Actor Clarence Williams III, widely known for the crime drama series `The Mod Squad` and comedy film `Half Baked`, has passed away at the age of 81 due to colon cancer. The veteran actor`s management team confirmed the news of his demise on Sunday, saying Williams had actually passed away on Friday in Los Angeles due to colon cancer, reported TMZ.

Williams` career had spanned over five decades. He had a long history with his craft. The late star started his acting career in the 60s as a theatre actor and broke through on Broadway with a Tony award for his work in the movie `Slow Dance on the Killing Ground.`