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Fortune
Fortune
Jessica Coacci

Before ‘Abbott Elementary,’ Janelle James did it all—waitressing, personal chef, party planner, sewing teacher. Now she’s making over $4 million a season

Janelle James (Credit: Gilbert Flores-Getty Images)

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.

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