Hal Williams Reflected on the Legacy of “Sanford and Son” in Interview Days Before His Death at 91

Hal Williams, the veteran actor known for his roles in Sanford and Son and 227, died at 91 on July 15 at his home in Rancho Mirage, California. Just days before his passing, Williams sat down for an interview to reflect on his five-decade career in Hollywood.

During his time on the set of Sanford and Son, Williams played Officer Smitty alongside Howard Platt. The duo developed a popular routine where their characters explained police jargon in plain language for the main cast. Williams noted that this bit started during rehearsals when writers realized the chemistry between the two actors worked well. He credited the success of the sitcom to the real, unscripted nature of the humor rather than artificial setups.

Beyond his work on Sanford and Son, Williams starred in 227 as Lester Jenkins, a role he held for five seasons. Marla Gibbs, who played his wife on the show, remembered him as a close friend and a colleague who advocated for positive representation of Black fathers on television. His career spanned 11 television series, including roles in The Waltons, Private Benjamin, and Moesha.

Fellow actors and public figures have shared tributes following the news of his death. Jackée Harry highlighted his grace and professionalism, while Lenny Kravitz noted the personal bond they shared over many years. Williams remained active in his later life, participating in a reunion event with Howard Platt in Ohio just days before he died.