“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.
Character from history you most dislike:
Delphine LaLaurie.
Item of clothing you would never wear: Ruffle socks as an adult.
Worst form of transport: Scooter.
Preferred form of revenge: Living life so well I completely forget what I was mad at.
Favorite curse word: Bitch-ass.
Least favorite habit (in you): Sugar addiction.
Least favorite habit (in others): Gossip.
Least favorite apology: “Sure. You might be right.”
Least favorite conversational topic: Politics.
Least favorite present you’ve received: Ugly jewelry.
Worst New York City moment: My heel got stuck in a grate, and I fell and busted my face while running to try to meet Charlie Kaufman.
Person you’d least like to share a lifeboat with: Any dude-bro.
Words you’d hate to have spoken behind your back: “She sucked at … (insert anything).”
Thing you said but wish you hadn’t: “O.K., you’re right.”
Thing you didn’t say but wish you did: “That’s why your bitch-ass is going bald, loser.”
Worst advice you’ve ever got: “You only live once!”
Worst advice you’ve ever given: “You only live once!”
Last words before execution: “For real?!”
Janelle’s Inessentials
