‘Abbott Elementary’ Adds Taraji P. Henson To Series In Major Guest Role

Big news for Abbott Elementary fans! It has been revealed that Empire star Taraji P. Henson will be joining the show as Vanetta, Janine’s mother, on the hit ABC comedy series.

Henson will make her first appearance as the major character during the April 12 episode of the show.

According to Variety, the announcement was made during a panel discussion on Saturday at the Paley Center for Media’s annual PaleyFest LA event, where several stars of the show appeared, including Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter, Tyler James Wiliams and William Stanford Davis in person, as well as Janelle James and Chris Perfetti via Zoom from New York.

Star and EP Quinta Brunson pre-taped a message for the audience as she was unable to attend due to hosting Saturday Night Live.

In the episode titled “Mom,” Janine’s mother shows up unannounced and asking for help, derailing plans Janine had for a weekend trip.

“Mom,” which airs at 9 p.m. ET on April 12, is the 21st episode of Season 2; the season finale of Abbott Elementary airs the next week.

Henson is not the first guest star to appear as part of Janine’s family. Previously in the season, Ayo Edebiri appeared as Janine’s sister Ayesha.

Henson is most known for her role as Cookie Lyon in the hit show Empire, for which she earned three Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe Award, a Critics Choice Award and three BET awards.