The award-winning mockumentary Abbott Elementary returns for its fifth season on October 1, 2025, on ABC and Hulu, continuing its heartwarming and hilarious look into the lives of teachers at a chronically underfunded Philadelphia public school. Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, the series has been praised for its perfect blend of comedy and genuine heart, celebrating the dedication of educators. The show’s incredible success is built on the shoulders of its flawless ensemble cast, whose chemistry and individual brilliance bring these beloved characters to life. Here is a complete guide to the talented teachers and staff of Abbott.

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Abbott Elementary Season 5 full cast & crew

1. Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues

Quinta Brunson, the creator, executive producer, and star of Abbott Elementary, began her career as an internet personality with viral video sketches before transitioning to television as a writer and performer on shows like A Black Lady Sketch Show. Her digital background gave her a keen understanding of comedic timing and relatability, which she masterfully channeled into creating the world of Abbott. Brunson’s rise from social media content creator to an Emmy-winning showrunner is a testament to her unique voice and prodigious talent, making her one of the most influential figures in modern television.

As Janine Teagues, the endlessly optimistic and often over-eager second-grade teacher, Brunson is the moral and narrative center of the series. Her portrayal is a masterclass in balancing earnestness with comedy, making Janine’s journey from a naive novice to a more confident educator both inspiring and deeply funny. Brunson infuses Janine with a relatable vulnerability and an unwavering belief in her students, embodying the show’s core message that passion and dedication can make a real difference, even in the most challenging environments.

2. Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie

Tyler James Williams is a veteran actor who rose to fame as a child star, most notably for his title role in the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, a performance that earned him a NAACP Image Award. He successfully transitioned to adult roles with dramatic turns in series like The Walking Dead and Criminal Minds, showcasing his impressive range beyond comedy. Williams has consistently chosen diverse projects, from the musical Dear White People to voicing characters in animated series, proving his versatility and enduring presence in the industry.

On Abbott Elementary, Williams plays Gregory Eddie, the substitute-turned-full-time teacher whose stoic and rigid exterior often clashes with Janine’s idealism. Williams uses his impeccable deadpan delivery to generate some of the show’s biggest laughs, but he also subtly reveals Gregory’s deep care for his students and his quiet, unrequited feelings for Janine. His character’s journey of learning to loosen up and embrace the chaotic joy of teaching provides a wonderful arc, with Williams serving as the perfect, grounded foil to the school’s more eccentric personalities.

3. Janelle James as Ava Coleman

Janelle James, a celebrated stand-up comedian known for her sharp, subversive, and hilariously self-absorbed stage persona, made a seamless leap to television with her role as Ava Coleman. Before Abbott, she was a writer on The Break with Michelle Wolf and appeared in comedy specials and series, building a strong reputation in the comedy world. Her stand-up background is the foundation for Ava’s character, allowing her to deliver the most outlandish and narcissistic lines with a charismatic flair that makes the incompetent principal somehow lovable.

As Principal Ava Coleman, James steals nearly every scene she is in with her masterful delivery of one-liners and her commitment to the character’s lazy, social-media-obsessed, and yet strangely cunning nature. Despite being a terrible administrator, James imbues Ava with moments of unexpected wisdom and loyalty, ensuring the character never becomes a one-note villain. Her performance, which has earned her multiple Emmy nominations, is a brilliant satire of bureaucratic incompetence and a constant source of comedic chaos for the teachers of Abbott.

4. Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti

Lisa Ann Walter has been a beloved figure in film and television for decades, best known for her iconic role as Chessy, the nanny in The Parent Trap (1998). Her career spans stand-up comedy, film, and television, with roles in movies like Bruce Almighty and series such as The War at Home. Walter’s sharp wit and authentic Philadelphia accent (honed from her mother) are integral parts of her performing identity, making her casting as the South Philly-native Melissa Schemmenti a stroke of genius.

Walter brings Melissa Schemmenti to life with a fierce, no-nonsense exterior that hides a deeply loyal and caring heart. Her performance is filled with authentic local color and the unshakeable confidence of a veteran second-grade teacher who has “connections” for everything. Walter excels at physical comedy and rapid-fire delivery, making Melissa’s stories about her “cousins” and her pragmatic, sometimes questionable, solutions to classroom problems some of the show’s most memorable moments. She represents the tough, enduring love that defines many real-life educators.

5. Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill

Chris Perfetti is an accomplished stage actor with an impressive background in theatre, having performed in numerous Off-Broadway and Broadway productions, including The Lobster Kid and The Whirligig. His television work includes roles in Looking and Crossbones, but it was his theatrical training that prepared him for the specific, documentary-style performance required in Abbott Elementary. Perfetti’s ability to portray intellectual enthusiasm and social awkwardness with genuine heart is the key to his character’s success.

As Jacob Hill, the history teacher whose well-meaning enthusiasm often leads to cringe-worthy and overly-woke moments, Perfetti delivers a perfectly calibrated performance. He never allows Jacob to become a mere caricature; instead, he shows the sincere, if sometimes misguided, passion of a teacher who desperately wants to connect with his students and colleagues. Perfetti’s chemistry with the cast, particularly his unlikely friendship with the traditional Barbara Howard, is a highlight of the series, showcasing growth and the unifying power of their shared mission.

6. Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a living legend whose career began on Broadway, where she originated the role of Deena Jones in the musical Dreamgirls, earning a Tony Award nomination. Her decades-long career includes iconic film roles in The Mighty Quinn and Sister Act 2, and a prolific television presence in shows like Moesha and Instant Mom. A respected advocate and vocalist, Ralph brings a regal presence and a wealth of experience to every project, commanding respect through her immense talent and grace.

In Abbott Elementary, Ralph plays Barbara Howard, the veteran kindergarten teacher who is the school’s steady, god-fearing matriarch. Her Emmy-winning performance is a masterclass in subtlety and comedic timing, often saying more with a single look or a perfectly delivered “sweet baby” than with pages of dialogue. Ralph embodies the wisdom, patience, and unshakeable faith of a teacher who has seen it all, serving as a mentor to the younger teachers. Barbara is the moral and emotional bedrock of Abbott, and Ralph’s portrayal is nothing short of iconic.

7. William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson

William Stanford Davis is a veteran character actor with a career spanning over 50 years, appearing in countless films and television shows such as The Matrix Reloaded, Django Unchained, and The West Wing. His long tenure in the industry has made him a familiar and reliable presence, often bringing wisdom and a touch of eccentricity to his roles. Davis’s extensive experience allows him to create a fully realized character, even with limited screen time, making every line count.

As Mr. Johnson, the eccentric and philosophical school custodian, Davis is a constant source of surreal humor and unexpected wisdom. His bizarre anecdotes and cryptic advice have become a beloved running gag, with Davis delivering them with a completely straight face and undeniable authority. He represents the unique, often overlooked personalities that give a school its soul, and his performance adds a layer of delightful weirdness to the hallways of Abbott.

8. Zack Fox as Tariq

Zack Fox is a multi-hyphenate talent known primarily as a comedian, rapper, and internet personality. His viral tweets and musical parodies established his unique comedic voice, which blends absurdity with sharp social commentary. Fox transitioned this online success into television writing and acting, bringing his distinctive energy to the role of Tariq and even serving as a writer for several episodes of Abbott Elementary.

As Tariq, Janine’s ex-boyfriend, Fox plays a struggling rapper and part-time substitute teacher with unearned confidence and hilarious delusions of grandeur. His appearances are always chaotic highlights, featuring ridiculous rap performances and a complete lack of self-awareness. Fox’s improvisational background and natural charisma make Tariq one of the show’s funniest recurring characters, a human personification of the distractions Janine must overcome to focus on her career.

9. Josh Segarra as Manny

Josh Segarra is a dynamic actor with a background in musical theatre, having starred on Broadway in Lysistrata Jones and On Your Feet!. On television, he is known for his roles as a series regular in Sirens, The Other Two, and as the charismatic villain Pablo Schreiber in the She-Hulk: Attorney at Law series. Segarra’s charm and versatility allow him to shift seamlessly from comedic himbo roles to more intense, dramatic characters.

Joining the cast as Manny, a school district superintendent, Segarra brings a new kind of energy to Abbott. His character, who began a relationship with Principal Ava, represents the administrative world outside the school’s walls. Segarra’s natural charm and comedic chops make Manny a welcome addition, creating new dynamics and plotlines that explore the relationship between the teachers and the district bureaucracy, all while providing a fittingly chaotic love interest for Ava.

10. Jerry Minor as Mr. Morton

Jerry Minor is a veteran comedian and actor, best known for his time as a writer and performer on The Dave Chappelle Show and as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. His distinctive voice has also made him a prolific voice actor in animated series like Bob’s Burgers and The Boondocks. Minor’s sketch comedy background has honed his ability to create memorable characters with minimal setup, a skill he brings to his role on Abbott.

As Mr. Morton, the beleaguered and perpetually exasperated music teacher, Minor is the embodiment of a teacher pushed to his limit. His deadpan complaints about the lack of resources and his students’ lack of talent are delivered with a perfect mix of despair and resignation. Minor provides a hilarious and relatable representation of the specials teachers who operate in the chaotic periphery, and his brief appearances always land with comedic precision.

11. Pam Trotter as Dia & Courtney Taylor as Erika

Pam Trotter and Courtney Taylor, while having smaller roles, are vital to fleshing out the world of Abbott Elementary. Trotter’s Dia is one of the other teachers at the school, a presence in the background of faculty meetings and the teachers’ lounge. Her presence adds to the authenticity of the school setting, reminding viewers that Janine and her core colleagues are part of a larger faculty community all dealing with the same challenges.

Similarly, Courtney Taylor’s Erika represents the student’s perspective as one of Janine’s more prominent pupils. Taylor’s natural performance helps ground the show, providing the tangible reason for all the teachers’ efforts. The interactions between the teachers and students like Erika are the emotional payoff to the show’s comedy, illustrating the real impact these dedicated educators have on the next generation.