(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — “Mod Squad” co-star Clarence Williams III, one of the first African-American actors to have a lead role on a prime-time television series, has died at the age of 81.
Williams died of colon cancer on Friday, the New York Times reported, citing the actor’s manager, Allan Mindel.
“The Mod Squad,” which ran on ABC from 1968 to 1973, was a crime drama about members of the counterculture who worked undercover for the police. Williams, as squad member Linc Hayes, co-starred with Peggy Lipton and Michael Cole.
After “The Mod Squad” ended, Williams stayed away from the entertainment industry for awhile, “expressing disappointment in the kinds of roles available to Black men,” the Times reported.
Beginning in the late-1970s, however, Williams enjoyed a prolific career in stage, film and TV. Among his notable credits are supporting roles in the cult comedies “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” (1988) and “Half Baked” (1998), the 1984 Prince rock musical "Purple Rain," the 1995 horror omnibus “Tales from the Hood” and mainstream features such as “Reindeer Games” (2000) with Ben Affleck.
Williams, who was born is New York City, is survived by his daughter, Jamey Phillips, and a sister, the Times reported.
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