Actor Dick Anthony Williams Passes Away

Dick Anthony Williams, a veteran actor perhaps best known for his role as Pretty Tony in "The Mack," died Thursday in Los Angeles, said his family and friends. The cause was not announced.

Born in Chicago on August 9, 1934, Williams had an extensive career on stage, films and television. Williams' film credits include "Five on the Black Hand Side," "The Jerk," "Mo' Better Blues" and "Edward Scissorhands," among others.

Williams also worked steadily on Broadway, earning Tony nominations for his roles in "What the Wine-Sellers Buy" and "Black Picture Show." He was a series regular on the 1990s drama "Homefront," and was featured in the mini-series "King," "American Playhouse" and "Our Family Honor." Williams had guest roles on episodic TV series such as "Dragnet," "The X-Files," "Martin" and "The Shield."

With Woodie King, Jr., Williams co-founded the New Federal Theatre (NFT) in New York, which showcased a multitude of African-American artists, including Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Phylicia Rashad and Denzel Washington, among others.

Williams was preceded in death by his wife, acclaimed actress Gloria Edwards. He is survived by his children, Mona, Jason and Mikah, and a host of family and friends.