Hal Williams was an actor who appeared on television series and films. He starred as Lester Jenkins, the husband of protagonist Mary Jenkins (Marla Gibbs), on 227. He also played the recurring role of Officer "Smitty" Smith on Sanford and Son and its follow up series Sanford. Williams also played Sinbad's dad on The Sinbad Show and appeared several times on The Waltons as Harley Foster. He was also a part of the main casts of On the Rocks and Private Benjamin (in which he reprised his role from the film version).

In addition to his long and memorable career in television, Williams also acted in several films. He can be seen in "On the Nickel," "Hardcore," and "Herbie Rides Again."