Clarence Williams III (August 21, 1939 – June 4, 2021) was an American actor. He was best known for his starring role as Linc Hayes on the television series The Mod Squad (1968–73). He also appeared in films such as Purple Rain, 52 Pick-Up, Tales from the Hood, Hoodlum, Deep Cover, Half Baked, Life, American Gangster, and Reindeer Games, and was a Tony Award-nominated stage actor. (Via Wikipedia)