Introduction
Clarence Williams III was an American actor known for his roles in both TV shows and movies. He had a successful career that spanned over five decades, and he was widely recognized for his unique acting style and powerful performances. In this blog post, we will explore the life and career of Clarence Williams III, from his early years to his personal life with his wife Kelly.
Early Life and Career
Clarence Williams III was born on August 21, 1939, in New York City. He grew up in a creative environment, as his father was a jazz musician and his mother was a singer. Williams III was interested in acting from a young age, and he began his career in theater in the early 1960s.
One of his early breakthroughs was his role in the Broadway production of “Slow Dance on the Killing Ground” in 1964. This led to his first film role in “The Cool World” (1963), where he played a gang leader. Williams III continued to work in theater and film throughout the 1960s, and he gained recognition for his powerful performances and unique acting style.
TV Shows and Movies
TV Shows
Clarence Williams III is best known for his roles in TV shows such as “The Mod Squad” (1968-1973) and “Twin Peaks” (1990-1991). In “The Mod Squad,” he played Linc Hayes, one of three young undercover detectives who solve crimes while trying to maintain their cool image. The show was groundbreaking at the time, as it featured a diverse cast and tackled social issues such as drug abuse and racism.
In “Twin Peaks,” Williams III played FBI Agent Roger Hardy, who investigates the mysterious murder of a young woman in a small town. The show was a critical and commercial success, and it has since become a cult classic.
Movies
Clarence Williams III also had a successful career in movies, with notable roles in films such as “Purple Rain” (1984), “Sugar Hill” (1993), and “Half Baked” (1998). In “Purple Rain,” he played the role of the Kid’s father, who is a musician and abusive towards his family. The film was a commercial and critical success, and it launched the career of musician Prince.
In “Sugar Hill,” Williams III played the role of a gangster who helps a woman seek revenge against the people who killed her boyfriend. The film was a box office success, and it has since become a cult classic. In “Half Baked,” Williams III played the role of a retired drug dealer who helps the main character start a marijuana business.
Personal Life with Wife Kelly
Clarence Williams III was married to actress Gloria Foster from 1967 to 1984. After their divorce, he married his second wife, actress and singer Lee Chamberlin, in 1985. Chamberlin passed away in 2014, and Williams III later married his third wife, Kelly, in 2018.
Williams III was known for being a private person, and he rarely spoke about his personal life in interviews. However, he was known to be a devoted husband to his wives, and he was often seen attending events with them.
Conclusion
Clarence Williams III was a talented actor who had a successful career in both TV shows and movies. He was known for his unique acting style and powerful performances, and he was widely recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry. Although he passed away in 2021, his legacy lives on through his work and the impact he had on the industry.
