TUCP Comedy and BSU Presents: Janelle James

Multi-faceted actress-comedian, Janelle James, has stolen the hearts of audiences and critics alike in her star role as the hilarious unprincipled “Principal Ava” in the award-winning ABC Sitcom, Abbott Elementary. Her critically acclaimed performance has garnered her wins for [Best Supporting Actress, Comedy] from the Hollywood Critics Association and Black Reel Awards as well as nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, Critics’ Choice Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and

Independent Spirit Award.

Launching her stand-up career at an open mic night in a biker bar, she has toured with Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, and David Cross to name a few. She was included in the Just For Laughs Montreal “New Faces” category in 2016. That same year she was named one of the 50 Funniest People in Brooklyn.

Her debut comedy album Black and Mild was released in September of 2017 on all streaming platforms. Keeping the momentum going, James has written on Showtime’s Black Monday, & Apple TV+’s Central Park. In 2020, her podcast You In Danger Gurl was listed as Spotify’s Top Comedy Podcast. To follow up that same year, Variety Magazine recognized James as a “Top Ten Comedian to Watch.”

James then took the reins of the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival, now known as Janelle James Comedy Festival which takes place annually in Brooklyn, NY.

While filming Abbott Elementary: Season 2, James has been serving as the host of the ABC Summer Game Show: The Final Straw. This upcoming year of 2023 will be quite eventful for James, as Abbott Elementary has been renewed for a Season 3 taping.

Janelle James knows no limits when it comes to the entertainment business.