Abbott Elementary Season 2 Adds Taraji P. Henson

ABC has confirmed that Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson has officially signed on for a guest-starring role in an upcoming episode of Abbott Elementary Season 2.

The Empire alum is scheduled to appear in episode 21 of the latest season, titled “Mom.” She will portray the role of Vanetta, who is the mother of Quinta Brunson’s Janine Teagues. Her casting comes after Janine’s sister Ayesha, played by Ayo Edebiri, recently appeared in the acclaimed comedy.

Abbott Elementary is created and executive produced by Quinta Brunson, who is also leading the cast as Janine Teagues. Joining her are Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, Janelle James as Ava Coleman, Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti, Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill, William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson, and Emmy Award winner Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard.

“In this workplace comedy, a group of dedicated, passionate teachers — and a slightly tone-deaf principal — are brought together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life,” reads the series’ synopsis. “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.”

Season 1 earned multiple awards, including three Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, Best Actress for Brunson, and Best Actor for Williams. For Ralph’s performance as Barbara, she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress. Due to its continued success, the comedy has already secured an early Season 3 renewal.