Hal Williams Reflects on Classic 'Private Benjamin' and '227' Roles

Hal Williams, a veteran actor known for his roles in 'Private Benjamin' and '227,' recently opened up about his time on set in an interview with 'The Waltons' star Judy Norton.

Williams revealed that the casting team for 'Private Benjamin' didn't initially want him to play the role of Sgt. L.C. "Ted" Ross, but he was brought in anyway after impressing Goldie Hawn during an audition.

For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Key Analysis and Detailed Timeline

'Luckily, the day I came in for my audition, Goldie Hawn was there, and Goldie read with me,' Williams stated. 'Goldie had on some slacks and a blouse and a big gold belt and we did the scene where I threw her off the bus.'

The cast and crew spent eight wonderful weeks in Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, California, filming the movie. Williams described his experience on set as 'really the best fun I've had ever,' adding that he just had a great time with Eileen Brennan and Goldie Hawn.

However, Williams noted that working on the 'Private Benjamin' series wasn't without its challenges due to changes made '[It was] a lot of little things...I was glad for the opportunity, and I made the best of it. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't nearly as great as the movie,' he shared.

Read More: Steven Spielberg and David Bochco: The Unlikely Collaboration

Broader Impact and Sector Outlook

In his interview with Judy Norton, Williams also discussed his experience working on '227.' The actor revealed that studio executives tried to change his character and limit his interactions with Eileen Brennan's character. '[They didn't want me to be tight with Eileen...There was an episode that I almost got fired over because they wanted me to say some things that I had never done before,' he explained.

After his time on 'Private Benjamin' and '227,' Williams continued to have a steady acting career until 2025. Just one year later, in July 2026, Hal Williams passed away at the age of 91.

Hal Williams had a pivotal role as Sgt. L.C. "Ted" Ross on the CBS series "Private Benjamin," and he also appeared in the classic 1980 film of the same name starring Goldie Hawn.

The three-season sitcom concluded its run in 1983, just two years before the late actor would star as beloved family patriarch Lester Jenkins on "227." In a 2024 interview with "The Waltons" star Judy Norton, Williams revealed that the film's casting team "didn't want to bring me in" to play the drill sergeant "but they brought me in" anyway. "Luckily, the day I came in for my audition, Goldie Hawn was there, and Goldie read with me," he stated.

"Goldie had on some slacks and a blouse and a big gold belt and we did the scene where I threw her off the bus." Williams noted that the cast and crew "spent eight wonderful, wonderful weeks in Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, California," filming the movie. "[I] just had a great time with Eileen and Goldie and everybody. ...

It was really the best fun I've had ever," he added.