Hal Williams, Beloved Star of Sanford and Son and 227, Dies at 91
Television has lost a familiar and respected face. Veteran actor Hal Williams, whose career helped bring memorable portrayals of Black family life and fatherhood to American television, has died at the age of 91.
Williams passed away on July 15, 2026, at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, according to his representative.
For generations of viewers, Williams was best remembered as Officer “Smitty” Smith on the classic sitcom Sanford and Son. His recurring appearances alongside Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson made him a recognizable part of the show’s enduring legacy.
Williams later became widely known for playing Lester Jenkins on 227, where he portrayed the husband of Marla Gibbs’ character, Mary Jenkins. The NBC sitcom ran from 1985 to 1990 and was noted for its depiction of a middle-class Black family.
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