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Abbott Elementary janitor star sets memoir for BenBella

Davis plays janitor Mr. Johnson on the ABC sitcom, and the book from BenBella Books covers addiction, rejection and how he won the role; the title is a warning.

On air: Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger on BBN Tonight
Published 6:42 PM ET, Wednesday, October 14, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Variety: “‘Abbott Elementary’ Star William Stanford Davis Sets Memoir ‘Don’t Mess With the Fat Kid’ (EXCLUSIVE)”.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 6:42 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger.
Topics: Viola Davis, Prince William.
BBN covered this story before: Top 50 NBA trade candidates for 2026-27 season: Anthony Davis, Zion… (October 14).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Variety‘Abbott Elementary’ Star William Stanford Davis Sets Memoir ‘Don’t Mess With the Fat Kid’ (EXCLUSIVE)

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorVariety has an exclusive: William Stanford Davis, who plays the janitor Mr. Johnson on Abbott Elementary, is writing a memoir called Don't Mess With the Fat Kid.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThat is the best title I have ever heard, and I'm saying it out loud again! Don't mess with the fat kid!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorIt's coming from BenBella Books, and it covers his life and career, including addiction and rejection, and how he landed the role.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorPut it on a banner! Hang it over every school gym in America!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorA banner. It sounds like a warning, but it's a sincere book from a man who earned the title.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo you're buying it?
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorI'll read it standing up, just in case.