Quinta Brunson: Abbott Elementary cast would ‘love to pursue other projects’

Quinta Brunson feels “blessed” that Abbott Elementary is still popular but admitted she’s looking forward to a different role in the future.

Quinta Brunson is “looking forward” to her future away from Abbott Elementary.

The 35-year-old actress’ comedy series has been renewed for a fifth season but she admitted some of her co-stars on the show – which include Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tyler James Williams, Lisa Ann Walter, Janelle James, William Stanford Davis, and Chris Perfetti – would “love” to pursue other projects, while Quinta herself is looking forward to playing something other than a teacher.

She told Bustle: “We are so fortunate and blessed to be on a network TV show for five seasons, and for people to still be fans.

“That being said, I have cast members who would love to pursue other projects, and our show is very time-consuming. We shoot about seven months out of the year. That can stop people from being able to do a lot of other things.

“Right now, I’m receiving scripts, and waiting for that moment that feels like, ‘Oh man, this is exactly what I’ve been looking for.’ Abbott has been so successful, and I want to use that success to get other people’s projects off the ground.

“I’m always interested in playing against type. I think that’s any actor’s dream. Right now my type is ‘Janine’ and ‘teacher.’ I’m looking forward to moving away from that a little bit.”

Quinta is always “excited” to go to work on Abbott Elementary and knows she needs to set a good example to the rest of the cast and crew.

She said: “People used to tell me at the beginning of this that the number one on the call sheet sets the tone, and the producer sets the tone — and I’m both of those roles.

“I understand now, after doing this for four years, how important it was that I set the tone that I did when we first started.

“Sometimes it’s as simple as I’m the first one in the morning, and the way I carry myself in the morning can determine how the rest of the set runs, not only as an actor, but as the creator of the show. I try to come in with a good attitude and a positive attitude, and it’s not hard to do. I’m very excited to go to work and appreciative of my cast and crew and naturally want the morale up.”