Veteran actor Hal Williams, best known for playing Officer "Smitty" Smith on the NBC sitcom Sanford and Son and Lester Jenkins on 227, has died at age 91. He passed away at his home in California on July 15, 2026, from natural causes after ongoing health issues, according to his representative.
Career Highlights and Final Days
Williams' career spanned over five decades, including a role as Harley Foster on The Waltons and a part alongside Clint Eastwood as a detective in the 1991 film The Rookie. His manager confirmed that Williams had recently returned from Ohio, where he reunited with his Sanford and Son co-star Howard Platt at a celebration of the sitcom. The actor reportedly felt tired after making the trip about two weeks before his death.
Williams' representative stated that he died from natural causes on July 15, 2026, after dealing with ongoing health issues. The news was confirmed by his manager, who noted that the actor had recently enjoyed a reunion with his Sanford and Son co-star Howard Platt in Ohio.
Legacy and Impact
Williams leaves behind a legacy of memorable television roles, particularly his portrayal of Officer Smitty on Sanford and Son, which aired from 1972 to 1977, and Lester Jenkins on 227, which ran from 1985 to 1990. His work on The Waltons and his film appearance with Clint Eastwood further cemented his status as a versatile character actor.
