Clarence Williams III, who starred as the brooding undercover cop Lincoln Hayes on the countercultural 1968-73 ABC drama The Mod Squad, has died. He was 81.

Clarence Williams III, ‘The Mod Squad’ and ‘Purple Rain’ Actor, Dead at 81 Author: Myeisha Essex‍ Published: 3:22 PM PDT June 6, 2021 Updated: 3:22 PM PDT June 6, 2021 ...

Clarence Williams III, an actor known for portraying Linc Hayes on “The Mod Squad” and Prince’s father in “Purple Rain,” died on June 4. He was 81.

(AP) - Clarence Williams III, who played the cool undercover cop Linc Hayes on the counterculture series “The Mod Squad” and Prince’s father in “Purple Rain,” has died. He was 81.

Michael Cole in “The Mod Squad.” Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images Michael Cole as Peter Cochran and Clarence Williams III as Linc Hayes. Courtesy Everett Collection ...

Michael Cole, Clarence Williams III and Peggy Lipton on ‘The Mod Squad.’ Cole was born on July 3, 1940, and raised in Madison, Wisconsin.

(Getty Images) Cole is best known for his role as one of three young detectives on ABC's "The Mod Squad" from 1968 to 1973. The series also starred Peggy Lipton and Clarence Williams III.

Cole played Pete Cochran, one of the three young cops on “The Mod Squad.” Cole starred alongside Clarence Williams III and Peggy Lipton as one of the three delinquents-turned-undercover cops ...

Clarence Williams III, who played the cool undercover cop Linc Hayes on the counterculture series "The Mod Squad" and Prince's father in "Purple Rain," has died. He was 81.