William Stanford Davis
With over 100 credits to his name, award-winning journeyman actor William Stanford Davis is a veteran of both stage and screen. He has consistently demonstrated his versatility, bringing complex and captivating characters to life across a wide range of genres. Davis currently stars in the critically acclaimed, smash-hit comedy series “Abbott Elementary” as Mr. Johnson, the quick-witted janitor and occasional substitute teacher beloved by fans and critics alike. Several of Davis’ scenes went viral online and on social media, including his “emo Jimmy Butler” moment, his iconic karaoke scene, and his appearance opposite Danny DeVito in the special “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” crossover — an impressive feat that highlights his continued resonance with audiences of all ages.
Also in 2025, Davis was featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s Supporting Actors class, honoring Emmy® contenders with outstanding performances. In 2024, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his standout work on “Abbott Elementary,” and he has been nominated in the category for three consecutive years, including in 2025. Remarkably, the show marks the first series regular role of his career. The Emmy, SAG, Golden Globe® and Critics’ Choice Award-winning series has become a cultural juggernaut, airing weekly on ABC and streaming on Hulu, with Season 5 slated to premiere in fall 2025.
Davis has been working steadily across TV, theater and film for over four decades and is not slowing down. In film, he will next be seen starring alongside Wanda Sykes and Bentley Green in the boxing mother-and-son drama, “Undercard.” In television, Davis can be seen in the Apple TV+ series “Side Quest,” portraying the role of Earl. Previous credits include his memorable roles in NBC’s “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” written by Aaron Sorkin, Showtime’s “Ray Donovan,” HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and ABC’s “Lincoln Heights,” to name a few. Most notably, Davis earned an Emmy Award in 2002 as part of the cast of Rasheed Crawley’s “The Movement.” Furthering his list of notable film roles, Davis portrayed strong supporting characters in projects including BET+’s “A Holiday Chance,” as well as the feature film “So Be It” opposite Alfre Woodard.
Davis’ talents as a performer also extend beyond the screen and onto the stage. In theater, he was honored with an Ovation nomination for Best Supporting Actor in the 2006 Actors Studio Production of August Wilson’s “Fences”; and he performed in the musical production “North on South Central,” which won five NAACP Theatre Awards in 2004. In addition to acting, Davis has directed several productions, including Lawrence Fishburne’s play “Riff Raff,” a production of “Shame” at the Elephant Asylum Theatre, and “The Old Settler” at the Pico Playhouse.
Born and raised in The Ville neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, Davis was inspired to pursue acting during high school when he saw the Negro Ensemble Company perform. It wasn’t until after he left Lincoln University to work a handful of jobs in media, including a newspaper and as a radio personality in Texas, before he moved to Los Angeles and pursued his dream to be an actor in his 30s. A true testament to never giving up, he landed a role as a custodian on the soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful” in 1995. In a full circle, flash forward to the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis put himself on tape to audition for the pilot of “Abbott Elementary” and landed the guest-starring role of lovable custodian Mr. Johnson. After leaving a lasting impression on set, Davis was consistently asked back to film more episodes until he was promoted to series regular for the first time in his career.
When he is not on set and bringing dynamic characters to life, Davis is passionate about mentoring and spends his time coaching young artists. He also loves luxury fashion and can often be found on the lookout for new hats to add to his prized collection. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Laura Pallas.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
HOMETOWN: St. Louis, Missouri
BIRTHDATE: August 7
