Hal Williams, the actor best known for the film “Sanford and Son” and 227 years old, dies at the age of 91 American television

Hal Williams, the actor best known for his television roles in the series Sanford & Son and 227, has died at the age of 91.

His representative confirmed that Williams died on July 15 at his home in California.

Williams did not begin acting until he was in his 30s, having worked as a postal worker and corrections officer before moving to Los Angeles in 1968.

The actor is widely known for playing Officer “Smitty” Smith in 22 episodes of Sanford and Son, a comedy series based on the British television series Steptoe and Son. It was adapted by Norman Lear and broadcast from 1972 to 1977.

During the production of the show, Williams also continued to work the night shift at the post office because he did not feel “financially able” to give up the job.

“I was touring high schools, theater groups and youth,” he said in an interview. “I used to tell them that if your ambitions include mansions and limousines and things like that, be prepared for a lot of rejection because you need to get a college degree in something. An overnight sensation usually takes 25 years.”

Williams also played Lester Jenkins on 227, a sitcom that aired between 1985 and 1990. He starred alongside Marla Gibbs, Regina King, and Jackie Harry.

“What a gentleman,” Harry wrote on Instagram after his death. “Hal always acted with grace, and he always made me laugh… He was also a stand-up man who believed black fathers on television should be loving, present, and compassionate. He helped show America what that looked like.”

Williams’ film roles also included Hardcore, Herbie Rides Again, Private Benjamin, The Rookie, and Guess Who. He reprized his role of Private Benjamin in a TV series based on the hit film.

His small screen roles have also included The Waltons, The Sinbad Show, The Dukes of Hazzard, Knots Landing, Moesha, Hill Street Blues and, most recently, the Kathy Bates-led remake of Matlock.

“There are a lot more Black companies now,” he said in 2022. “There are a lot more Black producers and writers and directors than ever before. They’re all young. But we’ve opened the doors.”