In a recent interview on the red carpet before the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, sitcom star Sheryl Lee Ralph expressed her excitement over potential guest stars for the hit ABC series Abbott Elementary. She revealed her dream of having Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep join the show.
Ralph mentioned her desire to have Denzel Washington play the role of her brother on Abbott Elementary, although she admitted that she hasn't personally approached him about it. She expressed her hope that if Meryl Streep were to make a cameo appearance on the show, it might pave the way for Washington's participation. Ralph even playfully suggested having Streep portray her step-sister on the show.
While Ralph and her castmates have numerous ideas, she acknowledged that all decisions ultimately rest with the show's creator and star, Quinta Brunson. Having made history at the Emmy Awards with her win for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series, Brunson is considered the visionary behind Abbott Elementary. Ralph expressed her confidence in Brunson's ability to identify the perfect guest stars for the show, but allowed herself to indulge in a few fantasies.
Lisa Ann Walter, another star of Abbott Elementary, also shared her thoughts on potential guest stars. At the Critics Choice Awards, Walter expressed her desire to see her Parent Trap co-star Lindsay Lohan make an appearance on the sitcom. Walter humorously suggested making Lohan a relative, given their shared red hair.
The recently concluded Emmy Awards were a significant night for Abbott Elementary. Sheryl Lee Ralph received her second Emmy nomination for her role as veteran teacher Barbara Howard, and she was joined in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series category by her co-star Janelle James. Tyler James Williams also earned a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, and the show itself was up for Outstanding Comedy Series. Although Brunson was the only star who took home an award, her accomplishment as the first Black woman in 42 years to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy was a historic moment that brought her to tears during her emotional acceptance speech.
Quinta Brunson, who portrays Philadelphia school teacher Janine Teagues on Abbott Elementary, not only won the lead actress category, but she was also nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her hosting gig on Saturday Night Live. This year's Emmys marked the first time in history that two Black actresses won both comedy categories in the same year, with Ayo Edebiri winning in the supporting actress category.
Abbott Elementary has certainly made an impact in the television industry, and fans can anticipate the premiere of its third season on February 7th at 9 p.m. ET on ABC. The show's success and the excitement surrounding potential guest stars are testaments to the talent and dedication of the cast, crew, and creator Quinta Brunson.
