The school library is open at Abbott Elementary — in a loving way, as actor Chris Perfetti tells EW at the 2024 SAG Awards that he's flattered by fan comparisons to current RuPaul's Drag Race season 16 contestant Plasma.

"I should be so lucky as to be related to somebody as talented as Plasma is. I love that," Perfetti explains on the red carpet, when asked about fans of Drag Race who've recently noted similarities to Plasma — a musical theater-loving New York City showgirl — and Perfetti.

One fan even went as far as to edit a shot of Perfetti into a recreation of a Drag Race confessional interview, writing "I knew she looked familiar" in the caption on Reddit.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; MTV

Perfetti, who plays a gay teacher on Quinta Brunson's Emmy-winning ABC sitcom, also confirms that he's watching the reality competition series, and is a big fan of the art form in general — but, he says he hasn't been asked to be a guest judge just yet.

"I would relish it. It’s such an incredible show," Perfetti explains. "I’m usually many episodes behind, and this season I’m not, I'm right there chomping at the bit, waiting for Friday. I’m just so impressed with what they’re doing and I love the phenomenon that it has become. It’s food for the soul, that show."

Perfetti's support comes amid a harrowing stretch of political activity targeting the drag community in recent years, including in states like Texas and Tennessee. It's prompted heavy criticism from LGBTQIA+ celebrities, including RuPaul as well as the roster of season 16 guest stars like community allies Charlize Theron, Melissa McCarthy, and Kyra Sedgwick.

RuPaul's Drag Race continues Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV, while Abbott Elementary airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. See the full list of SAG Awards winners here.

Check out more from EW's The Awardist, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis, and our podcast diving into all the highlights from the year's best in TV.

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