“Funny” isn’t typically the adjective that best describes an elementary-school principal—on-screen or off. The exception, however, is Janelle James’s depiction of fictional Philadelphia-public-school principal Ava Coleman in the sitcom Abbott Elementary. The show is filmed in a mockumentary style reminiscent of The Office. And James’s character—a self-absorbed, smart-mouthed principal—has much in common with Steve Carell’s similarly tone-deaf Michael Scott. The open-mike comedian turned actress has already earned a Screen Actors Guild award and three Emmy nominations for her role. As Season Four unfolds, James shares her least favorite things. —Carolina de Armas
Least favorite number: Nine.
Least favorite color: Pastel pink.
Least favorite team: Dallas Cowboys.
Least favorite James Bond: That first one.
Preferred deadly sin: Lust.
Food that makes you gag: Raw oysters.
Book you never finished: 100 Years of Solitude.
Film you walked out of: Blair Witch.
Song you never want to hear again: “Shots! Shots! Shots!” … Yada yada.
