227 Star Hal Williams Dies At 91

Veteran actor Hal Williams, beloved for his iconic television roles as Officer “Smitty” Smith on “Sanford and Son” and family patriarch Lester Jenkins on “227,” has died at age 91. He passed away from natural causes on Wednesday morning at his home in Rancho Mirage, California.

A Path to Hollywood

Born Halroy Candis Williams in Columbus, Ohio, the actor took a winding road to the stage and screen. He did not pursue acting until his 30s, working as a postal worker, social worker, and corrections officer before moving to Los Angeles in 1968. During the early years of his acting career—while securing roles on classic shows like “Sanford and Son”—he even continued to work an overnight shift at the post office to ensure financial stability.

Iconic Sitcom Legacy

Williams carved out an indelible legacy in classic 1970s and 1980s television.

Sanford and Son: He became a fan favorite as LAPD Officer “Smitty” Smith. He and his partner, Officer “Hoppy” Hopkins (played by Howard Platt), became known for a beloved recurring routine where Hoppy would rattle off dense police jargon, and Smitty would translate it into plain English for Fred and Lamont Sanford.

227: Williams stepped into a leading role in the mid-1980s, starring alongside Marla Gibbs as her level-headed, construction-worker husband, Lester Jenkins. His character served as the patient, grounding father figure to the neighborhood, notably appearing on the show for all five of its seasons.

Williams was also featured on several episodes of The Jeffersons as Kent Tobin, a soap opera actor and Gibbs’ ‘Florence Johnston’ character’s dream man.

In fact, such as the level of friendship and on-screen chemistry between the two that when Gibbs was made star of 227, she said she insisted on Williams playing her husband.

A Prolific Career

Beyond his two most recognizable sitcom roles, Williams’s five-decade career spanned dozens of hit shows and films. He portrayed Goldie Hawn’s drill sergeant in the 1980 box-office hit “Private Benjamin” and reprised the role for its television spin-off. His expansive résumé also included guest appearances and recurring roles on “The Waltons,” “Good Times,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “Parks and Recreation,” and even a recent guest spot on the “Matlock” reboot.

His passing marks the loss of a familiar and comforting face to generations of television viewers, leaving behind a rich legacy of warmth, timing, and comedic brilliance.

Williams joined WKYC Channel 3 last week for an interview where he shared memories of his long and successful career on the nation’s small screen. Take a look below.