Hal Williams, star of 227 and Sanford and Son, dies at 91

Hal Williams, a veteran actor best known for his roles on the NBC sitcoms “Sanford and Son” and “227,” has died at the age of 91. His representative confirmed that Williams passed away on July 15 at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, though no cause of death was disclosed. The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and industry figures, underscoring his lasting impact on television and representation of Black families on screen.

Williams’ career spanned six decades, beginning with an uncredited role in the 1970 TV movie “Swing Out, Sweet Land.” He gained widespread recognition as Officer “Smitty” Smith on “Sanford and Son,” a role that defined much of his early work. The sitcom, based on the British series “Steptoe and Son,” featured Williams alongside Howard Platt’s character, Officer “Hoppy” Hopkins. Their comedic dynamic—where Smitty translated Hoppy’s convoluted police jargon into plain language for the show’s titular character, Fred Sanford—became a hallmark of the series. Williams later reprised the role in the short-lived 1980s spin-off “Sanford,” as well as in guest appearances on other shows.

His most iconic role, however, came in 1985 when he joined the cast of “227” as Lester Jenkins, a construction worker and family patriarch married to Marla Gibbs’ character, Mary Jenkins. The sitcom, which ran for five seasons, also featured Regina King as their daughter, Brenda. Jackée Harry, who played Jenkins’ neighbor and friend, described Williams as a “gentleman” who “carried himself with grace” and championed the portrayal of “loving, present, and compassionate” Black fathers on television. Harry recalled his advice to her about upgrading her car, a moment that highlighted his warmth and humor.

Williams’ career extended beyond sitcoms. He appeared in the 1980 film “Private Benjamin,” starring Goldie Hawn, and reprised his role in the subsequent TV series of the same name. He also guest-starred in “The Waltons,” “Knots Landing,” and “The Sinbad Show,” while making appearances in later projects like the CBS reboot of “Matlock.” His final series-regular role came in 1993, though he continued to appear in episodes of shows such as “Moesha” and “Parks and Recreation.”

Before his breakthrough in television, Williams worked as a juvenile correctional officer and a postal worker. He moved to Los Angeles in 1968, balancing auditions with his day job at Los Angeles International Airport. “I used to go around to the high schools and theater groups and young people,” he said in an interview, emphasizing the importance of education and perseverance. “If your aspirations include mansions and limousines… be prepared for a lot of rejection.” His career trajectory reflected this philosophy, as he gradually built a legacy through steady, character-driven roles.

Williams also left a philanthropic legacy through the Mark K.A. Williams Memorial Scholarship Foundation, established to support students of color pursuing degrees in television or communications. The foundation was named after his late son, Mark, who died in a camping accident at 20. Survivors include two children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Colleagues and fans remembered Williams as a trailblazer. Ernest Harden Jr., who played his son in a 1978 episode of “Good Times,” shared that Williams had recently watched his Emmy-nominated series “The Pitt” and offered congratulations. “He always called me son,” Harden wrote, describing the loss as “heavy.”

Williams’ net worth was estimated at $1 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, accumulated through his extensive work in television and film. Despite his success, he remained grounded, often reflecting on the challenges faced by Black actors in the industry. “There’s a lot more Black companies now,” he said in a 2022 interview. “There are a lot more Black producers, writers, and directors than they ever were before. They’re all young. But we opened the doors.”