TV & Movies
Quinta Brunsons showAbbott Elementarycould appear to be an overnight success.
But shes spent years doing her homework.
I believed that I would have my own show one day, Brunson says.
That was my dream.
The timing ofAbbottcame at the right place for where I was in my career, she says.
It all kind of lined up.
Eventually, much to her parents disapproval, she left school and moved to LA.
The discovery was promising.
I was like, All right, it has been done before, it can be done again!
A following emerged around Brunsons first brush with virality, but financial gain didnt at least not immediately.
This was before you could make money off of Instagram, Brunson explains.
They were kind of like, Are you sure?
You have your own presence.
And I was like, Yeah, but Im broke; that presence stuff doesnt matter.
Theres wish fulfillment television, and then theres realistic television, she says.
But something like this, I wanted the people to feel familiar.
The success ofAbbottwas immediate, withratings quadruplingafter the premiere a first for ABC.
There were shows I sold beforeAbbottthat didnt go to air, she says.
[And] its not just talent… its a business.
Theres so much involved that isnt just being funny.
I really make a run at be done with all work at 6, she says.
If I can be done by 5, I prefer that.
AsAbbotts profile has risen rapidly, so has Brunsons.
Shell have to get used to the rabid interest in her work.
The woman tore out the page?
she asks, her eyes widening in disbelief.
I dont even know what to say about those kinds of things.
Im still quite speechless.
Photographer: Kendall Bessent
Stylist: Stephanie Sanchez
