Veteran television actor Hal Williams, best known for his roles on classic sitcoms 227 and Sanford and Son, has died at the age of 91.
His representative confirmed that Williams died Wednesday at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, ending a screen career that lasted more than five decades.
Best Known for 227
Williams became widely recognized for playing Lester Jenkins on the NBC sitcom 227.
The series aired from 1985 to 1990 and followed residents living in a Washington, D.C., apartment building. Williams played the husband of Mary Jenkins, portrayed by Marla Gibbs, and the father of Brenda Jenkins, played by Regina King.
227 Became a Sitcom Staple
227 ran for five seasons and became one of NBC’s memorable family sitcoms of the 1980s.
The cast also included Jackée Harry, Helen Martin, Alaina Reed-Hall and Curtis Baldwin. Harry won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1987 for her work on the show, becoming the first Black woman to win in that category.
Memorable Role on Sanford and Son
Williams also appeared as Officer “Smitty” Smith on Sanford and Son.
His character was often paired with Howard Platt’s Officer “Hoppy” Hopkins, creating a recurring comedy routine in which Hoppy used complicated police language and Smitty translated it into plain English.
The Smitty and Hoppy Routine
Williams once explained that the Smitty-and-Hoppy bit began during rehearsal.
He said the producers found the routine funny, and after it worked in an early episode, it became a regular part of the show. Some days, he recalled, the production team would send the actors away for a couple of hours and ask them to return with fresh material.
Long Career Across Television
Beyond 227 and Sanford and Son, Williams built a long television résumé.
His credits included appearances on On the Rocks, The Waltons, Private Benjamin, The Sinbad Show, Good Times, Magnum, P.I., Night Court, Moesha and Parks and Recreation. His most recent television role was in the CBS Matlock reboot.
Film Work Included Flight and The Rookie
Williams also worked steadily in film.
His movie credits included Hardcore, The Rookie, Percy & Thunder, Guess Who and Flight, where he appeared alongside major Hollywood stars across different stages of his career.
A Career Remembered by Generations
Williams’ work made him a familiar face to several generations of television viewers.
Whether playing a neighbourhood police officer, a family man or a supporting character in dramas and comedies, he was known for warmth, timing and a steady presence on screen.
Hal Williams leaves behind a lasting legacy in American television. From his fan-favourite role as Officer Smitty on Sanford and Son to his portrayal of Lester Jenkins on 227, Williams helped shape some of the most recognizable sitcom moments of the 1970s and 1980s.
His career continued across film and television for decades, making him a respected and beloved figure in entertainment history.