Famed Actor, Clarence Williams III, of "Purple Rain" and "Tales From The Hood" Has Died.

Famed actor, Clarence Williams III has died at his home in Los Angeles after battling colon cancer, his manager Peg Donegan told CNN in a statement Sunday.

Whether you're old enough to know Clarence Williams III from "The Mod Squad" or was recently introduced to him through "Lee Daniels: The Butler", he definitely made an impact.

I was first introduced to Williams in the 1984 film "Purple Rain" where he played Prince's abusive father. After watching his compelling performance, I knew instantly that he was a man who was dedicated to his craft. I had no idea where he got his start but, I knew he had to have been in the game a while.

As it turns out, he had.

Born August 21, 1939 in New York, Williams got his start in the theater.

His performance in "Slow Dance on the Killing Ground" won him a Theatre World Award and a Tony nomination, the statement said.

He began his career in a production of "Dark of the Moon," and appeared on Broadway in "The Great Outdoors."

Along with his theatre performances, Williams also starred in several shows and movies, including: "52 Pick-Up," "Against the Wall," "Reindeer Games," "Purple Rain," "The General's Daughter," "American Gangster," "Half Baked" and "Lee Daniels' The Butler" and let's not forget the cult classic "Tales From The Hood" where he played the creepy undertaker!

Williams is survived by his sister Sondra Pugh, daughter Jamey Phillips, niece Suyin Shaw, grandnephews Elliot Shaw and Ese Shaw and grandniece Azaria Verdin, the statement said.

Williams was 81.