Williams passed away on the morning of Wednesday, July 15, at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, his representative confirmed to Deadline.
A familiar face on television throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Williams appeared in popular series including Sanford and Son and The Waltons before landing his memorable role as Lester Jenkins on 227 in 1985. Over a career that spanned decades, he became known for his warm screen presence and memorable performances in both comedy and drama.
Hal Williams was an American actor whose career spanned more than five decades in television, film, and theater. Born on December 14, 1934, in Columbus, Ohio, he served in the U.S. Air Force before pursuing acting. He studied at New York’s prestigious Herbert Berghof Studio.
According to People, before finding success in Hollywood, Williams worked as a social worker, corrections officer, and postal worker. After his marriage ended, he decided to pursue his longtime dream of acting and moved to Los Angeles in 1968.
