Actor Hal Williams, star of Sanford and Son, dies aged 91
Developed over time first seen 3 months ago
Hal Williams, the veteran American actor best known for playing police officer "Smitty" Smith on the classic sitcom "Sanford and Son," has died aged 91 at his home in Rancho Mirage, California. His death was confirmed by his representative on 15 July. Williams enjoyed a screen career spanning some 55 years, becoming a familiar face across decades of American television and film.
As Smitty, Williams starred alongside Howard Platt in a comic police duo that appeared in 22 episodes of the 1972-77 NBC show, with his character translating his partner's stiff official jargon into plain English for stars Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson. He later reprised the role in the 1980 revival "Sanford." Beyond this signature part, Williams held substantial roles in "227" (as Lester Jenkins, opposite Marla Gibbs), "On the Rocks," "Private Benjamin" and "The Sinbad Show," plus guest spots on dozens of shows including "Good Times," "Hill Street Blues," "Magnum P.I.," "Night Court" and, most recently, the rebooted "Matlock." His film credits included appearances alongside George C. Scott, Clint Eastwood, and James Earl Jones.
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In short
- Actor Hal Williams, "Sanford and Son" and "227" star, dies at 91
- Died 15 July at his Rancho Mirage, California home
- Had a 55-year screen career across TV and film
How this story developed
- 3 months ago Fuller tributes emerging since the initial announcement have recast his career as six decades rather than 55 years, added a credited film pairing with Denzel Washington, and revealed his lesser-known philanthropic side, including a seat on the Los Angeles Actors' Theatre board and a scholarship fund he founded in his late son's memory for students of colour entering television and communications.
- 3 months ago American actor Hal Williams, celebrated for playing wisecracking Officer "Smitty" Smith opposite Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson on "Sanford and Son," has died at 91 in Rancho Mirage, California, his representative confirmed on 15 July, capping a screen career of roughly 55 years that included "227," "Private Benjamin" and turns alongside George C. Scott, Clint Eastwood and James Earl Jones.
Explained simply
Sanford and Son was a popular American television comedy shown from 1972 to 1977. Set around a father-and-son junk business in Los Angeles, it starred comedian Redd Foxx and actor Demond Wilson, and was adapted from the British series Steptoe and Son.
Hal Williams played Officer “Smitty” Smith, one half of a recurring police partnership whose scenes added to the show’s comedy. He later returned to the part in Sanford, a short-lived follow-up series made in 1980.
Williams was one of many familiar supporting actors who appeared regularly across American television for decades. His work also included continuing roles in sitcoms such as 227 and guest appearances in dramas and comedies, reflecting a long career in US screen entertainment.
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Originally published by Deadline as “Hal Williams Dies: Beloved ‘Sanford And Son’ Actor Was 91”.