Clarence Williams III, 'The Mod Squad' and 'Purple Rain' Star, Dies at 81 Ellise Shafer

[Demovictory9]

https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Clarence-Williams-III-The-Mod-Squad-and-16228789.php

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. 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.

Williams portrayed Prince’s father in 1984’s “Purple Rain” and had a recurring role as FBI Agent Roger Hardy on beloved TV show “Twin Peaks.” He also had a long-running collaboration with director John Frankenheimer, playing Bobby Shy in 1986’s “52 Pick-Up,” Chaka in 1994’s “Against the Wall,” Archie in the 1997 TV movie “George Wallace” and Merlin in 2000’s “Reindeer Games.”

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 also starred opposite Geraldine Page in “The Great Outdoors” on Broadway.

[StarfishSaver]

1. Link was the coolest brother on television

[Blue_true]

3. I had just squeezed into my tween years.

All African American boys wanted a Fro like he had. I was unlucky, my hair was full, but only grew out so far.

[Raine]

2. One of my favorite shows, such sad news 😢

R-I-P Clarence