After watching some episodes ofAbbott Elementary, beloved actressTaraji P. Hensonknew she had to be part of the show. TheEmpireactress has taken matters into her own hands as she confessed that she asked around to be a guest star in the series. In Henson’s interview withThe View, she admits to talking with ABC comedy’s Emmy-winning creator-star Quinta Brunson to appear inAbbott Elementary.
Quinta Brunson and Henson developed a friendship after meeting on the set of a different project. The actress didn’t shy away from the details of requesting to be onAbbott Elementary.She explained toThe View,as reported byEW,

“I love it. I was a fan. Actually, I requested to be on the show,” the 52-year-old said on Thursday’s episode of The View. “Quinta and I were competing on Jimmy Fallon’s That’s My Jam, and I was singing her praises and telling her how proud of her I was. I was like, ‘Girl, you know, any time you need me, call me.’ And she called! I was like, ‘Absolutely, I’ll do it.'”
The actress is set to portray the role of Janine’s mother, Vanetta, in the second season of the comedy series. Henson also shared that she had a great time on the set of the series. She recalled,
“That cast is incredibly talented, the writing is very witty, it’s smart, it’s funny, and I have an affinity for teachers. I was a substitute teacher before my career,” Henson continued. “I love that show in a whole other way.”
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A Show Close to Taraji P. Henson’s Heart
Abbott Elementarydebuted in December 2021. It’s a story about a group of teachers working at a public school in Philadelphia. The show has since garnered a massive following after its debut, including many Hollywood actors. The show has been close to Taraji P. Henson’s heart since she used to be a substitute teacher.
In her recent interview withHot 97, the actress shared her love for the series. She said,
“Let me tell you, I’ve been a fan since day one. . . I was a substitute teacher so I really understand, like right before I book Baby Boy, that’s what I was doing. And so I really have a deep love for the show, the whole concept. “
The actress then hinted at the type of character she got to play on the show. She said,
“I had so much fun and the character is hilarious. So I played Vanetta, her[Quinta’s character] mother and her mother is a mess. She’s a mess. Single mother, she had two baby daddies. You’ll see.”
The 21st and 22nd episodes ofAbbott Elementaryseason two will be aired on ABC on Apr. 12 and Apr. 19, respectively.