Ed Williams was a man who knew that timing could change everything.
His life proves that patience, integrity, and dedication can lead to unexpected triumphs.
Few in Hollywood have left such a quietly unforgettable mark.
Edwin Wallace Williams, born on 26 November 1926 in San Jose, California, grew up during the Great Depression, a time that shaped his work ethic and love for storytelling.
He recalled in a 2017 interview that his family didn’t even have a radio, yet this absence sparked his lifelong fascination with the medium.
After serving in the U.S. Navy, Williams pursued acting in plays at San Jose State and Stanford, as well as in numerous radio productions led by Lillian Fontaine, mother of Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine.
In 1955, he moved to Los Angeles and began teaching at The Don Martin School of Radio and Television Arts and Sciences, putting his acting ambitions on hold for nearly 25 years.
Williams’ dedication to his students was unwavering.
'I do not approve of professors that go out and moonlight and make a lot of money on the side and neglect their classes. That used to make me mad to hear that.'
He taught subjects such as 'Top 40 Disc Jockeying,' mentoring future stars like 'Real' Don Steele and Bob Eubanks.
In 1961, he joined L.A. City College, teaching broadcasting while also working as a booth announcer at KCET television.
Even at the height of Hollywood’s allure, Williams prioritised his students, avoiding auditions for 24 years to remain committed to education.
By the mid-1970s, a lighter teaching schedule allowed him to return to acting.
'I felt like the [guy] who's been trained to be a surgeon, but he didn't quite get in the operating room.'
His breakthrough came in 1982 when he was cast as Ted Olson, the earnest lab scientist, in Police Squad!.
Williams appeared in six episodes before the show’s cancellation, only to be surprised when he was invited six years later to reprise the role in The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! in 1988.
He and Leslie Nielsen were the only two original cast members brought back for the film.
Ted Olson quickly became a fan favourite, known for bizarre inventions such as a cufflink dart and a Swiss-army shoe.
Williams praised working with Nielsen, saying: 'He was a consummate professional, and he really knew how to do it and do it well. I think he was superior.'
The franchise continued with The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear in 1991 and Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult in 1994, with Williams and Nielsen as the only actors to appear in all three films.
Outside the lab coat, Williams often played men of the cloth, guided by his agent’s preference for casting him in ministerial roles.
One of his most visible performances in this vein was in Father of the Bride (1991), where he officiated the wedding of Annie Banks (Kimberly Williams) and Bryan MacKenzie (George Newbern).
He described his participation as: 'I was grateful to be in it.'
Williams continued acting into his 90s, with his final credits in Hollywood Radio Players in 2022 and 2023 and a guest appearance on House in 2010.
He retired from teaching in 1989 after 28 years at L.A. City College, finally able to focus fully on acting.
Williams passed away on 2 October 2025 in Los Angeles, aged 98, with his granddaughter Stephanie Williams confirming the news.
He is survived by his wife Nancy, sons Fred and Ian, and grandchildren Stephanie and Maureen.
From a Depression-era childhood without a radio to a career that delighted audiences worldwide, Williams’ life was a testament to patience and integrity, showing that remarkable achievements can come at any stage of life.
What This Means For You
Ed Williams paused his acting career for 24 years to focus on teaching and mentoring students, dedicating himself to shaping the next generation of talent.
During that time, he taught future celebrities including Bob Eubanks and 'Real' Don Steele, leaving a lasting impact far beyond the classroom.
Later in life, he gained fame with Police Squad! and The Naked Gun films, proving that success can come at any stage.
Remarkably, he continued acting into his 90s, leaving a legacy of dedication, humour, and joy.
His story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passions, balance commitments, and make a meaningful difference—something we can all relate to, no matter our stage in life.
If you were inspired by Ed Williams’ journey from teacher to beloved character actor, you might appreciate another performer who made a lasting impact on film.
Penelope Milford also carved out a remarkable career, bringing depth and authenticity to her roles in Vietnam-era cinema.
Her story offers another glimpse into the lives of actors who left a meaningful mark both on screen and in audiences’ hearts.
Ed Williams, ‘Police Squad!’ and ‘Naked Gun’ Actor, Dies at 98 — Reports on Ed Williams’ death at age 98, confirmed by his granddaughter Stephanie Williams, and highlights his career in Police Squad! and The Naked Gun.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/m...liams-dead-police-squad-naked-gun-1236402916/
Ed Williams, 'Naked Gun' and 'Police Squad!' actor, dies at 98 in California — Coverage of Williams’ passing in Los Angeles, noting his role as Ted Olson and his impact on comedy films.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/naked-gun-police-squad-actor-ed-williams-dead-98
Ed Williams, 'The Naked Gun' and 'Police Squad!' Actor, Dies at 98 — Highlights Williams’ early life, including his birth in San Jose, California, and his upbringing during the Great Depression.
https://www.thewrap.com/ed-williams-the-naked-gun-police-squad-actor-dies/
Naked Gun legend and Diane Keaton co-star dies as family confirm death of beloved actor — Details some of Williams’ memorable gadgets in The Naked Gun films, including the cufflink dart and Swiss-army shoe.
https://www.themirror.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/naked-gun-ed-williams-dead-1450259
'Father of the Bride' and 'The Naked Gun' Actor Dead at 98 — Discusses Williams’ ministerial roles in films, including officiating a wedding in Father of the Bride, and confirms his survivors.
https://parade.com/news/ed-williams-father-of-bride-naked-gun-actor-dead-at-98-cause-of-death
What are your favourite memories of Ed Williams’ performances, and did Ted Olson’s quirky inventions in The Naked Gun make you laugh as much as they did us?
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Condolences to his loved ones 
