Tyler James Williams hopes to see Solange Knowles guest star on Abbott Elementary as his cousin.
Tyler James Williams has a dream guest star in mind for Abbott Elementary, and it’s none other than Solange Knowles.
The 31-year-old actor, who portrays the beloved first-grade teacher Gregory Eddie on the popular ABC series, recently shared his thoughts on why the Grammy Award-winning singer would make the perfect addition to the show.
“I would love to see Solange [Knowles] as a cousin. I feel like we look alike,” Williams revealed in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. “It’s like us and then my dad is Orlando [Jones]. Yeah, I think Solange would be great. Just add a family member.”
Williams’ enthusiasm for the idea highlights his appreciation for bringing more family dynamics into Abbott Elementary, which has quickly become a fan favorite since its debut.
The idea of casting Solange, who is known for her distinctive style and musical talent, as a relative would certainly add an exciting twist to the show.
The actor’s connection with his character runs deep, as he explained how important it is to him to portray Gregory Eddie in a way that challenges stereotypes and represents Black men in a positive light.
“The overall goal for me here is to show not only Black male educators in a certain light, but then also Black men in a certain light that are allowed to be emotional and have full emotional spectrums, and then also be in love,” Williams said.
“It’s one of the most important things I’ve ever done in my career, especially with the platform that we have.”
Williams’ portrayal of Gregory Eddie has earned him three Emmy nominations, a testament to the impact his character has had on viewers. Abbott Elementary has also been recognized for its excellence, receiving nine Emmy nominations this year, including outstanding comedy series.
Alongside Williams, series creator and star Quinta Brunson received nods for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series and outstanding writing in a comedy series. Sheryl Lee Ralph and Janelle James were also nominated for their supporting roles, further solidifying the show’s success.
Reflecting on the previous Emmy wins, Williams fondly recalled a particularly emotional moment when Sheryl Lee Ralph won the award for best supporting actress in a comedy series in 2022.
Ralph’s win was historic, as she became only the second Black woman to earn the accolade in the category, following Jackée Harry’s win for 227 in 1987. “Everybody at the table was just crying, right? That’s my favorite Emmys,” Williams shared.
He also noted that Brunson’s wins that same year were equally memorable, with her taking home the awards for outstanding writing in a comedy series and outstanding lead actress in a comedy series.
In addition to celebrating past successes, the cast of Abbott Elementary recently reunited at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, where they teased an exciting crossover episode coming in season 4.
While details about the crossover remain under wraps, Brunson hinted at the potential for something groundbreaking. “I’m not gonna tell you with who, or with what, or where, or when, but it’s really exciting and I think it’ll change television as we know it,” she teased.
Though Williams couldn’t divulge much about the crossover episode, he did express his hopes for the future of his character’s relationship with Janine Teagues, played by Brunson.
After a season full of “will-they, won’t-they” tension, Williams is ready to see Gregory and Janine finally embrace their feelings for each other. “I would love to see them in love,” he said. “I think they deserve that at this point.
I would love to see them just in it. Now we have to have the conflicts… but it would be nice to see them just head over heels for each other.”
Fans of Abbott Elementary won’t have to wait long to see what happens next. Seasons 1 to 3 are currently available for streaming on Hulu, and the highly anticipated season 4 is set to premiere on October 9 on ABC.
As the show continues to break new ground and captivate audiences, Williams remains committed to using his platform to challenge perceptions and bring more diversity to the screen.
Whether or not Solange Knowles joins the cast as Gregory’s cousin, it’s clear that Abbott Elementary will keep pushing the envelope and delivering the heartfelt, humorous, and groundbreaking stories that have made it a hit.
