Hal Williams, ‘Sanford and Son’ and ‘227’ star, dead at 91

Actor Hal Williams has died at 91. He passed away on Wednesday of natural causes at his home in Rancho Mirage, California.

Williams built a five-decade career in television and film, becoming a recognizable presence for audiences across the country. He gained significant attention in the 1970s for his role as Officer Smitty Smith in the NBC series Sanford and Son. He appeared in the sitcom for six seasons between 1972 and 1977, where his deadpan delivery earned him a dedicated fan base.

Following his success on Sanford and Son, Williams secured another long-term role as the family patriarch Lester Jenkins on the show 227. He remained a central cast member throughout the program's five-season run, solidifying his status as a familiar figure in American sitcom history.

His body of work extended well beyond these two projects. Over the course of his long career, Williams contributed to numerous television programs, including The Waltons, Private Benjamin, Good Times, Magnum, P.I., Night Court, Moesha, and The Sinbad Show. He also made appearances in Parks and Recreation and the recent reboot of Matlock. His film credits include titles such as Private Benjamin, Hardcore, Guess Who, and Flight. He leaves behind a legacy of consistent performance across decades of entertainment.