Janelle James

Janelle James Headshot

Comedian • Writer • Actress

Birth Date: September 23, 1979

Age: 45 years old

Birth Place: Saint Thomas Virgin Islands

Awards

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Janelle James is a comedian, actress, and writer. In 2009, James began her career at an open mic she attended while living in Champaign, Illinois. In 2016, James' work was recognized by Just for Laughs and Brooklyn magazine. She was also the opening act for Chris Rock's 2017 Total Blackout tour. James released her debut comedy album, Black and Mild.

She performed on Netflix's 2018 comedy series "The Comedy Lineup." In 2021, James was a featured comic on Netflix's "The Standups." She starred on the ABC comedy "Abbott Elementary (2021-)." In 2022, she hosted the ABC game show "The Final Straw." Janelle James hosted the 2023 Writers Guild of America Awards.

Photos

Sheryl Lee Ralph, Chris Perfetti, and Janelle James of Abbott Elementary at the Disney upfrontsJanelle James in 'Abbott Elementary's Season 4 finale - 'Please Touch Museum'Janelle James in 'Abbott Elementary' Season 4 finaleJanelle James in 'Abbott Elementary' Season 4Quinta Brunson and Janelle James in 'Abbott Elementary'Josh Segarra's Manny fires Janelle James' Ava in 'Abbott Elementary' Season 4Sheryl Lee Ralph and Janelle James in 'Abbott Elementary'Janelle James as Ava in 'Abbott Elementary' Season 4 Episode 17 - 'Karaoke'Janelle James at the 2025 SAG AwardsJanelle James attends the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California.Matt Oberg and Janelle James in 'Abbott Elementary' Season 4 Episode 12 - 'Girard Creek'Janelle James attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025

News aboutJanelle James

Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tyler James Williams, Quinta Brunson, Chris Perfetti, and Lisa Ann Walter in 'Abbott Elementary'

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 Tyler James Williams and Quinta Brunson in 'Abbott Elementary' Season 4 finale
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 Jeff Goldblum attends the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California and SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: Sarah Michelle Gellar attends the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California and SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: Lamorne Morris attends the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California.

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 Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tyler James Williams, Quinta Brunson, Chris Perfetti, and Lisa Ann Walter in 'Abbott Elementary'

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 Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, Janelle James, and Tyler James Williams in 'Abbott Elementary' Season 3
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 Not Dead Yet

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 Quinta Brunson in Abbott Elementary, Ana Gasteyer in American Auto
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