Hal Williams, Actor in First Wave of Black Sitcoms, Dies at 91
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Hal Williams, known for portraying relatable Everyman characters on television during the 1970s and ’80s, died at age 91 in Rancho Mirage, California.
- He was best known for playing Officer “Smitty” Smith on the NBC sitcom "Sanford and Son" (1972-77), where he was part of a comedic police duo.
- Williams had numerous regular and guest roles on TV, including parts on "The Waltons," "On the Rocks," and "227," showcasing his versatility across different genres.
- His film roles included appearances in "Hardcore" (1979), "Private Benjamin" (1980), and "Guess Who" (2005), often portraying supporting but memorable characters.
- Recognized as a versatile and hardworking actor, Williams was praised for his ability to inhabit a wide range of roles and maintain multiple recurring TV roles simultaneously.
