As a recurring character on the 1984 to 1992 U.S. TV series "The Cosby Show," Joe Williams (1918 - 1999) played Al Hanks. Mr. Hanks was Clair Huxtable's father for four episodes during the series. As Bill Cosby’s father-in-law, Grandpa Al Hanks on this hit television series ("The Cosby Show") won greater public recognition than he had known for sometime in his public and professional career.

Before appearing on this sitcom, Williams was known widely as “the best ballad singer in the world.” He had often shared his music and his memories with very large radio audiences. Early in his career, Williams enjoyed performing in bands led by Erskine Tate, Coleman Hawkins and Lionel Hampton, before soaring to stardom with the Count Basie Band. During his lifetime, he received countless awards and made numerous musical recordings (approximately 58). Besides being on TV in "The Cosby Show," he also showed up in several big screen films "Cinderfella" (1960), "The Moonshine War" (1970), and "Petey Wheatstraw" (1977).

Williams worked regularly until his death in Las Vegas in March 1999 at the age of 80. He said, "A fact about my life that I truly like is that I have won a 'Public Star' on the Hollywood Walk of Fame."

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