local
‘Sanford and Son’ actor Hal Williams dies at 91, reports say
By Dorothy Sedovic at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· 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 Nashville
Nashville 's own vibrant arts and entertainment scene is likely to feel the ripple effects of Hal Williams' passing, given the city's thriving television and film production industry. As a community that values education and access to the arts, Nashville residents may be particularly interested in the Mark K.A. Williams Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which aims to support students of color pursuing degrees in television or communications. This initiative resonates with Nashville's own efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the arts, and may inspire local organizations to explore similar scholarship programs. Furthermore, Williams' extensive career in television and film serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and opportunities for underrepresented groups in the entertainment industry, a topic that is likely to spark conversation and reflection among Nashville's own arts community.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville 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 .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dorothy Sedovic at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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