Hal Williams, the most famous artist of Sanford and Son and 227, has died at the age of 91 | US TV

Hal Williams, the best-known TV comedian on Sanford & Son and 227, has died at the age of 91.

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

Williams didn’t start acting until he was in his 30s, having worked as a postal worker and control manager before moving out. Los Angeles in 1968.

The actor is best known for playing Officer “Smitty” Smith in 22 episodes of Sanford and Son, the British TV sitcom Steptoe and Son. It was adapted by Norman Lear and aired from 1962 to 1974.

During the production of the show, Williams continued to work overnight at the post office because he did not consider it “financial” to quit the job.

“I used to go to high schools and theater and youth groups,” he said in a statement interview. “I used to tell them that if your ambitions include big houses and cars and the like, be prepared to be rejected a lot because you need to get a degree for something.

Williams also played Lester Jenkins in 227, a sitcom that ran between 1985 and 1990. He starred alongside Regina King and Jackée Harry.

“What a gentleman,” Harry he wrote on Instagram after his death. “Hal was always feeling sorry for himself, and he was always laughing at me…

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

His small 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-directed revival of Matlock.

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