Hal Williams, the actor known for his turns as the friendly neighborhood cop Smitty on Sanford and Son and as Marla Gibbs' patient husband on another popular NBC sitcom, 227, has died. He was 91.
Background
Hal Williams, born on December 14, 1934, in Columbus, Ohio, began his acting career in the 1970s. He worked as a juvenile correctional officer and in child family services before deciding to pursue acting full-time. Williams sat down after getting divorced and said, "What do I really want to try to do before the maker comes and gets me?" And it was acting. He took the plunge and drove to California in 48 hours.
Williams auditioned for roles around his shifts at LAX and at the California Youth Authority and landed gigs on such TV shows as Dan August, That Girl, and Cannon. He made his big acting break in 1972 when he was hired to play Officer Smith on Sanford and Son, starring Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson as Watts junk dealers.
Career Highlights
Williams' extensive career spanned over five decades, with notable roles on TV shows such as Harry O, Good Times, Hill Street Blues, Magnum, P.I., Night Court, L.A. Law, Roots: The Next Generation, Suddenly Susan, Parks and Recreation, A Black Lady Sketch Show, and Mr. Mayor. He also appeared in films including Hardcore (1979), The Rookie (1990), and Guess Who (2005).
He played Sinbad's dad, Rudy, on the 1993-94 Fox comedy The Sinbad Show and appeared on CBS' The Waltons several times over the years as Harley Foster, a worker at the lumber mill who had escaped prison after he was wrongly incarcerated for killing a man in self-defense.
Reaction and Legacy
"He was also a stand-up guy who believed Black fathers on TV should be loving, present, and compassionate," his 227 co-star Jacke Harry wrote on Instagram. "He helped show America what that looked like." Williams' portrayal of Lester Jenkins on 227, a patient husband to Marla Gibbs' character, showcased his ability to play a loving and compassionate character.
What Happens Next
Hal Williams' death at 91 leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances on television and film. His ability to play a wide range of characters and his commitment to portraying positive Black fathers on TV will be remembered by fans and fellow actors alike. As Williams once said, "I've been a straight man for a long time. It doesn't bother me, because all I ever aspired to be was a working actor. I've been very lucky. Most of the shows I've been in have been hits."
Source: Hollywood Reporter