ABC’s hit comedy series “Abbott Elementary” has some exciting news for fans. On April 12th, the show will finally reveal Janine’s mother in an episode titled “Mom.” And to make the announcement even more exciting, it was revealed that the talented actress Taraji P. Henson will play the role of Vanetta, Janine’s mother.
The news was announced during the Paley Center for Media’s annual PaleyFest LA event on April 1st. The show’s panelists, including stars Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter, Tyler James Williams, William Stanford Davis, Janelle James, and Chris Perfetti, discussed the upcoming episode and the exciting casting news. Quinta Brunson, who stars and executive produces the show, was not able to attend in person as she was hosting “Saturday Night Live” that night, but she pre-taped a message for the audience.
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“Mom” is the 21st episode of “Abbott Elementary” season 2 and will air at 9 p.m. ET on April 12th. In the episode, Janine (played by Brunson) plans a Memorial Day weekend solo trip, but her plans are unexpectedly disrupted when her mother, Vanetta (played by Henson), shows up unannounced and asks for help. The B-story of the episode will involve Gregory (played by Williams) as he looks to improve his people skills.
“Abbott Elementary” has been a breakout hit for ABC since its premiere on January 4th, 2022. The show follows a group of Philadelphia public school teachers as they navigate the challenges of their profession. The show’s focus on characters who are typically overlooked by mainstream media has resonated with audiences, and the addition of Henson to the cast is sure to draw even more attention.
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Henson, a Golden Globe-winning actress, is perhaps best known for her role as Cookie Lyon on the hit Fox drama series “Empire,” which aired from 2015 to 2020. She has also appeared in films like “Hidden Figures,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and “Hustle & Flow.” Henson’s appearance on “Abbott Elementary” marks the latest guest star to appear on the show as it continues to explore the backgrounds of its characters. Earlier this season, Ayo Edibiri appeared as Janine’s sister, Ayesha.
The announcement of Henson’s casting has generated a lot of buzz among fans of “Abbott Elementary.” Many are excited to see how Henson will bring the character of Vanetta to life and how her appearance will impact the show’s overall story. With the season finale airing the following week, fans are eager to see how the show will wrap up its second season and what’s in store for its characters in the future.