'The Mod Squad' Actor Clarence Williams III Dies At 81

Actor Clarence Williams III, popularly known for his portrayal as a cool detective Linc Hayes on "The Mod Squad," passed away on June 4 at the age of 81.

Williams died due to colon cancer at his home in Los Angeles, according to his managers. Williams was born in New York City in 1939 and began his career in 1960 by appearing on Broadway in "The Long Dream." He continued working on stage until 1964.

His stage works include "Walk in Darkness," "Sarah and the Sax" and "Doubletalk." "Slow Dance on the Killing Ground," which was written by William Hanley in 1964, became his breakout theatrical role as he won a Tony Award nomination for his stellar performance in it.

His big break on television happened on the popular ABC network's police TV series, in which he portrayed Hayes' character from 1968 to 1973. After the series came to an end, the actor went on to work in "Purple Rain," which released in 1984, 1986's crime movie named "52 Pick-Up" and "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka."

He once again portrayed a detective in "Deep Cover," a 1992 action thriller film that also featured Larry Fishburne. The actor last appeared in the movie "The Butler" in which he played Maynard's character.

As for his work on television, the actor portrayed Philby's character in the "Mystery Woman" franchise from 2005 to 2007.

The actor was married to Obie Award-winning actress Gloria Foster. The couple tied the knot in 1967.

Celebrities took to Twitter on Sunday to mourn the actor's death.

Comedian Leslie Jones shared throwback photos of her with the actor. In the caption, she wrote, "When I heard Clarence Williams III Had passed I rem the night I met him at Dan Tanas in the summer of 1997!"

"I ask for a pic with my disposal camera," Jones continued. "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"

Hallmark channel's official Twitter handle also paid a tribute to the actor.

Meanwhile, film director Lee Daniels shared a photo with the actor and wrote, "An extraordinary actor. Revolutionary. Ahead of his time. What an honor to work with this man on THE BUTLER. Rest in Power."