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‘Sanford and Son’ actor Hal Williams dies at 91, reports say
By Dorothy Sedovic at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· July 16, 2026
· 2 min read
(Gray News) - Actor Hal Williams, who starred in sitcoms such as “Sanford and Son” and “227,” has died, according to reports.He died on July 15 at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, a representative told Deadline. Williams was 91.Williams was best known for his role as Officer “Smitty” Smith ...
Key takeaway He died on July 15 at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, a representative told Deadline.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The passing of Hal Williams, a veteran actor with a career spanning multiple decades, may have occurred in California, but his impact on Atlanta 's entertainment scene is still felt. As a city with a thriving film and television industry, Atlanta has become a hub for productions, with many shows and movies filmed on location throughout the city. Williams' legacy, particularly his work on popular sitcoms such as "Sanford and Son" and "227," serves as a reminder of the city's rich cultural heritage. Furthermore, his establishment of the Mark K.A. Williams Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which provides funds to students of color pursuing degrees in television or communications, has the potential to inspire and support the next generation of Atlanta's entertainment professionals. As the city continues to grow and evolve as a major player in the entertainment industry, the contributions of actors like Hal Williams will not be forgotten.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Gray News) - Actor Hal Williams, who starred in sitcoms such as “Sanford and Son” and “227,” has died, according to reports.He died on July 15 at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, a representative told Deadline. Williams was 91.Williams was best known for his role as Officer “Smitty” Smith ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dorothy Sedovic at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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