Chris Perfetti on Perfecting Jacob in Abbott Elementary

Chris Perfetti shares his journey in building out Jacob as a character over the first few seasons of Abbott Elementary, something he feels incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to do as an actor. He talked about how much he enjoys the fact that he can still be surprised in learning new things about Jacob and incorporating them into his portrayal. One such example being how early in season one he mentioned having left home but it wasn’t until this season when we met his brother, that this storyline came to fruition in a much more layered way. He loved how much this allowed him to step further into his characters backstory.

One of the choices he was thrilled at for his character was Jacob and Melissa becoming roommates. As much as Melissa bristles at letting people see her vulnerabilities, he imagines the two of them watching Real Housewives together at home as friends sometimes on her plastic covered couch. It also gives a lot to play off of within scenes set at the school because of how their home life bleeds through.

He notes consistently how the writing is a real strength of the show, heavily praising Quinta and the writing team for the choices they continue to make for all of these characters.

Watch the full conversation below:

Q&A on the ABC series Abbott Elementary with actor Chris Perfetti. Moderated by Mara Webster, In Creative Company.

A group of dedicated, passionate teachers -- and a slightly tone-deaf principal -- find themselves thrown together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. Though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do -- even if they don't love the school district's less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.