Who plays Janine's mom on Abbott Elementary? Everything to know about the actress behind this role

Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary sitcom created by Quinta Brunson for ABC. She also stars in the series as the second-grade teacher, Janine Teagues, working at the titular Abbott Elementary, Philadelphia's underfunded and predominantly Black public school.

The critically acclaimed series premiered its first season on December 7, 2021, a second season on September 21, 2022, a third season on February 7, 2024, and a fourth season on October 9, 2024.

Abbott Elementary is produced by Werner Walian, Josh Greene, Brittani Nichols, and Scott Sites. The show's official synopsis, as per Rotten Tomatoes, reads:

"A group of dedicated, passionate teachers -- and a slightly tone-deaf principal -- find themselves thrown together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life."

It continues:

"Though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do -- even if they don't love the school district's less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children."

The award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson plays Janine's mother, Vanetta Teagues, on Abbott Elementary.

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Taraji P. Henson joins Abbott Elementary as Janine's mother

On April 1, 2023, it was announced that Taraji P. Henson will join the show's season 2 cast in a guest-starring role as Janine's estranged mother, Vanetta Teagues. The announcement was made at the 2023 PaleyFest held in Los Angeles. Henson told cheering fans gathered at the Dolby Theater:

"You already met her sister so why not make it a family affair. I have been a fan of ‘Abbott Elementary’ since day one. I’m so proud of Quinta, and I was excited to join her and the amazing cast."

The episode titled Mom premiered on April 12, 2023, and served as the penultimate episode from the show's second season. Its official logline, as per ABC, reads:

"Janine’s plan for a Memorial Day weekend solo trip is derailed when her mother shows up unannounced asking for help. Elsewhere, Gregory notices his colleagues are great at small talk and realizes he needs to brush up on his people skills."

Also in season 2, fans were introduced to Janine's sister Ayesha, played by The Bear alum Ayo Edebiri, in episode 18 titled Teacher Appreciation. Other memorable guest stars like Leslie Odom Jr., Lauren Weedman, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, and Orlando Jones also appeared in the show's second season.

Season 2 of Abbott Elementary featured 22 episodes and concluded on April 19, 2023.

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Taraji P. Henson is an acclaimed and award-winning actress

The actress Taraji P. Henson as seen in December 2023 (Image via Instagram/@tarajiphenson)

Taraji P. Henson has won several awards in her long and illustrious acting career. She was nominated for an Academy Award for 'Best Supporting Actress' for her role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button in 2009. Furthermore, her portrayal of Cookie Lyon in the hit FOX drama Empire won her the Golden Globe Award for 'Best Actress – Television Series Drama' in 2016.

Henson was named Entertainer of the Year at the NAACP Image Awards in 2015. She was also nominated for an Emmy Award in the 'Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series' category for Abbott Elementary in 2023.

The talented actress has acted in television shows like The Division, Boston Legal, Person of Interest, and the crime drama series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.

Henson has given memorable performances in films like Hustle & Flow, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Hidden Figures, Think Like a Man, The Color Purple, The Best of Enemies, Date Night, etc. She has also lend her voice to animated films such as Minions: The Rise of Gru, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie, and Ralph Breaks the Internet.

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