Entertainment · Books & Arts · 3 hrs ago
William Stanford Davis to publish memoir about his life and career
William Stanford Davis is publishing a memoir called “Don’t Mess With the Fat Kid.”
Davis plays janitor Mr. Johnson on “Abbott Elementary.”
The book will cover his life and acting career, including addiction, rejection and the years he spent working toward success.
It will also recount his childhood in a predominantly Black neighborhood in St. Louis and his early years as a young man in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Davis got his breakout role at age 70, after years of perseverance and setbacks.
The memoir is planned for release in hardcover, e-book and audiobook formats.
It will tell the story behind his best-known role, which Davis says is only part of his story.
William Stanford Davis is publishing a memoir titled “Don’t Mess With the Fat Kid” through BenBella Books.
The book will cover his life and career, including addiction, rejection and landing his breakout role at age 70.
Davis is known for playing janitor Mr. Johnson on “Abbott Elementary.”
The memoir will be released in hardcover, e-book and audiobook formats.
- Who
- William Stanford Davis, the actor who plays Mr. Johnson on “Abbott Elementary.
- What
- He is publishing a memoir titled “Don’t Mess With the Fat Kid.
- When
- The announcement was published on October 14, 2026. The book’s release date is not stated.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Davis said he wants to honor the road he has taken and connect with people who are still on their way.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Memoir
- Don’t Mess With the Fat Kid
- Publisher
- BenBella Books
- Formats
- Hardcover, e-book and audiobook
- Breakout role
- Davis landed it at age 70
- Known role
- Mr. Johnson on “Abbott Elementary
What people are saying
I’ve wanted to write this memoir for a long time, to honor the road I’ve taken to get here and to connect with folks who are still on their way
People know me as Mr. Johnson from ‘Abbott Elementary,’ and while that’s the biggest role of my career so far, it’s not the whole story.