Christian Johnson is a natural showman who trained as an actor with the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse of New York. Mr. Johnson honed his theatrical talents through years of summer stock and cultivated his vocal ability onstage, as well as on radio at Philadelphia’s EZ 101.

Mr. Johnson has been right at home at the American Historical Theatre since 1989, matching talent and intensity with AHT’s Artistic Director William Sommerfield. Johnson credits Sommerfield with focusing Chris’ historical research and helping him interact with audiences during the AHT Press Conferences that often follow historical programs. Just as importantly, Sommerfield convinced Johnson to undertake the role of Abraham Lincoln, including Lincoln’s response to questions for which he did not know the answer: “that reminds me of a story…”

Christian Johnson gained recognition by winning a 1994 contest as William Penn and as Penn, he “opened” the William Penn Wall in Philadelphia. Receiving another honor, in 2008 Johnson was chosen to portray Abraham Lincoln in Paris for the United Nations (UNESCO). A favorite performer of venues that include the White House Visitors Center, Independence Hall, Cochran Museum, National Archives, Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge, Moore College of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Boys & Girls Clubs  of America, Mr. Johnson continues to be in demand for events that combine entertainment and education.

Characters portrayed by Christan Johnson:

Patrick Henry, Frances Hopkinson, Abraham Lincoln, William Livingston, Charles Willson Peale, William Penn