227 Star Hal Williams Dies at 91 Following Legendary Television Career

Veteran television actor Hal Williams, best known for his role as Lester Jenkins on the NBC sitcom 227, has died at the age of 91. Williams passed away on July 15, 2026, at his home in Rancho Mirage, California. His longtime manager confirmed his death, stating that he died of natural causes.

Williams leaves behind a television legacy that stretched across more than five decades and included memorable performances in some of the most recognizable sitcoms and dramas in American television history. While many viewers knew him as the steady and dependable Lester Jenkins on 227, he also earned widespread recognition for his recurring role as Officer "Smitty" Smith on Sanford and Son.

On 227, which aired from 1985 through 1990, Williams portrayed Lester Jenkins, the husband of Mary Jenkins, played by Marla Gibbs, and the father of Brenda Jenkins, played by Regina King. The sitcom centered on the lives of residents in a Washington, D.C., apartment building and became one of NBC's most successful comedy series during its five season run. Williams appeared throughout the series as one of its central cast members.

Before joining the cast of 227, Williams had already established himself as a familiar face on television through his portrayal of Officer Smitty on Sanford and Son. His recurring appearances alongside Howard Platt's Officer Hoppy became a memorable part of the classic sitcom during the 1970s.

Throughout his career, Williams built an extensive list of television and film credits. He appeared in series including The Waltons, Good Times, The Jeffersons, Roots The Next Generation, Private Benjamin, Magnum P.I., The Sinbad Show, Moesha, The Parkers, and Modern Family. His work reflected a career that consistently placed him in both comedy and dramatic productions across multiple generations of television.

Williams also appeared in feature films, including The Anderson Tapes, Private Benjamin, and Guess Who. His career extended well beyond acting, as he became recognized for portraying dependable authority figures, fathers, and community leaders on screen.

Just days before his death, Williams attended a celebration honoring the legacy of Sanford and Son in his home state of Ohio. During the event, he reflected on his time working on the groundbreaking sitcom and discussed the creative process behind many of its memorable scenes.

Williams is survived by members of his family. Details regarding memorial services have not been publicly announced. The death of Hal Williams marks the loss of a veteran performer whose work helped shape several beloved television series. From 227 to Sanford and Son and dozens of additional television appearances, his career spanned more than 50 years and remains an enduring part of television history.