Actor Clarence Williams III of 'Purple Rain' fame dies at 81 Going by her last name, Jamey was married and had her own kids. He was 81. They're gorgeous, they have lots of money and fame. She made a huge impression on critics and the audience with her unparalleled performance. The co-worker eventually married in 1967. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Jean-Franois Lemay Chief Actuary, Chief Investment Officer and Director But, she was best known for playing Oracle in The Matrix. It was in the movie set of The Cool World where Clarence Williams III and his first wife Gloria Foster met each other in 1964. Born on August 21, 1939 in Harlem, New York, Clarence Williams III was raised by the legendary jazz and boogie-woogie composer/pianist Clarence Williams (who wrote such classics as. Clarence Williams III, who was a Black power icon in the 1960s and 1970s as the cool detective "Linc Hayes" on television's The Mod Squad, has died. ", Actor Clarence Williams III of 'Mod Squad,' 'Purple Rain' dies at 81. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Privacy Policy and "It was a very different role for an African American and a wonderful lead character that a lot of youngsters, black and white, and principally African American youngsters could identify with,"he said. Heis survived by his sister Sondra Pugh, daughter Jamey Phillips, niece Suyin Shaw, grandnephews Elliot Shaw and Ese Shaw, and grandniece Azaria Verdin. Did you encounter any technical issues? Per New York's Daily News, the actor has left behind a daughter, Jamey Phillips. Featured Actor (Dramatic) for "Slow Dance on the Killing Facebook. However, Gloria did appear in two independent films of the 60s, Nothing Like a Man and The Cool World. Clarence was always passionate about his work as an actor, but it seems he seldom spoke about his family life. 2023 Met Gala Carpet Is Approved by Your Dentist. Mod Squad Actor Clarence Williams III Dies at 81 - The Root Growing up in Harlem, his grandfather Clarence William, a jazz player, and his grandmother Eva Tylor, an actress helped build a career for him. He also starred opposite Geraldine Page in "The Great Outdoors" on Broadway. Lisa Genesen / AP 1:41 Clarence Williams III, who starred as undercover detective Linc Hayes on ABC's "The Mod Squad," and as Prince's abusive father in 1984's "Purple Rain" has died. Jeter Downs needs to play to develop. 'Half Baked', 'Tales From The Hood' Actor Clarence Williams III Dead At 81 These books give us a record of our times via the moments best comic minds. "From Mod Squad, to Purple Rain and Sugar Hill, he always performed with dynamic energy. pic.twitter.com/eRCvoXWK90. Discovery Company. Please fill out this field. Hestole scenes in Keenen Ivory Wayans blaxploitation parody film "Im Gonna Git You Sucka" and had a recurring role as the FBI agent in David Lynchs "Twin Peaks"who tells Agent Cooper hes been suspended. Williams is survived by his sister Sondra Pugh, daughter Jamey Phillips, niece Suyin Shaw, grandnephews Elliot Shaw and Ese Shaw, and grandniece Azaria Verdin. Some records were discovered that Sondra married George Edwin Pugh. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. Born in New York City on Aug. 21, 1939, Williams began his career in acting on stage in Dark of the Moon in 1957, directed by Vinette Caroll. He is survived by his sister, Sondra Pugh, and his daughter, Jamey Phillips, as well as a niece, two grand nephews, and a grandniece. "Prince was sitting on floor, just staring off into space and I guess he was going through the same process I was going through thinking about what we had shot,"Williams recalled. I thought it was all over, but he said, Have your agent call me. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Frankenheimer first cast him in his 1986 adaptation of Elmore Leonards crime novel 52 Pick-Up, at a time when Mr. Williams was not having much luck in Hollywood and crashing on Cosbys couch to keep a roof over his head. In 1979, Williams returned to the stage to star in the original production of Tom Stoppards Night and Day with Maggie Smith. After The Mod Squad, Williams appeared on the big screen in a wide range of films including Purple Rain (1984), 52 Pick-Up (1986), Im Gonna Get You Sucka (1988), Sugar Hill (1993), Tales From the Hood (1995), The Legend of 1900 (1998), Half-Baked (1998) , The Generals Daughter (1999), and Reindeer Games (2000). Williams is survived by his sister Sondra Pugh, daughter Jamey Phillips, niece Suyin Shaw, . They They're gorgeous, they have lots of money and fame. NEWS & REVIEWS "Phillips is a dynamic presence on the podium and on tonight's evidence has an uncommon ability to pick up a familiar piece by the scruff of its neck and shake invigorating new life into it." Clarence William was born to his professional musician father Clarence Williams Jr. and his anonymous mother. 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Born on August 21, 1939, the son of a displaced musician, Harlem-born actor Clarence Williams III was raised by his musical grandparents, the legendary jazz and boogie-woogie composer/pianist Clarence Williams, . Whereas, he weighed about 88 kilograms (194 lbs). Clarence Williams III was born in New York City on Aug. 21, 1939. Williams is survived by his sister Sondra Pugh, daughter Jamey Phillips, niece Suyin Shaw, grandnephews Elliot Shaw and Ese Shaw, and grandniece Azaria Verdin. He also played a devoted adjutant in The Generals Daughter (1999) and the mentor of a White House domestic worker in Lee Danielss The Butler (2013), one of his last movie roles. Clarence Williams III, who starred as the brooding undercover cop Lincoln Hayes on the countercultural 1968-73 ABC drama The Mod Squad, has died. . Working with Prince on"Purple Rain" was "chaotic,"but a special experience in his life, Williams told The Times. He was a mainstay of the series until its end in 1973, and went on to have a career in film, television and theater spanning four decades. Adam Greer (Tige Andrews). ". 'The Mod Squad' actor Clarence Williams III dies at 81 - KESQ But it seems that no one else is liking the minty-fresh look. Quincy Jones pays tribute to 'beloved' late ex-wife, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. He also starred opposite Geraldine Page in The Great Outdoors on Broadway. And while Clarences family life appears to be a bit of a mystery, it turns out that he did have children. Per TMZ, the legendary actor died on June 4, 2021, at his home in Los Angeles after battling colon cancer. Williams'. Williams died in Los Angeles on Friday. Remembering those we lost: Celebrity Deaths 2021, Peggy Lipton dies:Quincy Jones pays tribute to 'beloved' late ex-wife, As musician and actor Lenny Kravitz said on Twitter in tribute on Sunday, "When I was a kid growing up in NYC, Clarence Williams III was a face on TV that I identified with and that inspired me.". He was 81. Born on August 21, 1939, the son of a displaced musician, Harlem-born actor Clarence Williams III was raised by his musical grandparents, the legendary jazz and boogie-woogie composer/pianist Clarence Williams, who wrote such classics as "T'Aint Nobody's Business If I Do" and "Baby, Won't You Please Come Home," and blues singer Eva Taylor. Clarence Williams III Dead: 'Mod Squad,' 'Purple Rain' Star Was 81 Revolutionary. Williams broke through in 1968 as one of the stars of the counterculture cop show "The Mod Squad," also starring then-unknown actors Peggy Lipton and Michael Cole. "An extraordinary actor. Williams starred as Wesley Snipes' heroin-addicted father in 1993's "Sugar Hill"and as a religious detective in 1992's "Deep Cover. Most recently in the ECHL with Brampton Beast. Mod Squad & Purple Rain Actor Clarence Williams III Dies At 81 After Terms of Service apply. They stayed married till 1984 when they decided to get divorced. . Clarence Williams III was hard to discover on any form of social media platform. Williams' other film credits include "The General's Daughter," "Sugar Hill," "Half Baked," "Deep Cover," "Hoodlum," "The Brave," "Happy Here and Now," "The Legend of 1900" and "Life." Clarence Williams III, 'The Mod Squad' and 'Purple Rain' star, dies at 81 Gloria Foster was an imposing and uncompromising actress who in the 1960s and 70s, played roles that were previously inaccessible to African Americans. According to several confirmed news reports, legendary actor Clarence Williams III passed away this past Friday from colon cancer. June 6, 2021 Clarence Williams III, the reflectively intense actor who starred as Linc Hayes, a young, hip undercover police officer on ABC's "The Mod Squad," died on Friday in Los Angeles. [on appearing in 'The Mod Squad'] Clarence Williams III started his acting career in the . You\'ll receive the next newsletter in your inbox. R.I.P. 9:29 AM EDT, Mon June 7, 2021, Clarence Williams III as Lincoln "Linc" Hayes in a 1969 episode of "The Mod Squad. Mr. Williams often said he didnt mind being known for The Mod Squad, even though his career stretched across nearly 100 movies and television shows. Freevees new series will determine whos the greatest reality-TV contestant across. Moreover, Clarences gapped tooth at the front was his distinct feature. Pinterest. almost wanted to bow to them". He is survived by his sister Sondra Pugh and daughter Jamey Phillips (Image . Clarence Williams was married to actress Gloria Foster from 1967 to 1984. He is survived by his sister Sondra Pugh, daughter Jamey Phillips, niece Suyin . Williams is survived by daughter Jamey Phillips, niece Suyin Shaw, grandnephews Elliot Shaw and Ese Shaw, and grandniece . Williams died on June 4 in Los Angeles of colon cancer, his management company confirmed to USA TODAY. Michael Cole, Clarence Williams III and Peggy Lipton in "The Mod Squad. His grandparents stood happily married for 44 years of their life. Actor Clarence Williams III, who played Linc on The Mod Squad, died Friday at the age of 81. . I mean he was hitting some chords and the soundstage was absolutely quiet. Mr. Williams appeared in TV crime dramas including Miami Vice and Hill Street Blues and played an FBI agent in the mystery-drama Twin Peaks. But he also excelled in comedies, playing a drug lord opposite Dave Chappelle in Half Baked (1998) and stealing scenes in Keenen Ivory Wayans blaxploitation parody film Im Gonna Git You Sucka (1988). "Williams died. The site reports that the pair remained happily coupled up until 1984. But, no romantic development between the two was addressed at the time. We can safely establish that he was not interested in living a virtual life of the technological world. In 1965, Williams earned a Tony nomination and Theatre World award for his starring performance in Slow Dance on the Killing Ground. Williams other theater credits include co-starring with Maggie Smith in Tom Stoppards Night and Day and leading Joseph Papps King John at the Delacorte Theatre. Its nice to be recognized, and I have no problem with it at all., Local news, weather, sports, events, restaurants and more, Clarence Williams III, who starred as Linc on The Mod Squad, dies at 81, Daves Hot Chicken will have you begging for more, and maybe for mercy. Williams'. Clarence Williams IIIan actor known for his work in The Mod Squad, . A collection of experienced writers and editors, we aim to provide relevant and informative articles related to your favorite celebrities. Williams portrayed Prince's father in 1984's "Purple Rain" and had a recurring role as FBI Agent Roger Hardy on the TV show "Twin Peaks." Following his active duty as a paratrooper in C Company, 506th Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division, Williams segued into a career as a actor with a role on Broadway inThe Long Dreamin 1960. Williams is survived by his sister Sondra Pugh, daughter Jamey Phillips, niece Suyin Shaw, grandnephews Elliot Shaw and Ese Shaw and grandniece Azaria Verdin, the . Clarence Williams III, who is remembered as Lincoln "Linc" Hayes on ABCs then trendy The Mod Squad from 1968 to 1973, lost his battle with colon cancer on Friday, June 4. Theres so much entertainment out there right now, its difficult to break through and become part of the national consciousness. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. More From Us: Ian Nielson Wiki: Chloe Mendoza Boyfriend, Age, Job, [] Discover Also: Clarence Williams III Wife Kelly, Gloria Foster, Children []. If youre attracted to someone on the yacht, the worst thing you can do is tell Gary. Clarence Williams III, 'The Mod Squad' and 'Purple Rain' star, dead at He began his career in a production of Dark of the Moon, and appeared on Broadway in The Great Outdoors.. His guest spots on television post The Mod Squad included Hill Street Blues, T.J. Hooker, The Cosby Show, Miami Vice, Nasty Boys, Jake and the Fatman, The Cosby Mysteries, Walker, Texas Ranger, and Everybody Hates Chris. This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. I used to write numbers. He. He is survived by his sister Sondra Pugh, daughter Jamey Phillips, niece Suyin Shaw, grandnephews Elliot Shaw and Ese Shaw, and grandniece Azaria Verdin. The band have become the very thing their critics accuse them of. He was 81. Clarence Williams III was a father. The records further showed she resides in New York, and no further information surfaced in the public domain beyond that on his sister. Clarence Williams III, an actor known for portraying Linc Hayes on The Mod Squad and Princes father in Purple Rain, died on June 4. And Hollywood is currently grappling with the fact that actor Clarence Williams III is gone. Oscar winners. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. It will be a 10-week shoot. Remembering one of fashions most problematic faves, Karl Lagerfeld. More Reads: Jessica Rose Lee Wiki: Tom Welling Wife, Age, Job. Williams broke through in 1968 as one of the stars of the counterculture cop show The Mod Squad, also starring then-unknown actors Peggy Lipton and Michael Cole. Clarence Williams III, 'The Mod Squad' actor, dies at 81 | CNN How many children does Clarence Williams III have? All Rights Reserved. Furthermore, his family that included his wife, his daughter, sister, and her kids and grandkids grieved for the immense loss. LOS ANGELES Clarence Williams III, an actor known for portraying Linc Hayes on "The Mod Squad" and Prince's father in "Purple Rain," died on Friday. However, there is a chance that Jamey may decide to speak out about the death of her father very soon. More From Us: Vivienne Acheampong Wikipedia: Height, Age, Partner. What If a Whole Stand-up Special Were About Peanut Butter? Stars Offline reports that the pair initially met on the set of the 1964's The Cool World. Clarence Williams III Dies: 'Linc' On 'The Mod Squad - Yahoo Clarence Williams III, who starredas undercover detective Linc Hayeson ABC's "The Mod Squad," and as Prince's abusive father in 1984's "Purple Rain" has died. 2023 Cable News Network. Williams died Friday in Los Angeles. You More recently, Williams appeared in "Lee Daniels' The Butler" in 2013 as Maynard. However, Gloria made her first mark in the Off-Broadway historical drama, In White America. Clarence Williams III, 'The Mod Squad' Actor, Dead at 81 Greg Warren dared to go where no comedian has gone before. Like many entertainers in the Hollywood circuit, Clarence was able to find love among the elite. Born in New York City on Aug. 21, 1939, Williams began his career in acting on stage in "Dark of the Moon" in 1957, directed by Vinette Caroll. 'The Mod Squad' Actor Clarence Williams III Dead at 81, Cause of Death Clarence Williams III, star of The Mod Squad and Purple Rain, dies at 81 Before teaming up with Michael Cole and Peggy Lipton for the Emmy-winning undercover crime drama from 1968 to 1973, Williams made his name as a Broadway performer, appearing in The Long Dream and The Great Indoors, among other shows, before earning a Tony nomination in 1965 for his turn in William Hanleys Slow Dance on the Killing Ground. After serving as an Army paratrooper, he performed in Broadway plays such as William Hanleys Slow Dance on the Killing Ground (1964), for which he received a Tony Award nomination and a Theater World Award. It was just a wonderful, wonderful experience.". Why AI Has Some Viewers Asking Which Film Actors Are Real. Following guest appearances on television in action dramas Daktari and Tarzan, Williams began his five season stint on The Mod Squad opposite Michael Cole and Peggy Lipton.