'Sanford and Son' actor Hal Williams dead at 91

NPR | By Chloe Veltman

Published July 16, 2026 at 11:04 AM HST

The actor Hal Williams has died. He was best known for playing Officer "Smitty" Smith in the 1970s hit TV show Sanford and Son. He was 91.

Chloe Veltman

Chloe Veltman is a correspondent on NPR's Culture Desk.

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