You Forgot Hal Williams Starred in the ‘Private Benjamin’ Sitcom
Hal Williams: From Private Benjamin to 227 — A TV Legend’s Story
ELI5 Note: This article tells the story of Hal Williams, a talented actor who played a strict but funny sergeant in both a famous movie and a TV show. We’ll explain everything simply — like you’re 5 years old!
Who Was Hal Williams?
Hal Williams was a wonderful actor who made people laugh and think for many, many years. Think of him like that favorite teacher or coach who could be strict but also really kind and funny. He acted in movies and TV shows from the 1970s all the way until 2025 — that’s over 50 years of acting!
His most famous roles:
- Sgt. L.C. "Ted" Ross in Private Benjamin (both the movie AND the TV show)
- Lester Jenkins (the dad) in the hit sitcom 227
The Movie: Private Benjamin (1980)
What Was This Movie About?
Imagine a rich, spoiled lady named Judy Benjamin (played by Goldie Hawn) who joins the Army by mistake. She has to learn how to be a soldier — and it’s hilarious! Hal Williams played Sgt. Ross, the tough drill sergeant who yells at the new recruits.
The Amazing Audition Story
Hal shared a wonderful story in a 2024 interview with Judy Norton (from The Waltons). Here’s what happened:
- The casting team wasn’t sure about him — they "didn’t want to bring me in" for the part
- But they brought him in anyway — lucky for us!
- Goldie Hawn herself read lines with him during the audition
- She wore slacks, a blouse, and a big gold belt (very 1980s stylish!)
- They acted out the scene where Sgt. Ross throws Judy off the bus
IMPORTANT POINT: Goldie Hawn — a huge movie star — took time to help a new actor during his audition. That shows how kind she was!
Filming Was "The Best Fun Ever"
- Where: Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, California (a real Army base!)
- How long: 8 whole weeks
- Who he worked with: Goldie Hawn, Eileen Brennan, and the whole cast
- Hal’s words: "It was really the best fun I’ve had ever"
The TV Show: Private Benjamin (1981–1983)
From Movie to Series
After the movie was a hit, CBS made a TV show version. Hal kept playing Sgt. Ross for three seasons (1981–1983). Eileen Brennan played Captain Doreen Lewis (she was in the movie too!).
But It Wasn’t All Fun…
Hal was honest in his interview — he didn’t love the TV show as much. Here’s why:
| The Problem | What Happened |
|---|---|
| New producers came in | They wanted to change the show |
| They tried to change Hal’s character | They wanted Sgt. Ross to be different — "diminish" him |
| They didn’t want him close to Capt. Lewis | Even though they were friends in the movie |
| They wrote lines that didn’t fit | Hal almost got fired for refusing to say one! |
Hal Stood Up for His Character
Hal said: "One of the executives at Warner Bros. said, ‘Hal, you’re gonna say that line.’ I say, ‘I’m not gonna say that line.’ Why would I? I’ve never talked to her that way."
What happened next:
- The studio called his agent
- They threatened him
- They compromised a little (changed the line slightly)
- But they were ready to fire him for standing his ground!
LESSON: Hal knew his character better than the bosses did. He protected Sgt. Ross’s personality — that takes courage!
Later Career: 227 and Beyond
Becoming Lester Jenkins (1985)
Just two years after Private Benjamin ended, Hal landed his most beloved role: Lester Jenkins on 227.
- The show: A sitcom about neighbors in a Washington, D.C. apartment building
- His character: The patient, loving husband to Marla Gibbs’ feisty Mary Jenkins
- Why people loved him: He was the calm center of a chaotic, funny household
He Never Stopped Acting
- Worked steadily for decades
- Last role: 2025 (one year before he passed)
- Total career: Over 50 years on screen!
A Long, Full Life
Hal Williams passed away in July 2026 at age 91. He left behind:
- A legacy of memorable characters
- Stories of standing up for what’s right
- Decades of laughter he gave to audiences
Summary: The Hal Williams Story in a Nutshell
| Phase | Role | Years | Key Memory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movie | Sgt. Ross | 1980 | Goldie Hawn read with him; "best fun ever" |
| TV Series | Sgt. Ross | 1981–1983 | Stood up to producers; almost fired |
| Breakthrough | Lester Jenkins | 1985–1990 | Beloved TV dad on 227 |
| Legacy | Actor | 1970s–2025 | 50+ year career; passed at 91 |
The Big Takeaway: Hal Williams wasn’t just a funny guy in a uniform — he was an actor who cared deeply about his characters and stood up for them, even when powerful people disagreed.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Did Hal Williams play the same character in the movie and the TV show?
Yes! He played Sgt. L.C. "Ted" Ross in both the 1980 Goldie Hawn movie Private Benjamin and the CBS sitcom that ran for three seasons (1981–1983).
2. Why did Hal almost get fired from the TV show?
The new producers wanted him to say a line that didn’t match his character. Hal refused because Sgt. Ross would never talk to Captain Lewis that way. The studio threatened to fire him, but they compromised after he stood his ground.
3. Was Goldie Hawn nice to him?
Absolutely! Hal said Goldie personally read lines with him during his audition — wearing a "big gold belt" — and they had "eight wonderful weeks" filming together. He called it "the best fun I’ve had ever."
4. What was Hal’s most famous role?
Many people remember him best as Lester Jenkins on 227 (1985–1990), the patient, loving husband to Marla Gibbs’ character. But his Sgt. Ross in Private Benjamin was his first big break!
5. How long did Hal Williams act?
Over 50 years! He started in the 1970s (shows like Sanford and Son) and worked all the way until 2025. He passed away in July 2026 at 91 years old.
Final Thought: Hal Williams taught us that you can be tough and kind, strict and funny — and that sometimes, the most important line you deliver is the one where you stand up for what’s right.