Van Williams was an American actor, best recognized for his roles in The Green Hornet, Bourbon Street Beat, and Surfside 6. He was born on February 27, 1934, in Fort Worth, Texas, and passed away on November 28, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Personal and Family Life
Van Williams was the son of Bernard Caldwell Williams and Priscilla Anne Jarvis. He married Drucilla Jane Greenhaw in 1953, but they divorced in 1956. He later married Vicki Lenore Flaxman in 1959, and they remained together until his death. Van had two children from his first marriage and three from his second.
Career
Van started his journey in acting after being encouraged by Elizabeth Taylor and her husband, producer Mike Todd, while working in Hawaii. He moved to Hollywood, where he soon landed roles in television. His most famous role was as Britt Reid, also known as The Green Hornet, alongside Bruce Lee. Though he found success in TV, he later transitioned to business ventures in telecommunications and real estate, stepping away from the entertainment industry.
Death and Legacy
Van Williams died of renal failure on November 28, 2016, at the age of 82. He was remembered for his iconic role in The Green Hornet and as a supportive friend to Bruce Lee. His contributions to television in the 1960s left a lasting impact on fans and the industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Fury of the Dragon | 1976-10-14 | Britt Reid |
| The Caretakers | 1963-08-21 | Dr. Larry Denning |
| The Green Hornet | 1974-03-21 | Britt Reid / The Green Hornet |
| The Runaways | 1975-04-01 | Joe Ringer |
| Red Nightmare | 1962-02-11 | Air Force Sergeant |
| Batman | 1966-07-30 | President Lyndon B. Johnson (voice) |
| Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story | 1993-05-07 | Green Hornet Director |
| Le Frelon vert | 2005-01-06 | Britt Reid / The Green Hornet |
| Colorado C.I. | 1978-05-26 | Capt. Cochran |
| The Night Rider | 1979-05-11 | Jim Hollister |