The hilarious mockumentary Abbott Elementary is set to premiere its second season on September 21 this year. With the original cast returning for a full 22-episode season, audiences are in for a treat. One reason the show quickly rose to popularity was its relatability. Teachers found the show so delightful because Quinta Brunson, the creator and lead actress, based the comedy show on real-life educators’ struggles and triumphs. Brunson revealed that she absorbed a lot of information about educators from watching her mom, according to Deadline. The first season tackled the many problems teachers face, especially when they’re at an underfunded school.

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Typically, shows like Abbott Elementary have a quick rise in popularity because of their ensemble cast. Audiences may know a couple of actors prior to viewing, but eventually grow to identify with certain characters. Teachers especially can relate to Janine’s eagerness or Melissa’s straightforward communication styles. Moreover, each teacher has known or is currently working with a Principal Ava-type. Yet, each school has their queen bee like Barbara Howard. Brunson specifically chose Sheryl Lee Ralph to play Abbott’s queen teacher. Many actors reach a point where roles are written for them or with them in mind because of their previous works. Ahead of Abbott Elementary’s second season, here’s a look at other roles you’ve seen the cast play.

Quinta Brunson

     ABC

Quinta Brunson has done the impossible with her career. She started out as a viral content creator and has transitioned into the versatile creator/writer/actress on the funniest mockumentary about teachers. No stranger to the behind-the-camera aspect of Hollywood, prior to Abbott Elementary, Brunson appeared on the HBO series A Black Lady Sketch Show as both actress and show runner. In the HBO sketch comedy show, Brunson plays the naive Rose. The series is a hit because of the perfect balance achieved between the cast, sketch lengths, and poking fun at overarching narratives.

Chris Perfetti

As Jacob Hill, Chris Perfetti plays the annoying co-worker who knows what to say, but definitely oversteps and overdoes it with their co-workers. Perfetti has been in a variety of TV shows, including the recent Hulu hit What We Do In The Shadows. He’s also appeared in several movies, like Sound of Metal. However, his most notable role was in the TV series Crossbones, starring John Malkovich. While the show was canceled, it was one of Perfetti’s most prominent roles. Crossbones was an action adventure show about the notorious pirate Blackbeard.

William Stanford Davis

The conspiracy theorist and self-proclaimed Yoda at Abbott Elementary is Mr. Johnson, portrayed by William Stanford Davis. Before becoming a series regular on Abbott Elementary, David appeared in a variety of TV series and films going back to 1995. One of his first recurring roles was the Floor Manager on the series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. His most recognizable role was on Ray Donovan, where he portrayed Potato Pie. The hit series, starring Liev Schreiber, follows a professional fixer who is also a devoted family man.

Janelle James

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Janelle James said of her Abbott Elementary character Ava Coleman, “She’s chaotic. And she’s the clown, which is what I am. She comes in, gets a laugh, and then she’s outta there.” James is no stranger to chaotic energy, especially for her stand-up routine fans. In addition to being a successful stand-up comedienne, James has written for several shows like Black Monday, starring Don Cheadle, and the animated musical series Central Park.

Tyler James WIlliams

The only child actor of the Abbott Elementary cast, Tyler James Williams has an overwhelming amount of acting roles prior to portraying the long-term substitute teacher Gregory. Williams is most well known for portraying Chris on Everybody Hates Chris, the autobiographical comedy about Chris Rock’s childhood. Additionally, Williams portrayed two different characters on the Netflix series Dear White People and appeared on A Black Lady Sketch Show several times. Yet, one of his most recurring roles was as Noah on The Walking Dead.

Lisa Ann Walter

Melissa Schemmenti is a straight-forward, experienced, and well-connected second grade teacher at Abbott Elementary. With a long history in Hollywood, Lisa Ann Walter is particularly unforgettable. Before transforming into the beloved Sicilian, she appeared in the Netflix show Glow and in the film Bruce Almighty. However, audiences likely know her from an even more iconic role in The Parent Trap, starring Lindsay Lohan. Even the child actors on Abbott Elementary recognize her from the beloved movie, according to Today. Walter portrayed Chessy, the loving but tough housekeeper for Nick Parker (Dennis Quaid).

Sheryl Lee Ralph

While she hardly needs an introduction, the actual queen of Abbott Elementary, Barbara Howard, is portrayed by the legendary Sheryl Lee Ralph. Like a few of her co-stars, Ralph has quite the list of roles that are recognizable. One role in particular is as Deidre “Dee” Mitchell on Moesha, starring Brandy Norwood. Another role Ralph portrayed that people love-to-hate is Florence Watson in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.