Veteran actor Clarence Williams III, 81, passed away on Friday (June 5) due to colon cancer. Williams’ management team confirmed the news to TMZ on Sunday.

Williams broke out on Broadway winning a Tony for his performance in “Slow Dance on the Killing Ground,” but was best known for playing Detective Linc Hayes on “Mod Squad.”

Other notable performances of Williams’ included his portrayal of Prince’s father in “Purple Rain” and his role as Samson Simpson in Dave Chappelle’s cult classic, “Half Baked.”

Williams starred in a number of movie roles including, “The General’s Daughter,” “Reindeer Games,” “The Butler,” “Deep Cover,” “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” “Sugar Hill,” and “Tales from the Hood.”

What was your favorite Clarence Williams role?