Hal Williams, Beloved TV Veteran, Dies at 91

Hal Williams died on the morning of July 15, 2026, at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, according to his representative. The actor was 91. No cause of death was disclosed in any of the reports.

The Sun - US

Williams built a six-decade career that began in community theater in Ohio before moving to Hollywood in the late 1960s. He became widely recognized for two sitcom staples: Officer “Smitty” Smith on “Sanford and Son” (22 episodes) and Lester Jenkins on “227” (five seasons, 116 episodes). He also reprised Smitty in five episodes of the 1980 spinoff “Sanford.” Other long-running parts included 24 episodes of “On the Rocks,” the full TV adaptation of “Private Benjamin,” and 20 episodes as Rudy Bryan on “The Sinbad Show.” His later work featured guest spots on the “Matlock” reboot starring Kathy Bates.

The Wrap

• “Sanford and Son” – 22 episodes (1972-1977)

The Sun - US

• “Sanford” (spinoff) – 5 episodes (1980)

The Wrap

• “227” – 116 episodes across five seasons (1985-1990)

Variety Magazine

• “On the Rocks” – 24 episodes

Variety Magazine

• “Private Benjamin” – full series run

Variety Magazine

• “The Sinbad Show” – 20 episodes

Deadline Hollywood

His film credits included “Hardcore,” “The Rookie,” “Guess Who,” and “Flight.”

Variety Magazine

Williams served for years on the board of the Los Angeles Actors’ Theatre (LAAT), founded by Ralph Waite. He also created the Mark K.A. Williams Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which funds students of colour pursuing degrees in television or communications. The foundation honors his late son, Mark, a broadcasting major who died at age 20 during a camping trip in the Angeles National Forest.

Hal Williams dies at 91: Here's what to know about 'Sanford and Son' starHal Williams, Sanford and Son Actor, Dies at 91Deadline Hollywood

Williams’ representative confirmed the death and the location but provided no further details. No family spokesperson offered additional commentary, and no medical information was released.

Hal Williams, Sanford and Son Actor, Dies at 91

All outlets agree on the date, location, and age at death. The primary gap is the undisclosed cause of death, which remains unreported.

Hal Williams dies at 91: Here's what to know about 'Sanford and Son' star

• “We did it in one time in rehearsal and the producers thought it was funny,” the actor recalled.” — Hal Williams, interview with WKYC

Deadline Hollywood

• “We did it in the first or second episode and it clicked. Some days, we would come to rehearsal and they didn’t have anything solid. [So the producers would say,] ‘Go out, take a break for two hours, and bring us something back.'” — Hal Williams, interview with WKYC

Deadline Hollywood

• “I love him. He was a great man.” — Demond Wilson Jr., tribute to Williams

The Sun - US

• “We were the first Blacks to be on television in that capacity and we opened the door for all those other shows that came after us.” — Demond Wilson, 2009 autobiography (referencing the impact of the series Williams helped popularize)

The Sun - US

These statements capture Williams’ own recollection of his craft, the affection of his peers, and the broader cultural significance of the shows that defined his career.

Hal Williams, Sanford and Son Actor, Dies at 91