Mr. Johnson has always been one of the most ambiguous characters on Abbott Elementary, with the character not being what we expected him to be at all! He has so much more depth and a rich history behind him that goes beyond his janitorial duties at the school. We've learned little tidbits here and there about his personal life, though it's still very much a mystery. And actor William Stanford Davis is hoping that will change in season 5.
The school's literal best, and seems like only, janitor won a bronze medal in the 1976 Olympics for hammer throw, has worked as a private investigator and nude model, and even ended up elected as a state senator and served three terms during the Cold War. Mr. Johnson was even a judge on American Idol, but Paula Abdul came along and replaced him before the show "blew up," in his words.
It's hilarious with the perfect amount of vagueness where you'd love to know more. I feel like Mr. Johnson could have his own spin-off of even. He clearly has wisdom and a past that's brought this wisdom, that would be really interesting to get more into. And the actor agrees, with Abbott Elementary season 5, now in production and airing in fall 2025 on ABC, being a great time to do so. Here's what he told Gold Derby in an interview:
"We’ve seen Janine in her home, we’ve seen Melissa and Barbara in their homes, and we’ve seen most of the personal lives of the other characters, and I think Mr. Johnson is due for that."
The actor even has the idea that maybe Mr. Johnson's mother is still alive and we could meet her in an episode. In his mind, he thinks that she's the only one "he bows to, and he's a little kid around." It would definitely be interesting to see a different side to the usually very confident man!
Personally, I agree with Davis. I think that Mr. Johnson does need to keep some of that mystery around him, because it keeps the surprise factor when he drops the most random fact about his life. It's entertaining, funny, and adds to his character with each episode. Though he's right. We really don't know anything about his personal life, or even his first name! As a fan, I would love to get more of a peek behind all of that.
The character doesn't get them often, but he also has some deeper moments that truly showcase how awesome he is. For example in season 2 episode 10, "Holiday Hookah," Jacob was sort of being the Grinch and ruining Barbara and Melissa's Christmas dinner traditions. So Mr. Johnson pointed out that this is the only time the two get a break, and he's basically ruining the holiday for them. Which makes Jacob snap out of it and realize what he's doing.
Another very pivotal, and honestly one of my favorite Mr. Johnson moments, is when he talks to Janine and gives her advice about living life with no regrets. Jobs come and go, but some things are worth taking the risk. This was in the Abbott Elementary season 3 finale, "Party," as Janine and Gregory continued to dance around their feelings, but she really wanted to get together with him.
It's really thanks to Mr. Johnson she got that push to try and follow him after he left, which lead to them finally getting together! Here's what Davis told Gold Derby about those more meaningful moments his character gets:
"I'd love to see them more, but Mr. Johnson still has to have that veneer, so they’ll give me one in each season, but I love those."
We love them too! And with season 5 coming in at another 22 episodes, I'm sure the hit ABC comedy will have plenty of time to either do a Mr. Johnson-centric episode, or at least give us some more details as to who this wonderful man is in his personal life too. Fingers crossed!
If you can't wait until the fall, be sure to check out the Abbott teachers and staff on the next crossover episode when It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 17 premieres Wednesday, July 9, 2025 on FX and streams on Hulu the next day.
Abbott Elementary season 5 premieres in fall 2025 on ABC.
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