Actor Clarence Williams III died in Los Angeles on Friday, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Tony-nominated actor passed away of colon cancer at 81-years-old.
Williams was a well-known stage, television and film actor who starred in the 1970s television hit The Mod Squad. The actor also starred in films like Purple Rain, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, Reindeer Games, Tales From the Hood, Life, Sugar Hill and American Gangster.
His television credits include Empire, Everybody Hates Chris, Law and Order, Hill Street Blues, Twin Peaks and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, to name a few.
The legendary actor was born on Aug. 21, 1939, to a family of performers. His father was musician Clay Williams. His grandfather was composer and pianist Clarence Williams (who collaborated with Bessie Smith on Ain’t Misbehavin’). His grandmother was actress and singer Eva Taylor.
Williams began his acting career after seeing actress and queen Cicely Tyson starring in Dark of the Moon in Harlem. He would go on the star on Broadway himself in The Great Indoors and The Long Dream. He earned a Tony nomination for his role in Slow Dance on the Killing Ground. The Tony-nominated actor was also a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division of the U. S. Army.
News of Williams’ death resulted in an outpouring of tributes for the actor from people like musician Lenny Kravitz, Sheila E, Lee Daniels and Orlando Jones.
When I was a kid growing up in NYC Clarence Williams III was a face on TV that I identified with and that inspired me. From the Mod Squad, to Purple Rain and Sugar Hill, he always performed with dynamic energy. Rest in power, king
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— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) June 6, 2021
An extraordinary actor. Revolutionary. Ahead of his time. What an honor to work with this man on THE BUTLER. Rest in Power. #ClarenceWilliamsIII pic.twitter.com/EqsunpqrRl
— Lee Daniels (@leedanielsent) June 7, 2021
Los Angeles NBC4 journalist Beverly White also paid tribute to Williams.
True story: Linc from #ModSquad & Lando ( Billy Dee Wms) sent a fancy dessert to our table as I lunched w/ a friend in LA years ago. Said they
seeing me on the news. I almost cried. #RIP Clarence Williams III #ClassAct pic.twitter.com/lW8O88519u
— Beverly White (@BeverlyNBCLA) June 7, 2021
Clarence Williams lll one of the cool actors growing up on Tv. Mod squad was the hit!!! incredible job in Purple Rain. Rest well sir. Prayers to ur family ??#clarencewilliamsiii #purplerain #modsquad ?? pic.twitter.com/xV3GowAupN
— SheilaEdrummer (@SheilaEdrummer) June 6, 2021
Moved to tears by the news of #ClarenceWilliamsIII passing. Meeting & being inspired by this remarkable iconoclast is a gift I’m so grateful for. Rest in power ? Deep bows & condolences to friends and family??? pic.twitter.com/OZc51Cvwzs
— Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) June 7, 2021
Clarence Williams III (1939-2021): pic.twitter.com/HrGu1vsDdl
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) June 6, 2021
Williams was married to the late actress Gloria Foster from 1967 to 1984 and is survived by his daughter, Jamey Phillips. The beloved actor will be greatly missed.
Rest in Peace, Sir.
