Quinta Brunson and Taraji P. Henson.Photo: ABC/Gilles Mingasson
Taraji P. Henson’s new role onAbbott Elementaryholds a special place in her heart.
The Oscar nominee, 52, is playing the mother ofQuinta Brunson’s leading character Janine Teagues in Wednesday’s episode. Per a synopsis from ABC on the episode titled “Mom,” “Janine’s mother makes a surprise visit to ask for help” leading her to “put off her solo trip forMemorial Day.”
Ahead of the episode’s premiere, Henson exclusively told PEOPLE why she was excited to take on the guest-starring role as Vanetta.
“I actually have an affinity for teachers,” Henson said while promoting herBoris Lawrence Henson Foundation’s partnership withKate Spade New Yorkfor a new mental wellness program. “I was a substitute teacher before my career took off. So I really have a fondness for that show.”
“It’s witty, it’s smart. I see myself in it. And I’m just proud of Quinta,” she continued. “I’m proud of her. I just applaud her.”
And while she can’t reveal too much about the episode and her role, Henson said it’s “amazing being on that set.”
Taraji P. Henson.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
“The cast is just amazing. So giving and sweet,” she added. “I had such a great time. It didn’t feel like work at all!”
But Henson’s casting onAbbott Elementaryisn’t the only thing she’s excited about as of late.
Her organization recently launched a partnership with Kate Spade New York for its She Care Wellness Pods, which will provide women on the campuses of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with frontline mental health care, including free therapy sessions and yoga classes.
“We chose Kate Spade as our first partner for the She Care Wellness Pod because of their deep commitment to helping women live their fullest lives,” Henson explained. “And they recognize a vital role that mental health plays in that.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Abbott Elementaryairs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.
source: people.com
