Hal Williams played counter-stereotypical roles as friendly cop Officer Smitty in "Sanford and Son" and patriarch Lester Jenkins in "227."Hal Williams, the veteran actor best known for roles on "Sanford and Son" and "227," has died. He was 91.Williams died the morning of Wednesday, July 15, at his home in Rancho Mirage, California, his representative told Deadline. USA TODAY has reached out to Williams' reps.Williams' most famous role was starring in the Red Foxx and Demond Wilson-led series as Officer "Smitty" Smith, a notably friendly Los Angeles Police Department cop who has a recurring bit translating his partner, Officer Hoppy’s (Howard Platt) police speak into plain language and slang for Fred and Lamont Sanford.A decade later, he would play Lester Jenkins, another counter-stereotypical role as the present and steady high school sweetheart of Marla Gibbs' Mary on "227." He originally met Gibbs while cast in guest roles on "The Jeffersons," her breakout role, before he was cast in the 1985 comedy.Born in Columbus, Ohio, Williams got his start in Ohio theater productions before moving to Hollywood in 1968. He went on to be cast in dramas, including "The Waltons" (1972), "Roots: The Next Generations" (1979) and "L.A. Law" (1986), as well as consistent comedy appearances, including the short-lived comedy "On the Rocks" (1975), and guest appearances on "Good Times" in the 1970s and "Private Benjamin," as Sgt. L.C. Ross, following his role in the 1980 film of the same name. By 1993, he continued his comedy career in "The Sinbad Show" as Rudy Bryan.He also occasionally starred in films, including 1979's "Hardcore," 1982's "The Escape Artist" and in "The Rookie," with Clint Eastwood in 1990, and the 2005 movie "Guess Who" with Bernie Mac and Ashton Kutcher.This story is developing.