Hal Williams is a classic television icon

Hal Williams: A multifaceted actor

Fans of classic television shows and movies enjoy seeing favorite characters pop up on the screen. If you watched TV and film during the 1970s and 1980s you should be familiar with Hal Williams who had roles in several beloved and popular movies and sitcoms. He is a multifaceted actor who has portrayed many memorable yet diverse characters who continue to entertain us thanks to streaming and oldies networks.

Williams was born Halroy Candis Williams on December 14, 1938, and is best known for his recurring roles as Police Officer "Smitty" Smith on Sanford and Son (1972–1976), Harley Foster on The Waltons (1973-1980), and co-starring with Marla Gibbs (Mary Jenkins) as Lester Jenkins, on the NBC sitcom 227 from 1985 until 1990.

As Harley on The Waltons Hal was a poor black man during the depressions years who was struggling to survive. As Officer Smitty on Sanford and Son, he kept his wits about him to deal with crime, the Sanfords, and a partner who often was clueless about what was taking place. As Lester on 227. he was a hard-working husband and father and each of these roles endeared him to the viewers who were watching. In Private Benjamin Williams was tough as nails as Sgt. Ted Ross.

Hal Williams: Other acting roles

Williams began acting in community theater in Ohio in the early 1960s and was a corrections officer and a postal worker before he moved to Hollywood and began pursuing his acting career in 1970. His many film credits include Private Benjamin in 1980 and he was in the television series of the same name, He also had roles in Hardcore, The Rookie, Herbie Rides Again, Night Club, The Cherokee Kid, Guess Who (2005), and Flight (2012).

On television Williams was in numerous programs like The Sinbad Show, Gunsmoke, Quincy M E, SWAT, The White Shadow, What's Happening, Knotts Landing, TJ Hooker, and Magnum PI. His last credited role was in 2019's A Black Lady Sketch Show which was produced by Curtis Baldwin who portrayed Calvin Dobbs on 227.

Sanford and Son and 227

Williams can thank Gibbs for his role as Lester on 227 because she created the show and made a specific demand. She pointed out that for 11 years as Florence Johnson the maid on The Jeffersons she never had a spouse. Gibbs said that her character Mary Jenkins had to be married and the powers that be obliged her. Williams was chosen for the role. The duo has continued to be close through the year as is evidenced by the cover photo.

On Sanford and Son, the actor's character Smitty was partnered with other officers and they regularly checked on the Sanford home. Smitty worked with "Swanny" Swanhouser, who was played by Noam Pitlik, "Hoppy" Hopkins (Howard T. Platt), and briefly in season 6, he was paired with Officer Percy (Pat Paulsen). From 1980-1981 Williams appeared briefly in the spin-off series Sanford.

Platt's character "Hoppy" often misinterpreted what Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx) and Lamont Sanford (Demond Wilson) were saying and would use the wrong words when he tried to repeat a slang term. Smitty would be the straight man in the situations and the duo was popular with the viewers.

Hall Williams personal life

Williams has been married twice and has three children. On April 11, 1975, he married Gay Anderson, and they divorced the following year, in 1976. The actor wed Renee W Hines in December 1978 and they divorced in March 1984. Check your local listings and streaming services for the television shows and movies where Hal Williams entertained us.