R.I.P. Clarence Williams III (1939-2021)

Clarence Williams III has died at the age of 81. 

The American film and theater actor was known for his roles in "The Mod Squad" and "Half Baked". 

Clarence was born into a family of musical artists, his father was a professional musician, his aunt was a singer, his grandfather was a jazz and blues musician, and his grandmother was a blues singer and theater actress. It was through his grandmother Eva that he became interested in acting and began his career in the theater. In the 1960s, he appeared on Broadway in the play "The Long Dream," and several years of acting in the theater brought him critical acclaim. 

His recognition and great popularity brought him the role of Lincoln Hayes in the police series "The Mod Squad", in which he played for 5 seasons and appeared in 123 episodes. His filmography includes performances in such films and series as "Miami Vice", "Twin Peaks", "Star Trek", "The Highwayman", "Nasty Boys", among others. One of his standout roles was as Prince's father in "Purple Rain" and the comedy "Half Baked".

In 1967 Clarence married actress Gloria Foster, whom he met on the set of "The Cool World" in 1962. Unfortunately, this relationship did not last and the couple divorced in 1984.