Credited to: SARA HENDERSON
William Stanford Davis, who attended Lincoln University, Class of 1976, has received his fifth consecutive NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Mr. Johnson on ABC’s “Abbott Elementary.” Voting for the 56th NAACP Image Awards is open through Feb. 13. You can vote once per day here.
The 73-year-old St. Louis native, who won the award in 2024, shared his gratitude in a recent social media post: “I’m humbled and honored to once again be nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. To be recognized alongside such great talent, whose work I revere, means so much.”
Davis’s journey to television stardom began at Lincoln University, where a transformative experience watching the Negro Ensemble Company perform inspired him to pursue acting. Though he left the university to work in media and radio before completing his degree, Davis credits his time at the historically Black institution as instrumental to his career development.
Davis credits his HBCU experience as foundational to his success. In a 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he reflected on how “Abbott Elementary” led to his induction into Lincoln University’s Hall of Fame, noting that the show “changed my life in so many ways.”
After working as a radio DJ in Texas, Davis moved to Los Angeles in 1984 to pursue acting. His career spans more than four decades with over 100 credits, including recurring roles on “Ray Donovan” and “Snowpiercer.” However, “Abbott Elementary” marks his first series regular role, achieved at age 70.
Davis’s portrayal of the sardonic school custodian has resonated with audiences worldwide. Several of his scenes have gone viral on social media, including his appearances in the “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” crossover episode.
“With five hilarious and heartfelt seasons in, ‘Abbott Elementary’ continues to find its way into people’s hearts around the world and I am grateful every day to be a part of a show that brings joy and laughter with such care and truth,” Davis said.
The actor, who was inducted into Phi Beta Sigma fraternity as an honorary brother in 2023, also won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series with the “Abbott Elementary” cast.
Born and raised in the Ville neighborhood of north St. Louis, Davis attended Northwest High School before enrolling at Lincoln University. His success story exemplifies perseverance in the entertainment industry, proving that breakthrough roles can come at any age.
