William Stanford Davis is a highly acclaimed, classically trained thespian, boasting an impressive repertoire of over ninety significant productions throughout his illustrious career.
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Davis has garnered widespread critical acclaim for his remarkable portrayal of the endearing yet irascible Mr. Johnson on the ABC television series "Abbott Elementary", a role that has undoubtedly endeared him to audiences nationwide.
In addition to his noteworthy performance on "Abbott Elementary", Davis has also made a lasting impression with his recurring role as Coach Max on the AppleTV+ sports drama "Swagger", a critically acclaimed series inspired by the real-life youth basketball experiences of the renowned NBA superstar Kevin Durant.
Davis has had the privilege of appearing in a wide range of acclaimed and award-winning television shows, including Showtime's Golden Globe-winning series "Ray Donovan", where he brought to life the popular character of Potato Pie from Donovan's Gym, and OWN's flagship series "If Loving You Is Wrong", from the renowned filmmaker Tyler Perry.
In addition to his work on these notable shows, Davis has also been cast in recurring roles on TNT's "Snowpiercer", the critically acclaimed drama "Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip" from Aaron Sorkin, and the popular drama series "Lincoln Heights".
Furthermore, Davis has made guest appearances on numerous long-running television programs, including the iconic "Perry Mason", the comedy series "Curb Your Enthusiasm", the medical drama "Chicago Med", the crime drama "Criminal Minds", the popular sitcom "The Big Bang Theory", the critically acclaimed drama "Ally McBeal", and the beloved drama series "Touched By An Angel", among many others.
Notable television credits aside, Davis has also garnered recognition through his impressive list of accolades, with a notable Emmy Award in 2002 for his role in Rasheen Crawley's critically acclaimed production "The Movement".
In addition to his television work, Davis has also made a significant impact in the world of film, starring in a diverse range of projects that showcase his versatility as an actor.
Some of his most notable film credits include "A Holiday Chance", a heartwarming holiday-themed film that explores the importance of family and togetherness during the holiday season.
He has also appeared in "Please Stand By", a poignant and uplifting drama that highlights the importance of perseverance and following one's dreams.
Furthermore, Davis has shared the screen with a talented group of actresses, including Nafessa Williams, Sharon Neal, Dakota Fanning, and Toni Collette, in the critically acclaimed film "So B It", a powerful and emotional drama that explores themes of love, loss, and resilience.
Noted thespian Davis has received a prestigious Ovation Nomination for his outstanding performance as a supporting actor in the 2006 Actors Studio production of August Wilson's iconic play "Fences", a testament to his remarkable acting prowess.
In addition to his impressive stage credits, Davis has also had the distinction of participating in the musical production "North on South Central", which garnered an impressive five NAACP Theatre Awards in the year 2004, a true testament to its artistic merit and cultural significance.
Furthermore, Davis has also demonstrated his skill and versatility as a director, having guided several productions to critical acclaim, including Lawrence Fishburne's play "Riff Raff", the thought-provoking drama "Shame", and the poignant "The Old Settler", all of which were staged at the esteemed Pico Playhouse.
Davis has committed himself to nurturing the artistic development of young aspiring actors for a remarkable span of over 15 years through his own esteemed acting academy, the William Stanford Davis Acting Class masterclass, as well as at the prestigious Actors Studio, where he holds the distinguished title of lifetime member.
Throughout his extensive career, Davis has had the privilege of guiding the careers of numerous up-and-coming stars, including the talented Alisha Boe, the multifaceted Dylan Sprayberry, the accomplished Laila Ali, and the trailblazing MC Lyte, to name just a few among the many remarkable individuals he has had the pleasure of mentoring.
Davis, a renowned figure in the entertainment sector, currently resides in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where he has continued to make a profound and lasting impact on the world of acting, his influence extending far beyond the realm of the silver screen, leaving an indelible mark on the industry as a whole.
