Hal Williams, ‘Sanford and Son’ and ‘227’ star, dead at 91

Veteran actor Hall Williams has died at 91. He was known for his roles in “Sanford and Son,” “227” and dozens of other television roles from the 1970s and 1980s.

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Digital Editor

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. —

Veteran actor Hal Williams, best known for his roles in “Sanford and Son” and “227,” has died. He was 91.

Williams died Wednesday of natural causes at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, according to multiple reports.

Williams was known for several classic television roles in the 1970s and 1980s, making him a familiar face to generations of viewers.

His breakout role came as Officer “Smitty” Smith in “Sanford and Son,” a popular NBC sitcom that ran for six seasons from 1972 to 1977. Williams was a recurring character who quickly became a fan favorite for his deadpan comedic timing.

Hal Williams, pictured as officer ’Smitty’ Smith, in “Sanford and Son”

He later played family patriarch Lester Jenkins on the NBC sitcom “227,” a central cast member through the show’s five-season run.

Other television credits over his five-decade career, include “The Waltons,” “Private Benjamin,” “Good Times,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “Night Court,” “Moesha,” “The Sinbad Show,” “Parks and Recreation” and the recent “Matlock” reboot.

His film credits included “Private Benjamin,” “Hardcore,” “Guess Who” and “Flight.”