'Sanford and Son' actor Hal Williams dies at 91
Williams was best known for playing Officer 'Smitty' Smith on the sitcom
Hal Williams, best known for playing Officer "Smitty" Smith in the classic sitcom Sanford and Son, has died at the age of 91, his representative confirmed.
Deadline reported Williams died on Wednesday morning at his home in Rancho Mirage, California.
Hal Williams remembered for iconic TV roles
Williams gained widespread recognition as Officer "Smitty" Smith, one half of the police duo alongside Officer "Hoppy" Hopkins, played by Howard Platt, on Sanford and Son. The pair became fan favourites for their humorous exchanges during investigations involving Fred and Lamont Sanford.
Reflecting on the characters' chemistry in a past interview with WKYC, Williams said their signature routine developed during rehearsals after producers encouraged the actors to improvise.
He later reprised the role in NBC's Sanford in 1980.
Career spanned more than five decades
Over a career lasting nearly six decades, Williams appeared in numerous television series, including 227, where he portrayed Lester Jenkins, Private Benjamin, On the Rocks and The Sinbad Show.
His extensive television credits also included Good Times, Magnum P.I., Night Court, L.A. Law, Moesha and Parks and Recreation.
Most recently, he made guest appearances in the rebooted Matlock starring Kathy Bates.
Film work and legacy
Williams also appeared in films including Hardcore, The Rookie, Guess Who and Flight, in which he played Denzel Washington's father.
Beyond acting, he served on the board of the Los Angeles Actors' Theatre and established the Mark K.A. Williams Memorial Scholarship Foundation in memory of his late son to support students of colour pursuing careers in television and communications.
Williams is survived by two children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His son, Mark, died at the age of 20.
