“Abbott Elementary” Scene Stealer William Stanford Davis on Auditions and Enjoying his First Series Regular Job at 71
variety.comJenelle Riley Deputy Awards and Features Editor According to William Stanford Davis, the Illuminati changed his life. In the pilot episode of “Abbott Elementary he appears as the mysterious janitor Mr.
Johnson in front of a whiteboard with “ILLUMINATI” written on it in big letters, telling a group of children: “That’s who runs the world, kids.” Proof of the adage there are no small parts, Davis would continue to steal scenes with minimal screen time as Mr.
Johnson because a fan favorite. Less than 18 months after that first appearance, the 71-year-old actor finds himself with his first series regular gig, a SAG Award for his work in the show’s ensemble and a favorite meme thanks to all of Mr.
Johnson’s random quotes. Davis isn’t nearly as gruff as Mr. Johnson, but he does share the character’s years of wisdom and has his own detailed history.
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