William Smith, Tough-Guy Actor of Film and TV, Dies at 88
William Smith, best known for his tough-guy roles and memorable TV appearances, died on July 5, 2021, in Woodland Hills, California.
Smith’s wife, Joanne Cervelli Smith, confirmed he passed away at the Motion Picture and Television Fund’s Country House and Hospital. No cause of death was disclosed.
With a career spanning nearly eight decades, Smith made a lasting impression as the rugged James “Kimo” Carew in Hawaii Five-O and as the last Marlboro Man featured in tobacco television ads. He also starred in a range of popular series including Rich Man, Poor Man, The Virginian, The Asphalt Jungle, Laredo, and Zero One.
Born in Columbia, Missouri, Smith began acting as a child and worked steadily in Hollywood throughout his life. Offscreen, he was known for his physical strength and athleticism, which made him a natural fit for the villain roles and intense fight scenes that became his trademark.
He was married twice. His first marriage, to Michele Smith, ended in divorce after the couple had one child. He later married Joanne Cervelli, who remained by his side until his death.