Williams reportedly died of natural causes at his home in Rancho Mirage, California. His breakthrough came as Officer “Smitty” Smith on NBC’s “Sanford and Son,” where his measured delivery made him a memorable foil for the sitcom’s lively ensemble. He later played Lester Jenkins on “227,” giving the family comedy a dependable paternal presence throughout its five-season run. Together, those roles secured his place among the recognizable performers of a defining period in American sitcoms.
His career reached well beyond those two series. Television appearances included “The Waltons,” “Good Times,” “Night Court,” “Moesha” and “Parks and Recreation,” while films such as “Private Benjamin,” “Guess Who” and “Flight” showcased his range across decades. That extensive body of work offers more than a list of credits: it preserves the timing, steadiness and personality that made Williams distinctive. For audiences revisiting those performances, his contribution remains there, woven into stories that still invite laughter.
