'Sanford and Son' and 'The Waltons' actor Hal Williams dies at age 91

RIO, None (UOL/FOLHAPRESS) - American actor Hal Williams has died at the age of 91. Known for notable roles in classic television series, such as "Sanford and Son" (1972-1974) and "The Waltons" (1972-1981), the artist passed away this Wednesday morning (15), in California.

Williams' death was announced by actor Ernest Harden Jr., who worked alongside him and considered him a "TV father." In a tribute on social media, Harden revealed that he had spoken to the veteran via video call just hours before his death.

"My TV dad, Hal Williams, passed away today at age 91. I had just talked to him for an hour on FaceTime yesterday," Ernest Harden Jr. said.

Harden Jr. said he received praise from Williams during the last conversation between the two.

"He marathoned 'The Pitt' on the plane back from Ohio and congratulated me on my Emmy nomination. We ended our conversation when he felt a little tired from the trip and needed to rest. My heart is heavy today. He always called me his son," said Ernest Harden

Williams began his artistic career in the late 1960s and, over more than five decades, built a prominent career on American television. In Brazil, he became known for playing Harley Foster in "The Waltons" and Lester Jenkins in the sitcom "227", shown on SBT as "The Jenkins Family".

Actor played police officer George "Smitty" Smith in "Sanford and Son". He also participated in productions such as "Moesha", "Parks and Recreation" and the reboot of "Matlock", released in 2024.

Read Also: Renato Machado, former presenter of "Bom Dia Brasil", dies aged 83

Related stories