"It was so fun": Lisa Ann Walter recalls amusing BTS moments from Abbott Elementary on Jimmy Kimmel Live 

Abbott Elementary star Lisa Ann Walter's recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live was all about her connection to Philadelphia, the birthplace of her character and the setting of her beloved sitcom.

ABC's Emmy-winning American mockumentary sitcom follows the lives of teachers and students in an underfunded Black public school in West Philadelphia.

Lisa Ann Walter plays the role of Melissa Schemmenti, a second-grade teacher at the titular school, who shares a deep (yet questionable) relationship with the city's locals. In her recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Lisa Ann Walter candidly shared her experience of shooting the sitcom and how the locals have accepted her, following her role in Abbott Elementary.

More on this in our story.

Abbott Elementary star shares her connection to Philly on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Lisa Ann Walter was born in Silver Spring, USA, but her character Melissa Schemmenti in Abbott Elementary is a true Philadelphia local. Out of all the characters on the show, Melissa is especially proud of her Italian heritage and Philadelphia, which has led many people to assume that the actress is a Philly local.

In her recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, when Kimmel asked the actress:

''Does everyone in Philadelphia think you are a Philadelphia native?''

The Abbott Elementary star replied:

''If I talk like this, if I do the accent on, but when I when I go there now, I feel so much like it is my adopted city. The people are so beautiful to me. They hug and kiss me and and Angelo's Pizzeria down in South Philly doesn't charge me.''

Walter then went on to reveal the heartwarming love she has received in the city, following her character in the sitcom. And how a certain pizzeria refuses to charge her even when she bulk orders for the crew and security.

Sharing a specific BTS moment from the sets, the Abbott Elementary actress shared with Jimmy Kimmel:

''We just shot in Philly and I ordered 50 pies to be delivered down to the ballpark...It was fun. Oh my god, it was so fun.''

''First of all, Jimmy, it was the most Melissa coded. It was Melissa Shimenty thing as she always got a guy. You know this about the character if you watch the show. I got a guy.''

This wholesome story suggests that while Walter is not a Philly native, her character managed to strike a chord with the people there. Abbott Elementary is deeply rooted in the city, and Walter's story confirms that the sitcom is moving forward in the right direction and represents Philadelphia to the fullest. The sitcom not only incorporates the city's culture and history but is an authentic portrayal of the city's public education system.

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Abbott Elementary will return with its Season 5 on ABC on October 1, 2025. In addition to Walter, the sitcom features an ensemble cast including Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues, Janelle James as Ava Coleman, Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill, Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, and Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard.

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