What made Clarence Williams III not just a familiar face but a financially successful one in the entertainment world?
Best known for his role as Linc Hayes in The Mod Squad, he crafted a career spanning decades with a mix of stage, television, and film work.
From Broadway nominations to cult classic roles, his legacy is reflected in more than just performances—it’s also seen in the wealth he accumulated. Let’s break down Clarence Williams III net worth, his key earnings, and how he shaped a financial path across multiple genres.
Clarence Williams III Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Clarence Williams III |
| Popular Name | Clarence Williams III |
| Birth Date | August 21, 1939 |
| Age (as of 03/27/2025) | 81 (Died:June 4, 2021 ) |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Education | N/A |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Gloria Foster (m. 1967–1984) |
| Children | None |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Clay Williams |
| Height (meters) | 1.8 meters |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting (Stage, Film, Television) |
What is the Net Worth Of Clarence Williams III in 2025?
As of 2025, Clarence Williams III’s net worth remains estimated at $2 million. Although he passed away in 2021, his financial legacy continues to be a topic of public interest.
The estimate is based on his lifelong work in television, film, and stage—particularly his iconic role in The Mod Squad and films like Purple Rain and Half Baked.
Unlike stars with sprawling business ventures, his wealth was built almost entirely on acting. While this puts him below Hollywood’s mega-earners, it positions him among consistent performers with long-term careers.
Related names in his sphere include:
- Prince
- Dave Chappelle
- Gloria Foster
- Michael Cole
- Peggy Lipton
- Wesley Snipes
- Kellie Martin
- Brandeis University
- Hallmark Channel
- TNT
For those exploring financial profiles of celebrities, check out our list of high-earning public figures to see how others compare.
Clarence Williams III Wealth, Salary and Financial overview
How did he earn his wealth throughout his career?
His earnings began with Broadway. In 1964, Clarence earned a Tony Award nomination for Slow Dance on the Killing Ground, a recognition that opened doors in television.
His defining breakthrough came in 1968 with The Mod Squad, playing Linc Hayes across 123 episodes. That consistent role brought him national attention and steady income.
Later, he seamlessly moved into film and TV work. His performances in Purple Rain, where he portrayed Prince’s father, and in Half Baked as Samson Simpson, proved memorable.
He also took recurring roles in long-running series like Mystery Woman and Justified, securing a steady stream of income without the volatility of box office performance.
What were his most financially significant roles?
His most lucrative roles spanned television and cult cinema. The Mod Squad was a steady paycheck, but roles in films like Purple Rain had long-lasting value due to royalties and cultural impact. Half Baked, despite being a comedy, gained cult status, bringing continued relevance.
He also appeared in American Gangster as Bumpy Johnson and had a recurring role in the Hallmark Channel’s Mystery Woman series as Philby. Each project added to his financial portfolio.
How did his acting career influence his financial profile?
His finances reflected a career built on volume, versatility, and legacy. The longevity of his roles—from Twin Peaks to Burn Notice—showcases an actor in demand.
Though he didn’t command blockbuster salaries, he found consistent work in respected productions.
His recurring TV appearances were especially important financially. Appearances on Cold Case, Law & Order, Justified, and Empire diversified his revenue.
Voice work in American Dragon: Jake Long gave him exposure in animation, expanding his reach and residuals.
What were his sources of income apart from acting?
Primarily, Clarence was a performer. While many celebrities branch into business, there’s no public record of such ventures from him.
His primary income was purely entertainment-based: theater, television, film, and limited voice work.
He also held a residency at Brandeis University, which may have offered additional income and status in the arts community.
Despite his long career, he led a relatively low-profile lifestyle, with no known commercial endorsements or brand deals.
What is known about his lifestyle and financial habits?
Clarence stayed out of tabloids. There’s no record of extravagant spending, high-profile assets, or business investments.
He lived privately, which made tracking his financial habits difficult. He wasn’t known for philanthropy either—his life revolved around craft, not celebrity.
While many stars chase flashy assets, Clarence stayed grounded. This possibly preserved his wealth over time, especially post-retirement from mainstream media.
How did his marriage and personal life affect his financial legacy?
He married actress Gloria Foster in 1967. They acted together in The Mod Squad and The Cool World, and although they divorced in 1984, they remained close.
The two had no children, and there’s no public record of estate disputes or legal financial battles.
With no heirs or dependents mentioned, it’s unclear where his estate was directed after his passing. However, the amicable nature of his divorce suggests a smooth financial transition.
What was the legacy of his financial success after his passing?
He passed on June 4, 2021, at 81, after battling colon cancer. His financial legacy is remembered for consistency, rather than luxury. A modest yet impactful $2 million net worth left behind a legacy of solid work across mediums.
He was laid to rest in New York, and tributes from the industry praised not just his talent but his integrity—an actor who chose substance over flash, building a sustainable financial legacy through art.
Conclusion
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