Hal Williams, 'Sanford and Son' Star, Dies at 91—His Inspiring Late-Life Career Change Story

Actor Hal Williams, best known for his beloved roles as Smitty on‘Sanford and Son’and Lester on the sitcom‘227,’passed away on Wednesday at his home in Rancho Mirage, California. He was 91 years old. Williams had a remarkable television career spanning five decades, with memorable guest appearances on iconic shows including‘The Waltons,’‘Hill Street Blues,’‘Magnum P.I.,’and‘Parks and Recreation.’What made Williams’story truly special, however, wasn’t just his success in Hollywood—it was how he got there.

Williams didn’t become an actor until he was 40 years old. Before that, he worked as a social worker, corrections officer, and postal worker. After his divorce in 1976, everything changed. According to his own words, he sat down and asked himself what he really wanted to do before the end of his life. The answer was acting. He drove to California in just 48 hours and committed to giving himself three years to make it work. The gamble paid off. His natural chemistry with scene partners, particularly on‘Sanford and Son’with costar Howard Platt, became legendary among fans and colleagues alike. Producers would often encourage him and Platt to improvise comedy bits between takes, and audiences loved the spontaneity.

Throughout his long career, Williams always insisted he was a serious actor, not just a comedian. He prided himself on playing the straight man in comedic situations—the role that grounded the humor and made scenes land. His career taught us that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, and that sometimes the most meaningful chapters of our lives begin when we’re brave enough to start fresh. What’s a show from your childhood that you still think about today?