Ed Williams, the beloved actor best known for his role as the deadpan scientist Ted Olson in Police Squad! and The Naked Gun film series, has died at the age of 98.
On Thursday, his granddaughter Stephanie Williams confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter he passed away on October 2 in Los Angeles.
A familiar face to generations of comedy fans, Williams first captured audiences with his straight-faced delivery opposite Leslie Nielsen in Police Squad!, the cult-favorite ABC series.Â
He later reprised the role of Ted Olson in the blockbuster Naked Gun movies, where his ‘scientific demonstrations’ became a fan-favorite running gag.
Beyond his work in comedy, Williams was frequently cast as a man of the cloth, playing reverends, priests and ministers throughout his decades-long career. Â
One of his most memorable turns came in 1991’s Father of the Bride, in which he officiated the wedding of Annie Banks (played by Kimberly Williams) and Bryan MacKenzie (George Newbern) in the beloved romantic comedy starring Steve Martin and Diane Keaton, who died of pneumonia at age 79 last week.
Ed Williams, the beloved actor best known for his role as the deadpan scientist Ted Olson in Police Squad! and The Naked Gun film series, has died at the age of 98
A familiar face to generations of comedy fans, Williams first captured audiences with his straight-faced delivery opposite Leslie Nielsen in Police Squad!, the cult-favorite ABC series
Williams’ warm screen presence and comedic timing made him a staple of both film and television for more than 40 years.
A cause of death was not immediately released.
The actor, who continued acting into his 90s, moved to Hollywood with his wife, Nancy, in 1955. Â
His other credits include Ratboy (1986), Nickel & Dime (1992), High Strung (1992) and Roger Corman’s Carnosaur (1993).
He also made cameos on Madame’s Place, Cheers, MacGyver, Hooperman, Matlock, L.A. Law, Sisters, Father Dowling Mysteries and House.
