Clarence Williams III, 'The Mod Squad' and 'Purple Rain' star, dead at 81 from cancer

Clarence Williams III died June 4 at his home in Los Angeles after a battle with colon cancer, his manager Allan Mindel said Sunday, June 6, 2021. He was 81. Photo: AP

Clarence Williams III, an actor known for portraying Linc Hayes on The Mod Squad and Prince's father in Purple Rain, died on June 4. He was 81.

Williams' management confirmed his death to Variety, citing the cause as colon cancer.