Actor Clarence Williams III From "Purple Rain" and "The Mod Squad," Dies at 81
Clarence Williams III, well known for his roles in the 1984 film "Purple Rain" and the 1968 series "The Mod Squad" died at the age of 81. NBC News reported that the actor died on Friday, June 4.
Clarence Williams III's management confirmed with Variety that the "Purple Rain" actor died because of colon cancer. Allan Mindel, William's manager also shared with the Associated Press that the actor lost his life in his Los Angeles home. The actor's family members have not yet released an official statement regarding his death.
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Personalities on the Death of the "Purple Rain" and "The Mod Squad" Actor, Clarence Williams III
Several personalities from the industry expressed their grief on the death of Williams.
Among them was the American singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz, saying that Clarence Williams III was the face on the television he grew up into. Kravitz added that the actor always "performed with dynamic energy."
Actor Reggie Watkins also sympathized with the death of "The Mod Squad" actor, as he encouraged everyone to watch Williams in "Sugar Hill, Half Baked, and Purple Rain." "Life Goes On," actress Kellie Martin said that working with Clarence William III on "'Mystery Woman' was an honor."
Director Ted Geoghegan also paid tribute to the actor, saying that he can't forget the role of Williams in "Tales from the Hood."
Clarence Williams III is survived by his sister Sandra Pugh, and his daughter Jamey Phillips.
Actor Clarence Williams III and His Career
Williams debuted as an actor on Broadway, in "Dark of the Moon" in 1957, and "The Great Outdoors." Williams earned Theatre World award for his performance in "Slow Dance on the Killing Ground."
Clarence Williams III had his breakthrough role in the counterculture cop show "The Mod Squad." Williams became a mainstay of the series until it ended in 1973. Associated Press noted that "The Mod Squad" also made the names of Peggy Lipton and Michael Cole famous.
In 1984, Williams also played the role of Prince's troubled father in the hit film "Purple Rain." Then he also played FBI Agent Roger Hardy on the show "Twin Peaks."
Director John Frankenheimer worked with Wiliams several times. During the actor's 1999 interview, Wiliams shared that Frankenheimer asked him to read for a part of one of the blackmailers in the film "52 Pick-Up," and asked him to stop after four lines. He thought it was over, but the director asked him to tell his agent, to call him.
Although he was well known for the film "Purple Rain" and TV series "The Mod Squad," Clarence Williams III had a career in film, theater, and television that spanned for four decades.
WATCH: Clarence Williams III "Sugar Hill" 1994 - from The Bobbie Wygant Archive