Sheryl Lee Ralph was not thrilled about the intimate moment shared between Gregory and Janine. On September 12, PEOPLE and IHG Hotels & Resorts hosted a pre-Emmys panel featuring the cast of Abbott Elementary. Ralph, along with her co-stars Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, and William Stanford Davis, discussed their experiences on the acclaimed series.
Among the scenes that made Ralph, who plays kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard, squirm, the kiss between Gregory (Tyler James Williams) and Janine (Quinta Brunson) stood out.
Ralph humorously shares that she had to “avert her eyes” during the Gregory and Janine kiss, calling the moment too personal
“It was like watching my own children in an awkward moment!” she quips. “I had to avert my eyes because it felt too personal to watch.” She humorously adds, “I remember thinking, ‘Here come the zambohoochies!’” Davis, who shares a similar affectionate perspective, described his fatherly feelings towards Brunson.
“One of my favorite moments was when Quinta’s character confides in me about her feelings for Gregory, and I tell her, ‘It’s going to be alright,’” Davis shares. “It felt like I was giving advice to my own daughter. We have a close, caring relationship.” Williams talked to PEOPLE in August about the cast’s dynamic, noting their strong group chat interactions.
“Our set feels like a family, so we share everything from on-set drama to personal stories,” he explains. “Chris Perfetti often sends in something completely unexpected and funny. Sheryl and Lisa keep us updated with their observations.”
“Janelle James tends to be more of a quiet participant,” Williams added. “She reads the group chat but doesn’t contribute much.” The cast’s strong bond is reflected in the series’ impressive 24 Emmy nominations, including nine for the upcoming 76th annual awards. The show is recognized in categories such as outstanding comedy series, casting, writing, and directing.
Williams, who received a nomination for supporting actor in a comedy series, expressed his gratitude for his third nomination. “There were times when I thought a nomination was out of reach, so each one feels like a connection to the version of me that doubted it,” he said.
Ralph also earned a nomination for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series, along with James, and Brunson was recognized for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series.
