Photo: ABC Television-part of the release is gone but a portion of the ABC New York Avenue of the Americas address remains. / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Born on August 21, 1939 in New York City, New York, United States, Clarence Williams III was a television actor, film actor and stage actor. Death is recorded on June 4, 2021, at the age of 81. Recorded honors include Theatre World Award (1965).
My Take
Clarence Williams III had one of those faces that instantly commands a frame. Best known as Linc Hayes on The Mod Squad, he became, for me, the gold standard of the scene-stealing supporting actor, sharpening films like Purple Rain and American Gangster with a single piercing look. What people often forget is his theatre pedigree, a Theatre World Award and a Tony nomination, which grounds all that screen presence in real stagecraft. He passed in 2021, but that intensity lingers. He is proof that you do not need the lead to be unforgettable, and I will always cherish his work.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Clarence Williams III
- Name (Japanese)
- クラレンス・ウィリアムズ3世
- Reading
- くられんす・うぃりあむず3世
- Born
- August 21, 1939 – June 4, 2021
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Leo / Rabbit
- Origin
- New York City, New York, United States
- Occupation
- television actor / film actor / stage actor / theatre director / actor
2. Background
Awards & achievements
- 1965 Theatre World Award
3. Links
4. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-17
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Clarence Williams III born?
Born August 21, 1939.
When did Clarence Williams III die?
Died June 4, 2021, aged 81.
Where was Clarence Williams III from?
Clarence Williams III was from New York City, New York, United States.
What did Clarence Williams III do?
Clarence Williams III worked as television actor, film actor, stage actor, theatre director, actor.
Television actor — see all → · Film actor — see all → · More people from the United States →