Hal Williams, the beloved actor who played Officer “Smitty” Smith on the hit 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son, has died at 91. His manager, Zna Portlock Houston, told TMZ that Williams passed away from natural causes Wednesday morning at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, following some recent health issues. He had just returned from Ohio, where he attended a Sanford and Son reunion with former castmate Howard Platt.
Williams launched his television career in 1972, landing the role of Smitty alongside legendary comedian Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson on Sanford and Son. The following year, he scored a major role as Harley Foster on the beloved drama The Waltons. He later became a familiar face on the sitcom 227, playing Lester Jenkins.
Over his prolific career, Williams made guest appearances on a staggering array of television shows, including That Girl, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Gunsmoke, Good Times, The Dukes of Hazzard, Hill Street Blues, Magnum P.I., Night Court, and L.A. Law. He also appeared in films such as Hardcore, The Rookie, and Flight. His daughter and granddaughter survive Williams.
