Clarence Williams III

Biography

Clarence Williams III (August 21, 1939 – June 4, 2021) was a prominent American actor known for his versatile performances across theater, television, and film. Born to musician Clarence "Clay" Williams Jr. and the grandson of jazz and blues composer Clarence Williams, along with his actress-singer grandmother Eva Taylor, he was raised by his grandmother. His interest in acting sparked when he unintentionally entered a theater stage at a Harlem YMCA.

Williams' journey into acting commenced after serving two years as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army's C Company, 506th Infantry, part of the 101st Airborne Division. He made his Broadway debut in The Long Dream in 1960, subsequently gracing the stage in productions such as Walk in Darkness, Sarah and the Sax, and King John. His notable performance in William Hanley's Slow Dance on the Killing Ground earned him a Tony Award nomination, with The New York Times praising his ability to convey deep emotional resonance and fear.

Williams rose to fame as Linc Hayes in the iconic ABC series The Mod Squad (1968), alongside Michael Cole and Peggy Lipton. Over his expansive career, spanning more than four decades, he showcased his talent in a myriad of genres. He played significant roles in films like Purple Rain, Deep Cover, and American Gangster, as well as made appearances in various television series such as Miami Vice, Twin Peaks, and Law & Order. He passed away from colon cancer in Los Angeles on June 4, 2021, at the age of 81 and is interred at St. Charles Cemetery in East Farmingdale, New York.