Taraji P. Henson is attending Abbott Elementary School .
The Emmy-nominated actress will play Janie’s (Quinta Brunson) mom, Vanetta. Empire star debuts award-winning show in penultimate episode of season two, airing in April 12 .
In the aptly titled “Mom,” Brunson’s Jenny prepares for a solo trip over Memorial Day weekend. Her plans are derailed when her mom (played by Henson) shows up out of the blue and asks for help. Abbott Elementary School team, which includes stars Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter, Tyler James Wiliams and William Stanford Davis. The hit comedy’s Janelle James and Chris Perfetti showed up from New York via Zoom, and Brunson sent a pre-recorded message as he prepared to host Saturday Night Live.
Henson appears with a string of guest stars at Abbott Elementary as part of Janine’s family , the show shared more background on all the characters. The Bear star Ayo Edibiri appeared earlier in the second season as Janine’s sister Ayesha. In past episodes, Ayesha and Jenny work out their issues, and teacher-family tensions are touched upon.
“I think the relationship with the mother is very important, especially for those who are taking care of the children – like Janine, who is taking care of the children,” Brunson told Reuters in September 19 ). “It has a lot to do with her relationships at school. Unfortunately, I know a lot of women in their lives who have very complicated relationships with their moms.”
Abbott Elementary airs airs Wednesdays on ABC at 9pm ET.
