audition process required us to compose an ’80s-style rap and demonstrate it, followed by a solo fight scene. I crafted my rap and delivered it, then executed a round kick as part of the performance.
And I recall departing from that audition thinking, “I aced it.” Yet, I didn’t secure the part… I haven’t even seen a single moment of that series. I’m just so bitter about it. Perhaps I’ll catch up on 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
Often, people find themselves following specific professional paths due to a combination of fate and random events. This could very well be the case with James, as not getting the role in GLOW may have steered her career towards the point where she eventually became part of the Abbott Elementary cast.
If she had landed the role during her audition for GLOW, it’s possible that she wouldn’t have started working on Abbott initially. The TV series, GLOW, ran from 2017 to 2019 and was canceled around the time of lockdown. However, securing a part in GLOW could have led James down a different career path following the show’s end, as is often the case for actors when they get new opportunities.
Although her joking remark about not getting the part might have been sarcastic, it seems there may be some truth behind her sentiment. Given that GLOW became quite popular, it could have led to a continuous collaboration with Netflix, potentially opening up more significant opportunities for her.
Our Take On James Missing Out On GLOW
Her Career Has Blossomed Since
Both GLOW and James have experienced success following their auditions, yet there are times when things don’t go as planned. Although James didn’t secure the role after an impressive audition, she has still had a prosperous acting career since then, which suggests that everything has turned out well in the end.
As a movie critic, I can confidently say that the upcoming season 5 of Abbott Elementary will undoubtedly see James shining in the role of Ava. Even if this beloved series decides to wrap up after one more season, it’s clear that James’ exceptional talent will propel her towards an impressive and flourishing career. With a breakout hit network show under her belt, it’s indisputable that she’ll be in high demand wherever she chooses to go next.
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2025-07-06 16:40