Hal Williams, 'Sanford and Son' and '227' star, dies at 91, reports

Veteran actor Hal Williams, famous for his roles as Officer "Smitty" on Sanford and Son and Lester Jenkins on 227, has died at 91, according to reports. 

According to TMZ, Williams’ manager Zna Portlock Houston said the actor died from natural causes Wednesday at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, noting previous health issues. 

Williams was born Halroy Candis Williams in Columbus, Ohio, in 1934 and became a familiar face on television after starring in several hit sitcoms throughout the 1970s and 1980s. 

He first gained widespread recognition as Officer "Smitty" Smith alongside Redd Foxx on "Sanford and Son." He later appeared in "The Waltons" before landing one of his best-known roles as Lester Jenkins opposite Marla Gibbs in the sitcom "227."

Dig deeper:

Throughout his decades-long career, Williams became one of Hollywood's most recognizable character actors, with memorable roles and guest appearances on shows including "Gunsmoke," "Quincy M.E.," "Good Times," "Dukes of Hazard," "That Girl," "The Dick Van Dyke Show" "Magnum P.I." "L.A. Law," "Knotts Landing," "Hill Street Blues," "Night Court" and many more. 

What they're saying:

His manager said Williams recently attended a reunion celebrating Howard Platt, his "Sanford and Son" castmate, saying he felt tired upon his return home. 

Legacy and impact

Williams was a board member of the Los Angeles Actors’ Theatre. According to Deadline, Williams established a scholarship fund for students of color, named after his late son who died on a camping trip at 20. 

He is survived by two additional children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

 

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