Lessons to Learn from William Stanford Davis of 'Abbott Elementary'

If you have watched the hit ABC comedy "Abbott Elementary" and thought, "I think I've seen the guy who plays Mr. Johnson in other shows," you would be correct.

In his more than 40 years of acting in Hollywood, William Stanford Davis has appeared in many television shows including "Ray Donovan," "The Bold and the Beautiful" and "Sister, Sister." But his current role as the lovable janitor Mr. Johnson has made him a household name at 73 years old.

Davis is the opposite of an overnight sensation. "I am not going to say it's been easy," says Davis. "It's been many years of auditioning and working on my craft. I had been living for many years on Spam and ramen noodles. But I just didn't want to quit. I never saw myself doing anything but this with my life."

Davis was fortunate to attend an elementary school in St. Louis that valued the arts. "My school was very similar to Abbott," says Davis. "The teachers were very encouraging, and we had extracurriculars like a glee club and choir where I got a chance to perform at an early age."

In addition to exposure at school, Davis also received an education in the arts from his grandmother. "My grandmother would tell my teachers that I had a doctor's appointment so she could take me out of school," recalls Davis. "She would take me to the movies, a play or the opera."

Davis remembers that his grandmother really wanted him to see legendary actor Sidney Poitier in the theater. Davis says, "I must have been about six or seven years old. The theater was right next door to Katz's Drugstore. We would see a show, and then she would take me to Katz's, where I could order a cheeseburger. I just knew it was going to be a great day."

As he got older, Davis knew he wanted to have a career in entertainment. "In high school, I would earn money as a DJ for my parents' social club events," says Davis. "I was also in a band."

Although he majored in journalism, Davis longed to be in front of the camera. "I worked as a disc jockey on the college radio station," says Davis. "But I really wanted to be on the stage. I was just too chicken#$@ to try out for the shows. It felt like everyone was so talented and I got intimidated."

After college, Davis moved to Texas, where he worked as a radio personality and took on some other jobs to make ends meet. When a friend offered him a small part in a student film, he jumped at the chance to act. Davis recalls, "It was a short film — maybe 15 to 20 minutes. I can't even remember the name." The small role propelled Davis to follow his lifelong dream, and at age 32, he relocated to Hollywood.

During COVID, Davis' manager Laura Pallas (they've been together for almost 28 years and married for 17) received word about a TV show pilot with a part that might be right for Davis. "It wasn't called 'Abbott' at the time," says Davis. "I did the audition over Zoom, just a few lines."

When his wife told him he had gotten the job, Davis' initial response was, "What job?" She said it was "the one about the school."

"I had kind of forgotten about it," explains Davis. "It's a muscle I developed after so many years of auditioning. At the beginning of my career, I would wait by the phone after every audition. It's not a good way to live. So, I taught myself to go to auditions and give it my best shot. But afterward, you put it behind you and move on with your life, doing the other things you enjoy, like playing golf, spending time with friends, find a hobby. If you get the role, great, but if not, you haven't wasted time worrying."

Even after being hired, Davis never imagined the show would change his life. "The part was originally more of a guest appearance," says Davis. "I thought I would go in and hit my marks, and that would be it. Maybe I'd be in an episode or two. But then I saw the promo on TV before the show aired, and I was in the promo."

Around episode seven of the first season, show star and creator Quinta Brunson pulled Davis aside to let him know they were making him a series regular the following year. Davis says, "I went home and told my wife. She started screaming and crying, so I started crying. I thought our neighbors were going to call the police we were making so much noise!"

While Davis thought the series was special when he read the pilot, he had no idea what a phenomenon it would become. (The show debuted in 2021 and has already been renewed for a fifth season.) "I've been all over the country and even abroad in Germany, and people will recognize me," says Davis.

Davis is especially proud of the show's emphasis on the importance of education. "Everyone has been impacted by a great teacher in their life," says Davis. Teachers are criminally underpaid and undervalued in our society. On 'Abbott,' we highlight this but in a comedic way without being preachy. It's a show that families can watch together, laugh and also gain an appreciation for all the teachers out there."

The set is an incredible environment. Davis enjoys working with the multi-generational cast. "For the season opening and finale, we will all gather to watch together," says Davis. "But then, I'll be home watching the show each week and continue to be amazed at everyone's talent. We can all learn from each other at any age."

"It hasn't been a linear path for me," says Davis. "A lot of roadblocks and dead ends, but I kept going. People may think it looks easy to be an actor, but it takes long hours, hard work and continued commitment to improving your craft. That said, it's so satisfying when it all comes together."

Although many people might be considering retiring at his age, Davis has no plans to stop working now. Abbott's success has led to other opportunities, including a role in a new Wanda Sykes movie. Davis would also like to direct a film in the future.

"I have the aches and pains of an old man, but aside from that, the sky's the limit, says Davis. "I've always had the motto of the late Duke Ellington, who said there are two rules in life. Number one, don't quit. And number two, don't forget rule one."

Randi Mazzella is a freelance writer specializing in a wide range of topics from parenting to pop culture to life after 50. She is a mother of three grown children and lives in New Jersey with her husband.  Read more of her work on randimazzella.com. Read More