Comedian and actress Janelle James is up for a fourth Emmy nomination this year, for her portrayal of principal Ava Coleman on the ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary. 

The character was often initially dismissed as comic relief, but over the seasons, she’s become one of the most layered and beloved characters on the show. 

James spoke with LAist’s Antonia Cereijido about how neither she nor Ava can be boxed in by expectations.