Janelle James Gets Accosted at Target After Abbott Elementary Fame, Tyler James Williams Schools Her

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Ever since Abbott Elementary made its debut in 2021, this ABC sitcom has swiftly gained popularity among viewers and garnered numerous praises from critics. As the series gears up for its fifth season on the upcoming 2025 TV lineup, it’s safe to say that the cast members have likely become accustomed to the fame they’ve encountered along the way. But this wasn’t always the case, as Janelle James once experienced an unpleasant encounter at Target, and Tyler James Williams offered words of encouragement.

James has been part of the entertainment industry for some time, but it was her character Principal Ava Coleman in Abbott Elementary that really put her on the map. This ABC sitcom, available to stream with a Hulu subscription, gained massive popularity when it debuted in 2021, causing James’ fame and that of her co-stars to skyrocket just as quickly. In an interview for The L.A. Times‘s Envelope podcast, she shared her experiences since the show’s release and reminisced about a moment when she went to Target and was approached by a stranger eager for a hug.

It turns out we can’t go to Target today — I wasn’t planning on it anyway. You know how it is, I was once at Target, browsing through doormats, and suddenly a guy approaches me – I didn’t see him coming, he said, “I need to give you a hug.” I thought for sure he wasn’t addressing me since I didn’t recognize him. And then this big guy lifts me off the ground and gives me a hug! Needless to say, that really startled me. I guess he must have been smitten with me, but it left me feeling quite uneasy.

Approaching a celebrity to request a photo or signature is common, but spontaneously hugging someone without much notice falls into a different category. Regrettably, such behavior comes with fame. As the popularity of one of the funniest shows on Hulu and ABC increases, so does its fanbase. However, along with the good fans come some not-so-good ones.

Indeed, if someone understands the swift transition into fame, it’s undoubtedly Tyler James Williams, James’ “Abbott” co-star. He nonchalantly informed her that her days of shopping at Target are now history.

1 Day after the incident, I found myself heading to work, wearing a look of bewilderment that seemed to ask, “What in the world just happened?” My co-star, Tyler [James Williams], noticed something was off and asked, “What’s with you?” To which I replied, “A stranger approached me at Target to praise our show.” He responded, “You can’t go to Target anymore.” And that place used to bring me so much joy. Adjusting to being recognized by strangers, even in my pajamas while picking up some gummy bears, was quite a challenge.

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Williams is one of several child actors who continue acting into adulthood today. He first gained prominence playing a child character on the widely acclaimed sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, and went on to star in a Disney Channel Original Movie, Let It Shine, as well as appearing in The Walking Dead. Given his extensive experience with fame and recognition, it’s no wonder that he might have some valuable insights to share. Interestingly, his siblings are also involved in the industry, so I can imagine him offering similar advice to them too. And, much like James, he may have sensed early on that changes were necessary for his own success.

Regrettably, fame often demands such trade-offs. Simple errands like grocery shopping transform into unique experiences, requiring assistance, security presence, or concealment.

Currently, it appears that Janelle James has gained valuable experience from all these past events. Furthermore, with her upcoming fifth season portraying Ava in Abbott, she has proven herself to be a highly skilled actress, contributing significantly to one of the top-tier sitcoms on TV today.

It appears that Abbott Elementary isn’t slowing down anytime soon, having surpassed its 50th episode in 2024, and with the series ongoing, the cast’s popularity is on an upward trajectory. With season 5 underway, it’s reasonable to assume that Janelle James has become more accustomed to her new lifestyle, but that doesn’t diminish the challenges she’s faced in adapting.

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2025-06-19 15:08