"Janelle James may now be pulling a $200,000-per-episode salary on Abbott Elementary, but before fame the four-time Emmy-nominated comedian and actress did "every hustle in the book" to stay afloat. From waitressing tables to giving sewing lessons, planning parties, working as a personal chef, and even distributing cigars at a strip club, James tried it all before scoring her breakout role as Ava Coleman."
"At the time, she said on theConan O'Brien podcast, she was constantly thinking: "What skills do I have that I can turn into money." But even now that she's making an estimated $4.4 million just on season four of Abbott Elementary, she added: "I'm always on the hustle." Growing up in the Virgin Islands, James' ambition was instilled at a young age, thanks in part to assisting with her father's restaurant on the beach."
"In a previous interview with, James she admitted she wasn't prepared for how making millions would impact her relationships-like suddenly being expected to get the check every time she goes out with people. "I am the first person in my family to have this level of income, and that is something to navigate around, not only in my family, but in my friend group," James said."
Janelle James earned a reported $200,000 per episode on Abbott Elementary and an estimated $4.4 million for season four while remaining committed to hustling. She worked many jobs before her breakout role as Ava Coleman, including waitressing, sewing instruction, party planning, personal chef work, and distributing cigars at a strip club. Raised in the Virgin Islands, she gained early business sense helping at her father's beach restaurant and selling drinks to tourists. She grew up financially struggling and constantly sought ways to monetize skills. Sudden wealth changed relationship dynamics, prompting expectations to cover expenses as the first high-income family member.
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