William Stanford Davis: Fashionably Late and Here to Stay in Hollywood

From the humble beginnings of a boy dreaming beneath the silver screen's magic to a beloved fixture on ABC's hit comedy Abbott Elementary, William Stanford Davis's journey is a testament to unwavering passion and relentless pursuit. A luminary in the realm of entertainment, Davis has captivated audiences with his exceptional talent and distinctive style, transcending the boundaries of mere acting to become a cultural icon.

In addition to his talent as an actor, Davis is known for his impeccable style, a blend of timeless elegance and a bold, personal flair that has become his signature. His fashion sense is as much a part of his identity as his acting prowess. "I was raised by my grandparents, and my grandmother was always dressed to the nines," he explains. "She taught me that whenever you leave the house, you should look your best."

A trendsetter of the ages, whether he’s gracing the red carpet or simply stepping out for a casual stroll, Davis’s style choices reflect a deep appreciation for the art of dressing well. It’s not just about wearing clothes—it’s about telling a story through what he wears, projecting confidence, sophistication, and a sense of individuality that resonates with both fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.

A key element of his fashion is his collection of hats—over fifty of them, each with its own story. “Hats have always been a part of my life,” he says, recounting a memorable incident involving his stepfather’s prized Knox Jaguar hat, which he once “borrowed” and nearly lost in a street altercation. “For me, hats will never go out of style.”

This sartorial philosophy has served Davis well throughout his career, helping him stand out in an industry where image is essential. His style, a blend of classic sophistication and daring flair, mirrors his approach to acting—respectful of tradition yet unafraid to push boundaries.

Born into a world where theater and cinema were a luxury and a means of escape, Davis’s love for acting was sparked at an early age, thanks to his grandmother, who made sure his childhood was enriched with the arts, skipping school in favor of theatrical adventures. "We'd sneak out of school, and she'd tell the teachers she was taking me to the doctor, but instead, we'd be off to see the latest production at the theater or on the big screen,” Davis reminisces.

These experiences planted the seeds of his incredible journey, but it was the mesmerizing charisma of Sidney Poitier, a towering figure on the screen, that left an indelible mark on the young boy's imagination. “Seeing Sidney Poitier was like seeing a god,” Davis recalls, “The way he carried himself, his dignity—it struck something deep within me.”

Despite this early inspiration, Davis’s journey was not straightforward. His high school years were marked by mischief and trouble, which led him to the Upward Bound program, where he was exposed to the Negro Ensemble Company, a New York City-based theater company and workshop established in 1967 by playwright Douglas Turner Ward, producer-actor Robert Hooks, and theater manager Gerald S. Krone. This opportunity further ignited his passion. “That was the moment I knew—I wanted to do that for the rest of my life,” Davis shares.

And yet, the path to his life’s ambitions continued to twist and turn. Davis's journey to Hollywood reads like a scene from a gritty indie film—a car catching fire, odd jobs at truck stops and country-western radio stations, and countless rejections. "I got told 'no' so many times that I started thinking my name was No," Davis quips, his resilience shining through even in jest.

One particularly poignant moment came during an audition for the iconic sitcom "Friends." Overhearing his agent suggest he return to telemarketing, Davis found himself at a crossroads. Instead of succumbing to defeat, he used this setback as fuel. "It lit a fire in me," he explains, "and made me determined that no one would ever say that about my work again."

This determination led Davis to throw himself into his craft with renewed vigor. He attended classes and workshops and auditioned relentlessly. His persistence paid off when he landed a role on "NYPD Blue" after fifteen attempts. "Each 'no' just pushed me harder," Davis reflects. "The fact that they kept bringing me back meant they saw something in me."

Davis's journey serves as a masterclass in perseverance for his youthful audience. His advice? “Don’t quit. Passion and dedication are key. Surround yourself with people who are better than you—they will push you to be better.” He emphasizes the importance of living a life that aligns with one’s ambitions, a lesson he learned from a teacher who once asked him, “Would Morgan Freeman live his life the way you’re living yours?”

Davis's breakout role as Mr. Johnson on Abbott Elementary has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. “Mr. Johnson is a lot like me in many ways,” Davis says. “He speaks his truth, even if it’s the strangest truth in the world. He believes in what he says, and I love that about him.”

Now heading into its fourth season, the show has become a cultural touchstone, praised for its witty writing and stellar performances. For Davis, it's more than just another gig. "Playing Mr. Johnson on Abbott Elementary is the best thing that's happened to me in my career," he shares, his enthusiasm palpable.

The success of Abbott Elementary has been a career-defining moment for Davis, who praises the show’s cast, crew, and writing. “The show has a message—it’s about how important our school system and teachers are,” Davis notes. “Everyone on this planet has been touched by a teacher, and this show puts a spotlight on that in a comedic yet profound way.”

Davis notes that Abbott Elementary's impact extends far beyond ratings and accolades. He recounts a touching moment in London when a Belgian teacher recognized him, illustrating the show's global reach and resonance with educators worldwide. It's these moments that make the long journey worthwhile for Davis.

Beyond Abbott Elementary, Davis is working on new projects, including a pilot and several episodes for a show he’s written. “I’m really excited about what’s next,” Davis says, though he remains tight-lipped about the details, citing a bit of actor’s superstition. “But like many actors, I’m superstitious, so I don’t want to talk about them until they actually happen.”

As he looks to the future, Davis's focus isn't just on his own success. He's passionate about giving back, helping others, and making a lasting impact. It's this combination of talent, perseverance, and generosity of spirit that sets William Stanford Davis apart in an industry known for its fickleness. "Even at 73, I feel like I'm just getting started," he says with characteristic optimism.

William Stanford Davis’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and unyielding passion. From his early days inspired by the legends of Hollywood to his breakout role on Abbott Elementary, Davis has remained true to his craft and values. As he looks to the future, with dreams of Broadway and new creative projects on the horizon, one thing is clear: Davis is far from done. His journey continues, and as he puts it, he’s going to “ride it until the wheels fall off.”

PRODUCTION CREDITS:

Public Relations: Jamie Veal | Persona PR

Photographer: David C. Lee 

Groomer: ShaDara Holmes

Stylist: Jay Hines