Hal Williams
Biography
Halroy Candis Williams (December 14, 1938 – July 15, 2026) was an American actor born in Columbus, Ohio. Over a career spanning several decades, he accumulated 57 credited performances across film and television. He is most recognized for his recurring television roles, notably as Police Officer Smith on Sanford and Son, Harley Foster on The Waltons, and as Lester Jenkins, the husband of Marla Gibbs’s character on the NBC sitcom 227 (1985‑1990). Williams’s performances contributed to the cultural impact of these series, and his presence was noted for bringing depth to supporting characters.
Career overview
Halroy Candis Williams was born on December 14, 1938, in Columbus, Ohio. Over the course of his professional life he built a portfolio of 57 credited performances in both film and television, establishing himself as a reliable character actor. Among his most visible television work, Williams portrayed Police Officer Smith on the popular sitcom Sanford and Son, a role that placed him within the series’ comedic ensemble. He later appeared as Harley Foster on the drama series The Waltons, contributing to the show’s depiction of rural American life. His longest-running recurring role was as Lester Jenkins on NBC’s sitcom 227, which aired from 1985 to 1990; in this series he played the husband of the character portrayed by Marla Gibbs, adding a steady paternal presence to the ensemble cast. Williams continued to act in various projects up until his death on July 15, 2026, at the age of 87. His body of work, reflected in the 57 credits listed in public databases, demonstrates a sustained contribution to American television across multiple decades. His performances remain accessible through streaming platforms and archival collections.
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Career timeline
Full filmography
- Matlock (2024) as Autry Tucker
- Mr. Mayor (2021) as Walt
- A Black Lady Sketch Show (2019) as Lester Jenkins
- Flight (2012) as Whip's Dad (voice)
- The First Family (2012) as George
- Night Club (2011) as Resident Playing Cards at Casino Night
- Parks and Recreation (2009) as Albert Meagle
- Snow 2: Brain Freeze (2008) as Henry Mays
- Generation Gap (2008) as Mac
- Moonlight (2007) as 70-Year-Old Det. Bobby Desmond
- Guess Who (2005) as Howard Jones
- Moesha (1996) as Rosevelt Mitchell
- Suddenly Susan (1996) as Jim
- The Cherokee Kid (1996) as Rev. Peel
- The West Side Waltz (1995) as Jonno
- The Sinbad Show (1993)
- Percy & Thunder (1993) as Jiti Kalumbi
- The Rookie (1990) as Powell
- Tales from the Crypt (1989) as Nick Ciola
- L.A. Law (1986) as Councilman Marcus Cooke
- 227 (1985) as Lester Jenkins
- The NBC All Star Hour: Let's All Be There (1985)
- Night Court (1984) as Head Bailiff Reedy
- The Young Landlords (1983) as Mr. Williams
- All the Money in the World (1983) as Mr. Stowe
- T. J. Hooker (1982) as Officer Brian
- The Escape Artist (1982) as Cop at Mayor's Office
- Hill Street Blues (1981)
- Private Benjamin (1981) as Ted Ross
- Don't Look Back: The Story of Leroy "Satchel" Paige (1981) as Carl Roberts
- Magnum, P.I. (1980) as Dave, the DJ
- Sanford (1980)
- Private Benjamin (1980) as Sgt. L.C. Ross
- On the Nickel (1980) as Paul
- The Sky Is Gray (1980) as Preacher
- Knots Landing (1979) as Magazine Owner
- Roots: The Next Generations (1979) as Aleck Haley
- Hardcore (1979) as Big Dick Blaque
- The White Shadow (1978) as Henry Judd
- Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery (1978) as Boneyard
- Quincy, M.E. (1976) as Cody
- What's Happening!! (1976) as Mr. Logan
- The Jeffersons (1975) as Michael
- On the Rocks (1975)
- Police Woman (1974)
- Good Times (1974)
- Harry O (1974)
- Herbie Rides Again (1974)
- Sidekicks (1974) as Max
- The Magician (1973) as Jonathan Gordon
- The Waltons (1972) as Harley Foster
- Sanford and Son (1972) as Officer 'Smitty' Smith
- Kung Fu (1972) as Caleb Brown
- Cool Breeze (1972) as Harry, Policeman (uncredited)
- Cannon (1971)
- That Girl (1966)
- Gunsmoke (1955) as Widge Spott