Clarence Williams III Has Passed Away At 81

Legendary actor Clarence Williams lll who’s known for playing many iconic roles has died at the age of 81 in Los Angeles. Williams’ management team confirmed on June 4, that the cause of death was colon cancer.

He’s known for many stella performances in movies such as Purple Rain, Tales From The Hood, and l’m Gonna Git You Sucka just to named a few. But the most popular series was the timeless classic The Mod Squad.

He made many stellar performances in movies such as Purple Rain, Tales From The Hood, and l’m Gonna Git You Sucka just to named a few. But the most popular series was the timeless classic The Mod Squad.

TMZ Reported

“Clarence Williams III famous for roles in “The Mod Squad,” “Half Baked” and several other movies and shows — has died.

The veteran actor’s management team confirmed the sad news Sunday, saying Clarence had actually passed away Friday in L.A. due to colon cancer.

He might best be remembered for playing Detective Linc Hayes on ‘Mod Squad’ … in which he starred for five seasons, totaling 123 episodes. After that, the work kept pouring in for Clarence … he was cast in supporting roles in hit shows like “The Cosby Show,” “The Littlest Hobo,” “Hill Street Blues,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Miami Vice,” “Nasty Boys,” “Twin Peaks,” “Tales from the Cyrpt,” “The Highwayman,” ‘Star Trek,’ “Walker, Texas Ranger” and countless others.

Clarence also had several standout performances for cult classic films, including “Purple Rain” — in which he played Prince’s troubled dad — as well as Dave Chappelle’s stoner comedy “Half Baked” … where he played a flamboyant local drug lord Samson Simpson, who was dueling with DC’s booming Mr. Nice Guy weed biz in the flick. Tons of great lines from that.”

So many huge hits allowed by a lot of good memories of a genius. Williams is survived by his sister Sondra Pugh, daughter Jamey Phillips, niece Suyin Shaw, grandnephews Elliot Shaw and Ese Shaw and grandniece Azaria Verdin. May Clarence Williams III continue to rest in peace.

Here are some of my favorite clips of Clarence Williams III.

Purple Rain

Half Baked