Hal Williams, beloved star of 227
Remembering the legendary sitcom actor Hal Williams and his remarkable seven-decade television career
Television veteran Hal Williams, cherished for his iconic roles in hit sitcoms like 227 and Sanford and Son, has passed away at the age of 91. Before finding fame in Hollywood, Williams worked as a postal worker and a corrections officer, eventually building a prolific acting career that spanned seven decades and earned him over six dozen on-screen credits. He is perhaps best remembered as Lester Jenkins, the loving husband to Marla Gibbs' character on the groundbreaking 1980s comedy series 227.
Williams believed the show's enduring success came from portraying a positive, relatable family image that resonated with all audiences. Just days before his passing, the Ohio native gave a final interview while preparing for a fan event, looking back fondly on his career. His final television appearance was in 2025, starring alongside Kathy Bates on the CBS drama Matlock.