Hal Williams, the veteran actor best known for playing Officer “Smitty” Smith on “Sanford and Son” and Lester Jenkins on “227,” has died. He was 91.
Williams had a television career spanning more than five decades, with roles in both comedy and drama. He became a familiar face to generations of viewers through “Sanford and Son,” “227,” “Private Benjamin,” “The Waltons,” “The Sinbad Show,” and dozens of other television series.
"My dear friend and TV husband, Hal Williams, has made his transition," Gibbs wrote. "Hal, Regina King, and I became a television family that showed the love, strength, and stability of a Black family for five wonderful seasons."
She said their friendship continued long after the sitcom ended.
"But what I treasured most was our friendship. Even after the show ended, Hal never stopped checking on me. We talked just a couple of weeks ago, laughing and carrying on like we always did…we still call each other Mary and Lester after all the years. I never imagined it would be our last conversation."
Gibbs closed her tribute by writing, "Hal, thank you for your kindness, your friendship, and the joy you brought to so many lives. You will be deeply missed... Rest peacefully, my dear friend."
Williams was widely recognized for portraying Officer “Smitty” Smith on NBC’s “Sanford and Son,” appearing alongside Howard Platt’s Officer “Hoppy” Hopkins. The pair became fan favorites for their comedic exchanges with Fred Sanford, played by Redd Foxx, and Lamont Sanford, played by Demond Wilson. Williams later reprised the role on the short-lived sequel series “Sanford.”
From 1985 to 1990, Williams starred as Lester Jenkins on NBC’s “227,” playing the husband of Gibbs’ character, Mary Jenkins. The sitcom was one of television’s few portrayals of a Black middle-class family at the time and also starred Regina King, Jackée Harry, and Helen Martin.
According to IMDb, Williams’ television career also included regular roles on “Private Benjamin,” “On the Rocks” and “The Sinbad Show,” as well as guest appearances on “Good Times,” “Gunsmoke,” “Night Court,” “Magnum P.I.,” “L.A. Law,” “Moesha” and “Parks and Recreation.” His film credits included “Hardcore,” “The Rookie,” “Guess Who” and “Flight.”
Williams founded the Mark K.A. Williams Memorial Scholarship Foundation in honor of his late son, supporting students of color pursuing careers in television and communications. He also served for years on the board of The Los Angeles Actors’ Theatre.
Williams is survived by two children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.