The "Abbott Elementary" teachers and staff, including Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis), prepare for the upcoming school year with new faces and big changes on the horizon.
William Stanford Davis on ABC's "Abbott Elementary."
William Stanford Davis plays Mr. Johnson on ABC's "Abbott Elementary."

Spoiler alert! The following story contains major details about "Team Building," Season 5, Episode 1 of "Abbott Elementary."

Similar to his "Abbott Elementary" character, William Stanford Davis knows what it's like to overcome a challenge.

Decades into his career, the veteran actor landed his notable series regular role on the hit ABC sitcom as Mr. Johnson, the zany and treasured school custodian known for his hijinks, witticisms, and conspiracy theories.

"Mr. Johnson runs the school," Davis, 74, says. "The school is his domain. He's just such a great, delicious character. I love playing this guy."

Davis relates to Mr. Johnson's enigmatic personality. "You never know what he's going to do or say. You never know where he's coming from. And I think we all have a little bit of that, but I think I have a lot of that, too."

Ahead of Season 5, which returned Wednesday, Oct. 1, the NAACP Image Award-winning actor teased that fans can expect "funny, funny, funny," with some "heartwarming moments" sprinkled in the critically acclaimed mockumentary series.

Mr. Johnson overcomes a personal hurdle in 'Abbott Elementary' Season 5

In the premiere, the teachers and staff are ordered by the district to participate in team-building activities. During the episode, Mr. Johnson reveals that he never learned how to ride a bike, so throughout the episode, Gregory (Tyler James Williams) helps him.

Mr. Johnson is initially hesitant, but Gregory encourages him to get on the bike: "Promise not to let go," the janitor says. One moment, while practicing, he lashes out at Gregory for letting him fall, leading him to be afraid to get back on.

But by the final scene, with Gregory and the crew cheering him on, Mr. Johnson conquers his fear. Davis says the storyline will resonate with fans. "I think that's what we all have to do in life: Accept the challenge (and) step up, whether we fail or whether we succeed," he says.

"I try to show (fans) how to overcome them in a humorous way," he adds.

Viewers praised Davis' character for his shenanigans and comedic delivery. Last year, Mr. Johnson dressed as emo Jimmy Butler, a nod to the former Miami Heat star, for the show's Halloween episode. His take went viral on social media and was acknowledged by the band Fall Out Boy.

Davis wouldn't give a hint for this year's costume, but emphasized that it's a worthy follow-up.

"I can't tell you that because I want it to be a big surprise, because I think the costume that I picked this year is the winner of all seasons," he says.

Being on 'Abbott Elementary' is 'icing on the cake'

Since its debut in 2021, Quinta Brunson's "Abbott Elementary" has been hailed as a show that serves as a representation of real-life teachers. Davis has been able to have the same level of reach with custodians across the country in his role as Mr. Johnson. The show has also granted him industry award wins and nominations.

"Being in a show at this point in my career, it's like the icing on the cake, and I'm hoping it's just part of the journey and not the destination," he tells USA TODAY.

In one of his latest projects, Davis is returning to his roots, tapping back into his drama arsenal for a role in the upcoming film "Undercard," starring actress and comedian Wanda Sykes.

"I think as an actor, you should be able to do everything...from extreme drama to extreme comedy," says Davis, who has had recurring roles on shows such as "Ray Donovan" and "Lincoln Heights." "That has helped me prepare for this. I was honored that they asked me to be a part of this film."

In the wake of his success, Davis still aspires to work with coveted actors such as Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson and Robert De Niro. He has also been eyeing a stint on the big stage.

"There are a few roles that (I'd) love to see (if) I can do on Broadway before these old bones start…" he continues. "There's a lot that I still want to do, but I really like to do some theater."

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: On 'Abbott Elementary,' William Stanford Davis' Mr. Johnson serves laughs, life lessons

Reporting by Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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