A veteran professional actor who has co-starred as a television series regular in NINE, prime time, HIT series, and has established himself solidly in both the areas of comedy and drama. Hal's latest projects include Disney Family Channel's _Snow 2: Brain Freeze .
Works on behalf of the Sickle Cell Anemia foundation, appering as host of the annual Baton Rouge, LA telethon.
Originally from Columbus Ohio, he started out in community theater in Ohio in the 1960s while working for the Ohio Youth Commission.
Moved to Hollywood in 1968 and worked a regular job with the California Youth Authority to support his family while going out for auditions.
His acting mentors were the late Director, Ed Cambridge , of the famed Negro Ensemble Company and the late actor Robert "Bob" Nichols.
Met Marla Gibbs on the set of "The Jeffersons" . Some eight years later, she would later co-star on "227" , as his wife.
Best known for his roles as Lester Jenkins on the series "227, Sgt. L.C. ROSS in the feature film and tv series "Private Benjamin" , and the role of "Smitty The Cop" on the tv series "Sanford and Son".
Best friend of Ralph Waite and Marla Gibbs.
Friends with Redd Foxx , and Esther Rolle.
He was controversially fired from "The Jimmy Stewart Show" on racial grounds by its star James Stewart, who objected to a black actor ordering his character around on screen.
