Overview

• Williams died Oct. 2 in Los Angeles at age 98, his granddaughter Stephanie Williams confirmed; no cause was disclosed.
• He debuted as lab scientist Ted Olson on ABC’s Police Squad! in 1982 and reprised the role in the original film trilogy released in 1988, 1991 and 1994.
• He and Leslie Nielsen were the only cast members to appear in both the TV series and the movies.
• Before his screen break he taught broadcasting and speech in Los Angeles, including a long tenure at Los Angeles City College, and formally retired from teaching in 1989.
• He often portrayed clergy, notably officiating the wedding in Father of the Bride, and continued performing into his 90s with work through 2023; survivors include his wife Nancy, sons Fred and Ian, and grandchildren Stephanie and Maureen.