Taraji P. Henson Is Joining ‘Abbott Elementary’ in Guest Star Role

Taraji P. Henson is making her way to Abbott Elementary.

Henson is set to play Vanetta, who is Janine’s mother.

The casting of Henson was revealed Saturday during the Paley Center for Media’s PaleyFest LA event. “I was so excited to join Quinta and the amazing cast!” Henson said in a special video message.

According to Variety, the announcement was made during an Abbott Elementary panel featuring Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter, Tyler James Wiliams, and William Stanford Davis. Quinta Brunson, who stars in the show, sent in a pre-taped message because she’s hosting SNL in New York.

“Mom” is an episode that’ll air at 9 p.m. ET on April 12 and it is the 21st episode of Season 2. Janine, played by Brunson, is planning a Memorial Day solo trip but it gets derailed when her mother Vanetta, played by Vanetta, shows up unannounced asking for help.

Henson is the latest guest star to join Janine’s family. Also this season, Ayo Edibiri appeared as Ayesha as Janine’s sister.