When it comes to the realm of fashion, the talented star of Abbott Elementary, Janelle James, found herself in a rather unexpected situation. Her journey through the glitz and glamour of the Emmys red carpet was not without its challenges.

Unveiling Janelle James' Fashion Woes and Personal Insights

Fashion Mishaps on the Red Carpet

For the highly anticipated Emmys, 45-year-old Janelle James had chosen a magnificent gown, hoping to make a lasting impression. However, one grave error in judgment would soon overshadow her ensemble. "My shoes were too tight," she reveals in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE this week. "The pain was unbearable. It was as if every step was a struggle. And before I even reached the red carpet, I was in tears." The images we often see of her looking effervescent and happy were merely a facade. Zoom in, and you'll witness the hidden pain in her eyes.Just when she thought things couldn't get worse, her co-star Tyler James Williams came to her rescue. "At the end of the ceremony, he almost had to half carry me to where the car was picking us up," she recalls with a mix of relief and gratitude. And then, as if by fate, there was a company handing out slippers at the perfect moment. "If I could kiss that dude on the mouth, I would have," she says with a chuckle.

Fears and Phrases in Her Life

Janelle James has a unique set of fears and phrases that define her. When it comes to horror movies, she admits, "I can't do them. They really mess me up. I already have trouble sleeping. I don't need to add to that. Life is scary enough as it is." It's a side of her that few get to see.On the other hand, cursing is a part of her New York vocabulary. "Please, every day. F—, motherf—er, bitch. I use them all. It'll let you know I mean business," she says with a hint of playfulness.

Personal Treasures from the Set

In one of her stand-alone episodes of Abbott Elementary, she donned a stunning blue dress. "I was very proud of my performance in that episode," she shares. "I wanted to keep that dress as a reminder of that special moment. If I ever get one of those ostentatious mansions, I'll frame it and put it on a wall. It holds a special place in my heart."

Starstruck Moments

Meeting her idol, Queen Latifah, at the NAACP Awards a few years ago was a starstruck moment for Janelle. "I was very excited. She is an inspiration to me. But I'm not one of those overly starstruck people. I can admire others without being a weirdo about it," she says with a sense of grace.Abbott Elementary continues to air on ABC on Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. EST, bringing us more of Janelle James' captivating performances and personal stories.