Javon Johnson plays the role of Richard Hallsen in "Tyler Perry's The Oval," portraying the composed butler who, despite recent challenges, may have finally reached a breaking point. However, in reality, Johnson thrives as a creative individual. His credits include notable appearances in films like "Daddy’s Little Girls" and "Barbershop 2: Back in Business," as well as TV shows such as "Prison Break." Beyond acting, Johnson is the founding artistic director of Bear Fruit Conservatory and a pivotal founding ensemble member of the Congo Square Theatre Company.

Let's take a moment to get to know the actor.

He’s From Anderson, SC

Johnson grew up in Anderson, SC, the same hometown as the late Chadwick Boseman. They were also friends, and they’d performed in each others’ respective plays at one point. 

Wrote a Play Called ‘Sanctified’ 

Johnson starred in a play that he wrote, directed and produced called Sanctified, a gospel music comedy inspired by Johnson’s hometown. The play takes a look at how small church leadership can sometimes struggle with adapting to the times and bringing in new ideas to attract more attendees. The music in the play varies from traditional hymns to R&B to new songs written specifically for the play, which debuted last year in Augusta, GA. He has written several plays, so there’s more where that came from. 

Has a Passion For Teaching

Johnson has a passion for mentoring other people looking to carve out space in entertainment and offers workshops and one-on-one training. He helps people hone their crafts as writers, helping people to develop their screenplays, plays, scripts, and more. 

He’s Professionally Trained

Johnson earned his MFA from the University of Pittsburgh. 

He Almost Didn’t See the Vision

In an interview with Sheen magazine, Johnson mentioned that he didn’t have early aspirations of becoming an actor because he didn’t see that in his hometown. No one talked about becoming an artist or creative in some way. However, going to college opened his world up to the possibilities and not only motivated him to start acting but also to return to his hometown and start teaching the arts there.