Beloved 'Sanford And Son' Actor Was 91

Key Points:

• Veteran actor Hal Williams, best known for his role as Officer “Smitty” Smith on the 1970s NBC comedy Sanford and Son, died at age 91 on July 15 at his home in Rancho Mirage, CA.
• Williams appeared in 22 episodes of Sanford and Son as part of a comedic crimefighting duo and reprised the role in five episodes of the 1980 NBC spinoff Sanford.
• His acting career spanned over 55 years, including notable roles on shows like 227, Private Benjamin, On the Rocks, and The Sinbad Show, as well as guest appearances on numerous popular TV series.
• Williams also had a film career with roles alongside stars such as George C. Scott, Clint Eastwood, and Denzel Washington, and was active in theater and philanthropy through the Los Angeles Actors’ Theatre and a scholarship foundation in memory of his late son.
• He is survived by two children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, having been predeceased by his son Mark.