Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 13, “The Science Fair.”
While Ava may not be happy to see her father Frank inAbbott Elementaryseason 4, viewers will be delighted to find out who the guest star playing her estranged dad is.Abbott Elementary’s cast of charactersis reliably hilarious, but this has not stopped the show from pulling out all the stops when it comes to cameos. Season 3 alone saw Bradley Cooper and Kevin Hart appear as themselves, while Mike O’Malley and Lana Condor played guest roles.
Season 4 may have slowed down on the A-list cameos, but the workplace mockumentary sitcom is still introducing plenty of new characters.Abbott Elementary’sIt’s Always Sunny In Philadelphiacrossoverbrought the entire Paddy’s Pub gang to the eponymous school, while season 4, episode 8, “Winter Break,” introduced Melissa’s mother, Teresa. Meanwhile, the preceding outing, episode 7, “Winter Show,” snuck an important cameo into the episode’s closing credits. As Gregory went to a new barber, he discovered his barber had an unexpected link to his professional life.
Abbott Elementary Introduces Ava’s Father, Keith David’s Frank
Keith David Is Familiar From Decades Of Movies And TV Shows
Gregory’s barber was Ava’s estranged father, Frank, and Gregory was surprised to realize that he wasn’t in touch with his daughter. Frank returned for a more substantial role in episode 13, “The Science Fair.”Abbott Elementary’s Frank is played by the legendary Keith David, a prolific star who has appeared in a diverse range of roles. David has been active on the big and small screen since his debut in 1979’sDisco Godfather.
David is known to TV viewers for voice roles in Gargoyles, Todd MacFarlane’s Spawn, and Rick and Morty, where he plays the President.
Since then, the versatile star has appeared in everything from John Carpenter’s classic horror moviesThe ThingandThey LivetoRoad House,Bird,The Puppet Masters,The Quick and the Dead,Armageddon,There’s Something About Mary,Pitch Black,Requiem for a Dream,Barbershop,The Chronicles of Riddick,Crash,Mr. and Mrs. Smith,Coraline,The Princess and the Frog,Cloud Atlas,The Nice Guys, andNope. As if this weren’t impressive enough, David has an equally extensive TV career.
BeforeAbbott Elementaryseason 4’s Ava story brought him on board, David was known to TV viewers for voice roles inGargoyles,Todd MacFarlane’s Spawn, and Rick and Morty, where he plays the President. He also appeared in 12 episodes ofCommunityas Elroy Patashnik, played the Cheshire Cat inOnce Upon A Time In Wonderland, and appeared inNCIS: New OrleansandCreepshow.
When Will Frank Return To Abbott Elementary?
Abbott Elementary Season 4 Could Reunite Ava and Frank In The Future
Abbott Elementary’s Keith David role continues a welcome season 4 trendwherein the school faculty’s parents are played by iconic guest actors like Melissa’s mother, Teresa, played byThe Godfather’s Talia Shire. Midway through “The Science Fair,” Ava has a frosty encounter with Frank that proves she has not yet forgiven her father for moving on to a new family. However, the end of the episode sees Ava reconcile with him somewhat while thanking him for making a financial contribution to the science fair.
Ava may need to turn to Frank for more financial aid before the school year is out.
This could prove important later in season 4.Abbott Elementary’s ongoing golf course storyseemingly came to a head when the course’s developers finally finished construction in episode 13, “Girard Creek.” Although the faculty did convince the course’s owners to set up an after-school golf club for the students, the fact that construction is finished means they will no longer be providing funding to Abbott in the form of bribes. As such, Ava may need to turn to Frank for more financial aid before the school year is out.
Keith David’s Movies & TV Shows Explained
The Iconic Actor Has Appeared In Everything From They Live To Rick and Morty
If Ava does end up relying on Frank,it would be great to see David play a bigger role inAbbott Elementaryseason 4’s later episodes. David’s diverse range of guest roles proves that he has substantial experience as both a comedic and dramatic actor, meaning he would be perfectly suited to this story.Abbott Elementary’s brilliance comes fromthe sitcom’s ability to blend social commentary and character drama with cartoonish absurdity, a blend that David’s screen CV mirrors.
The Princess and the Frog
Dr. Facilier
David’s roles inThe Good Lord Bird,Justified: City Primeval,MacGyver, andMr Robotall prove he has no shortage of experience in dramatic roles. However, his recent comedy work is even more impressive. In the last ten years alone, David has played supporting roles inBlack Jesus,Uncle Grandpa,Regular Show,BoJack Horseman,SpongeBob SquarePants,The Last Kids on Earth,Family Guy,Woke,Central Park,American Dad,My Dad the Bounty Hunter, andHazbin Hotel. If there was ever an actor perfectly suited toAbbott Elementary’s mix of comedy and drama, it would be inimitable Keith David.
