Born in New York, Williams began his career in a production of DARK OF THE MOON directed by Vinette Carroll. Williams has appeared on Broadway in THE GREAT OUTDOORS opposite Geraldine Page. He starred in SLOW DANCE ON THE KILLING GROUND for which he received a Tony nomination and a Theatre World Award. Also on Broadway he co-starred with Maggie Smith in Tom Stoppard's NIGHT AND DAY. He worked extensively at Joseph Papp's NY Shakespeare Festival. Under Mr. Papp's direction he starred in KING JOHN at the Delacorte Theatre.
Williams is widely recognized for portraying the role of Linc Hayes in the cult classic television series MOD SQUAD. During Williams' film career he had a long collaboration with John Frankenheimer starting with film 52 PICKUP, followed by AGAINST THE WALL, GEORGE WALLACE and REINDEER GAMES. He also appeared in THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER, PURPLE RAIN (as Prince's father), SUGAR HILL, HALF BAKED, DEEP COVER, HOODLUM, LIFE, and AMERICAN GANGSTER. Independent films include THE BRAVE, Johnny Depp's directorial debut, HAPPY HERE AND NOW for Michael Almereyda and the costume drama THE LEGEND OF 1900 directed by Giuseppe Tornatore.
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