Hal Williams Dies: Actor who Co-Starred on ‘Sanford And Son’ and ‘227’ Was 91

Compiled From Wire Reports

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.

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.

The veteran actor appeared in dozens of television shows and films over a career that spanned five decades.He was a fixture guest-starring on plenty of programs from “The Jeffersons” to “Magnum, P.I.,” to a more dramatic role on “The Waltons.”

His last appearance on TV was in 2025 on “Matlock.” His film roles included working with Clint Eastwood in “The Rookie” and with Goldie Hawn in “Private Benjamin.”

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