ComScore

Will Denzel Washington Make a Cameo on 'Abbott Elementary'?

I sure hope so

Denzel Washington
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for WarnerMedia

Denzel Washington may be the king of intense crime dramas and thrillers, but did you know that he initially got his start in comedy?

That's right—he landed his first feature role in a comedy film called Carbon Copy, where he proved he definitely has a funny bone. Perhaps this is why Abbott Elementary's Sheryl Lee Ralph revealed that she wants the legendary actor to make a guest appearance in the ABC sitcom.

During her appearance on the 76th Annual Emmys red carpet, the 67-year-old star chatted with Laverne Cox, who said, "I heard that you would love for Mr. Denzel Washington to play your brother in Abbott Elementary, is that correct? Has that been pitched?" In response, Ralph said, "I don't think it'll happen but I can at least dream about it, so that'll be my dream family. My brother Denzel."

Cox then suggested the actor reach out to Quinta Brunson, saying, "Maybe Mr. Washington is watching. Mr. Denzel Washington, give Quinta a call."

However, Ralph said this wouldn't be the best idea. She chimed in, "No don't give Quinta a call, because trust me, that's the number one way never to get on Abbott Elementary."

Cox quickly corrected herself and said, "Call Sheryl Mr. Washington," getting a laugh from the Dreamgirls alum.

abbott elementary sheryl lee
ABC

On Abbott Elementary, Ralph plays veteran teacher Barbara Howard. The role earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series in 2022, which marked her first win. If you recall, she gave a rousing speech that went viral after she accepted her award.

She said, "To anyone who has ever, ever had a dream and thought your dream wasn’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t come true, I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like. This is what striving looks like. And don’t you ever, ever give up on you."

The star has since been nominated twice for an Emmy in the same category, and in 2023, Ayo Edebiri received the honor.

Fingers crossed we'll see Washington make a surprise appearance in season five.

Want all the latest celebrity news sent right to your inbox? Subscribe here.



nakeisha campbell bio

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes celebrity news, TV/movie reviews and SEO-focused entertainment articles
  • Interviews celebrities and covers red carpet events
  • Has 8+ years of experience covering entertainment topics