We’re Saying Goodbye to Hal Williams: The ‘Sanford and Son’ Star Was 91
- The loss of a TV icon.
- Remembering Officer Smitty.
- A look back at 70s TV vibes.
We just heard some sad news today. Hal Williams, the actor we all loved on Sanford and Son, has passed away. He was 91 years old. He died at his home in Rancho Mirage. His representative shared the news this morning.
Williams played Officer ‘Smitty’ Smith. He was one half of the coolest police duo on TV. He was in 22 episodes of that classic show. Everyone knew his face. He was a steady hand in a funny world.
The visual style of those old shows was amazing. We love that warm 70s aesthetic. The colors were earthy. The film was grainy. Smitty fit right in. He looked sharp in his uniform and stayed cool. Always.
It is a big day for entertainment news. Paramount is finally done with its lawsuit drama. Meanwhile, Hrithik Roshan is celebrating ZNMD with a sweet note. But our focus is on Hal today.
Even Maggie Sajak is busy supporting friends on DWTS. Life moves fast. Still, we should stop and remember the greats. Hal Williams was one of them.
Our Take
We think Hal was a total legend. He had a vibe that made you feel safe. He did not need flashy tricks. He just acted. TV today is often too loud. His calm style was a breath of fresh air. We will miss seeing him in those classic reruns.
