Hal Williams, a respected actor widely recognized for his television roles in the sitcoms Sanford and Son and 227, has died at the age of 91. His representative confirmed that the actor passed away on 15 July at his home in California.
Before his career in entertainment took off, Williams worked as a postal worker and a corrections officer. He did not begin his acting journey until his 30s, eventually moving to Los Angeles in 1968. During his early years in the industry, Williams maintained his financial stability by working overnight shifts at the post office even while filming, noting that he did not feel financially secure enough to leave the position at the time.
Williams gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Officer “Smitty” Smith in 22 episodes of Sanford and Son, which aired from 1972 to 1977. He later played the character Lester Jenkins in the sitcom 227, which ran from 1985 to 1990 and featured co-stars Regina King and Jackée Harry. Following the news of his death, Harry paid tribute to him on Instagram, describing him as a gentleman who carried himself with grace and a man who believed that television portrayals of Black fathers should be loving and compassionate.
Throughout his extensive career, Williams appeared in numerous film and television projects. His film credits include Hardcore, Herbie Rides Again, Private Benjamin, The Rookie, and Guess Who. He also reprised his Private Benjamin role for the television series adaptation. His television resume featured appearances in The Waltons, The Dukes of Hazzard, Knots Landing, Moesha, Hill Street Blues, The Sinbad Show, and his most recent role in the Kathy Bates-led Matlock remake.
Reflecting on the industry in a 2022 interview, Williams noted the progress in representation, stating that while there are now many more Black producers, writers, and directors, those who came before helped open the doors. He often advised aspiring young actors to be prepared for rejection, emphasizing that overnight success is rare and that dedication is essential.
