Television fans are mourning the loss of Hal Williams, the veteran actor whose familiar face appeared in some of the most beloved sitcoms and dramas of the past five decades. Best remembered as Officer “Smitty” on Sanford and Son and Lester Jenkins on 227, Williams built a career that quietly touched generations of viewers.
According to MeTV, his passing at the age of 91 marks the end of a remarkable journey that began far from Hollywood. Before finding success in television, the actor worked at a post office and served as a corrections officer before deciding to pursue his dream of acting in Los Angeles.
Hal Williams Built A Career Filled With Memorable Television Roles
© Columbia Picture Television / Courtesy: Everett Collection
The career of Hal Williams took off in the early 1970s when he landed the recurring role of Officer “Smitty” Smith on Sanford and Son. The friendly neighborhood police officer quickly became a fan favorite and appeared in 20 episodes of the classic sitcom between 1972 and 1976. Years later, he returned to the role once more for the short-lived Sanford spin-off.
Around the same time, he joined the cast of The Waltons as Harley Foster, a lumber mill worker and close friend of John Walton Sr. One of his most memorable storylines came during a dramatic two-part episode that allowed the actor to showcase a deeper and more emotional side of his talent. The role remains one of the standout moments of his long television career.
From Sitcom Favorite To Television Veteran
During the 1980s, Hal Williams continued building an impressive résumé with roles in both film and television. He appeared alongside Goldie Hawn in Private Benjamin before reprising his role for the television adaptation that followed shortly afterward. Many fans, however, remember him most fondly as Lester Jenkins in 227, where he starred opposite Marla Gibbs as the dependable husband of Mary Jenkins. The sitcom introduced audiences to a young Regina King and became one of the defining comedies of the decade. Williams later joined The Sinbad Show and continued acting steadily for years afterward.
Even in his later years, he remained connected to the profession he loved, making one of his final appearances in the 2024 reboot of Matlock alongside Kathy Bates. For many viewers, Hal Williams represented the kind of dependable television presence who could make every scene feel warmer and more authentic. His career may have spanned more than fifty years, but the characters he brought to life will continue entertaining audiences for generations to come.