Actor Clarence Williams III, famously known for his work in “Purple Rain” and “Mod Squad” passed away at the age of 81. Williams was battling with colon cancer, which also caused his death.
The news was confirmed by Clarence Williams’ manager Peg Donegan, who stated that the actor died on Friday at his home in Los Angeles.
Born in 1939 in the New York City, Williams began his acting career with “Dark of the Moon”. Later, he starred in various theatres performances and several shows and movies such as “52 Pick-Up,” “Against the Wall,” “Reindeer Games,” “Purple Rain,” “The General’s Daughter,” “American Gangster,” “Half Baked” and “Lee Daniels’ The Butler.”
Besides, the legendary actor also won Theatre World Award and a Tony nomination for his work in “Slow Dance in the Killing Ground”.
As the news surfaced, Williams’ fans and other celebrities paid tribute to the actor. Singer and songwriter Lenny Kravitz honored Williams via Twitter. He tweeted, “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.”
Other than that, comedian and singer Leslie Jones also took to Twitter to pay her tribute to Late Clarence Williams III by sharing her picture meeting the actor. She wrote, “When I heard Clarence Williams III had passed I rem the night I met him at Dan Tanas in the summer if 1997! I ask for a pic with my disposal camera. He took the camera and directed every one of these pics! He was one of the nicest people I ever met. And very funny! RIP&TY #ICON”
Died at the age of 81 by colon cancer, Williams is survived by his sister Sondra Pugh, daughter Jamey Phillips, niece Suyin Shaw, grandnephews Elliot Shaw and Ese Shaw and grandniece Azaria Verdin.