Clarence Williams III, known for his role as the undercover cop Lincoln Hayes on The Mod Squad, has sadly passed away at the age of 81.
According to The Wrap, the legendary actor died in Los Angeles on Friday following a battle with colon cancer. Beyond his part on the hit show, he had several acclaimed performances in films, including his act as Prince’s father in Purple Rain. He also appeared in movies like 52 Pick-Up, Reindeer Games, Sugar Hill, and Tales from the Hood. Williams began his career as a performer on Broadway, where he earned a Tony Award nomination for Slow Dance on the Killing Ground in 1963. But the star’s true big break happened on The Mod Squad. He told the Los Angeles Times of his iconic role in 1995:
“[Linc] 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.”
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Truly a legend. Following the news of his death, people took to social media to share some emotional tributes for the iconic artist. One person tweeted:
“RIP to Clarence Williams III. His career was varied and wonderful but obviously I’ll always remember him for his phenomenal performance in Tales from the Hood, an underrated classic. Thanks for the intensity, sir. Your acting was… THE S**t!”
Another person wrote:
“RIP Clarence Williams III He had a fine career in theatre, film & tv but he made a real impact with me as Taft in Deep Cover. He had to play an overly earnest character but imbued him with passion & humanity.”
Director Rusty Cudieff, shared some touching words, saying:
“My sadness at the passing of Clarence Williams III cannot be overstated. His artistry and sheer coolness was extraordinary. I will forever be in his debt for his brilliant performance in Tales From the Hood. Loved working with him! Blessed travels good sir!”
Lenny Kravitz penned:
“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. From the Mod Squad, to Purple Rain and Sugar Hill, he always performed with dynamic energy. Rest in power, king.”
Take a look at some more heartfelt messages (below):
RIP Clarence Williams III. Coolest dude ever. You opened my eyes in "The Mod Squad" to the possibilities of equality and love that are desperately needed today. You will be missed. ???????? pic.twitter.com/bWxUqyVyvv
— ilikecrystals (@Real_ilcrystals) June 6, 2021
Oh man, Clarence Williams III = a legend. His performances were electric and downright intense. RIP https://t.co/PS9GQdjZYG
— Jerry Smith (@JerryisjustOK) June 6, 2021
Mod Squad broke new ground. Clarence Williams III broke new ground. You can draw a direct line from Clarence Williams III to both Denzel & Idris. It’s his MF moody blood running through The Kid in Purple Rain that’s the furnace of his pain & genius. Rest In Power
????????, Linc. https://t.co/Ge873htpIw
— Vernon Reid (@vurnt22) June 6, 2021
Clarence Williams III was a lot of things – but like so many other horror fans, he’ll always be Mr. Simms in TALES FROM THE HOOD to me. An exploitation-tinged take on The Cryptkeeper, the role was an all-timer during an era when most considered horror to be dead. Rest In Power. pic.twitter.com/guvn2icqRJ
— Ted Geoghegan (@tedgeoghegan) June 6, 2021
Farewell, Clarence Williams III.
— Jon Weisman (@jonweisman) June 6, 2021
Williams is survived by his sister Sondra Pugh, daughter Jamey Phillips, niece Suyin Shaw, grandnephews Elliot Shaw and Ese Shaw, and grandniece Azaria Verdin. Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time. R.I.P Clarence…
[Image via Nikki Nelson/WENN ]
The post <i>Mod Squad</i> & <i>Purple Rain</i> Actor Clarence Williams III Dies At 81 After Battling Colon Cancer appeared first on Perez Hilton.