You’ve probably seen his face a dozen times and thought, "Man, that guy is everywhere." And honestly? You're right. Javon Johnson is one of those rare "actor's actors" who doesn't just show up; he anchors the entire scene. While a lot of people know him strictly as the stoic Richard Hallsen from Tyler Perry’s The Oval, his filmography is actually a wild journey through some of the most iconic Black cinema and prestige TV of the last twenty years.
He isn't just a butler in a fictional White House. He’s a playwright, a teacher, and a dude who grew up in Anderson, South Carolina, alongside the late Chadwick Boseman. That’s a heavy legacy to carry, but Johnson does it with this sort of quiet dignity that makes his performances feel real, even when the plot around him gets a little soap-opera crazy.
The Breakthrough: From Barbershop to The Oval
Most people think Javon Johnson just popped up on BET a few years ago. Not even close. If you go back to the early 2000s, he was already putting in work. He had a role in Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004) and even showed up way back in 1999's Dogma. It’s kind of wild to look back at those early credits and see how he transitioned from "the guy in the background" to a series regular carrying major emotional weight.
Why Richard Hallsen Changed Everything
In The Oval, Richard Hallsen is basically the moral compass. In a show where everyone is stabbing each other in the back, Richard is just trying to be a man of integrity. It’s a tough role because if you play it too straight, it’s boring. Johnson gives Richard this underlying simmer—you can tell he’s holding back a lifetime of frustration while serving some of the most "crazed" characters on television.
👉 See also: Don’t Forget Me Little Bessie: Why James Lee Burke’s New Novel Still Matters
But it’s not all suits and ties. Johnson has a range that’s honestly slept on.
- American Soul: He played George Johnson, tapping into that 70s Soul Train era.
- The Hate U Give: A small but vital role in a movie that defined a cultural moment.
- Survivor’s Remorse: He popped up here too, proving he can handle comedy-drama just as well as heavy political intrigue.
Javon Johnson Movies and TV Shows: The Full Breakdown
If you're trying to binge his work, you have to look past the big-name titles. He’s a staple in the Tyler Perry universe, sure, but he’s also been in Prison Break, NCIS, and Mindhunter. He’s the kind of actor who directors call when they need someone who can deliver three lines and make you believe a whole backstory.
The Gritty TV Credits
He’s had guest spots on The Chicago Code and The Mob Doctor. He even showed up in Six, the History Channel’s Navy SEAL drama. What’s interesting is how often he gets cast as a figure of authority—or someone standing up to it. In The Quad, he played a character that fit perfectly into the HBCU setting, which makes sense given his real-life passion for education and mentoring.
✨ Don't miss: Donnalou Stevens Older Ladies: Why This Viral Anthem Still Hits Different
The Big Screen Presence
While he's a TV king, his movie roles are diverse. Daddy’s Little Girls is a fan favorite, but don't overlook Let the Church Say Amen. He’s also moved into producing and writing his own projects, like Once in a Valentine and He Who Findeth. He’s basically building his own mini-empire while most people are still figuring out what channel The Oval is on.
What People Get Wrong About His Career
There’s this misconception that Javon is just a "TV actor." People see him on BET and pigeonhole him. But if you look at his theater background, it’s insane. He’s a founding member of the Congo Square Theatre Company in Chicago. He’s won Black Theater Alliance Awards. He’s not just "acting"—he’s a student of the craft who earned an MFA from the University of Pittsburgh.
He also writes. His play Sanctified is a hit in the gospel musical world. He’s basically the triple threat that nobody talks about because he isn't out here chasing clout on TikTok. He’s just... working.
🔗 Read more: Donna Summer Endless Summer Greatest Hits: What Most People Get Wrong
The Chadwick Boseman Connection
It’s impossible to talk about Javon Johnson movies and TV shows without mentioning his roots. Growing up in South Carolina, he and Chadwick Boseman weren't just colleagues; they were friends who performed in each other's plays. When you see Javon on screen now, there’s a sense of that "old school" training they both shared. They didn't just want to be famous; they wanted to tell stories that mattered to Black communities.
Essential Watchlist for New Fans
- The Oval (TV Series): This is his bread and butter. Start here if you want to see him lead.
- American Soul (TV Series): Great for seeing him in a period piece.
- The Hate U Give (Movie): A masterclass in how to be impactful in a supporting role.
- Sanctified (Stage Play/DVD): If you can find a recording, it shows his writing chops.
- Prison Break (Early Career): It’s fun to spot him in the early seasons of this cult classic.
Why He’s Still Winning in 2026
The reason Javon stays booked is simple: reliability. In an era where "influencer actors" are a thing, Javon brings that "theater-trained" gravitas. He doesn't miss. Whether he’s playing a butler, a father, or a gangster, there’s a level of human truth he brings to the table that you just can't fake with a ring light and a script.
If you’re a fan of high-stakes drama or just want to support Black excellence in film, tracking his career is a must. He’s currently moving more into the executive producer chair, which means we’re going to see more stories told through his specific lens.
Take Action: How to Keep Up
- Follow his production work: Look for JJP Films credits. He’s moving behind the camera more often.
- Watch The Oval on BET+: It’s where he’s most prominent right now, and the plot twists in the later seasons are genuinely wild.
- Check out his acting workshops: If you're an aspiring actor, the man literally teaches. He’s big on "paying it forward."
- Deep dive into his indie films: Titles like The Final Say and A Christmas Gift show a different, softer side of his acting range.
Start by watching his performance in American Soul—it’s arguably some of his most nuanced work outside of the Tyler Perry world. From there, go back and watch his guest spot in NCIS to see how he holds his own against industry veterans.