Hal Williams

Halroy Candis Williams (December 14, 1934 – July 15, 2026) was an American actor, best known for his recurring roles as Officer Smith ("Smitty") on Sanford and Son (1972–1976), Harley Foster on The Waltons (1973–1980), and as family patriarch Lester Jenkins on the NBC sitcom 227 which originally aired from 1985 until 1990. His film credits include Private Benjamin, Guess Who (2005), and Flight (2012).

Early life Halroy Candis Williams was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1934, or 1939. However, one source says he was born on December 14, 1938.

Career In the early 1960s, Williams began acting in community theater in Ohio. Williams worked as a postal worker and corrections officer before moving to Hollywood to pursue an acting career in 1968.

Williams began pursuing his acting career full-time in 1970. In 1973, he appeared as a guest star on the television series Kung Fu, playing a friend of Caine named Caleb in the second-season premiere. In 1975, he reprised the role in the 24th episode of the third season. From 1972 to 1976, Williams had a recurring role as Officer "Smitty" Smith on Sanford and Son and the follow-up series Sanford.

Willams appeared in the 1974 Disney film Herbie Rides Again as a Police Officer. He also appeared in Paul Schrader's 1979 film Hardcore as an auditioning adult film actor. He also voiced the role of Whip's Dad in the 2012 film Flight.

Personal life and death Williams was married twice, and had three children.

Season 1, episode 3 – "3rd & Bonaparte Is Always in the Shade"