'The Mod Squad' actor Clarence Williams III dead at 81

• Clarence Williams III has died at the age of 81, Entertainment Weekly reported.
• Williams died Friday in Los Angeles of colon cancer.
• He was a Broadway performer before he starred as "Linc" in "The Mod Squad" from 1968 to 1973.

Clarence Williams III, who starred in the ABC series "The Mod Squad," died Friday of colon cancer, Entertainment Weekly confirmed.

Williams was 81.

Before he starred as "Linc" on "The Mod Squad" from 1968 to 1973, Williams was a Broadway performer.

He was once nominated for a Tony for his performance in William Hanley's "Slow Dance on the Killing Ground." Williams also performed in "Purple Rain," the musical drama that marked Prince's acting debut.