Ed Williams, ‘The Naked Gun’ Actor and Beloved Teacher, Dies at 98

Hollywood has lost another comedy legend. Ed Williams, the actor and former broadcasting teacher best known for his deadpan role as scientist Ted Olsen in Police Squad! and The Naked Gun films, died on October 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. He was 98.

His granddaughter, Stephanie Williams, confirmed his passing, calling him “a man who lived with purpose, humor, and heart until the very end.”

Born in San Jose in 1926, Williams served in the U.S. Navy before beginning his career in broadcasting. He worked as a radio salesman and announcer before teaching broadcasting at Los Angeles City College, where he inspired generations of students.

His acting career began later in life, when he was cast as Ted Olsen in Police Squad!, created by the team behind Airplane!. His straight-faced scientific demonstrations and absurd explanations—such as solemnly defining “rock” for Leslie Nielsen’s Lt. Frank Drebin—became iconic moments in comedy.

Beyond The Naked Gun, Williams appeared in MacGyver, Matlock, L.A. Law, and The Bold and the Beautiful, and in films like Father of the Bride and Carnosaur. He retired from acting after a 2010 appearance on House but continued performing virtually in 2022–2023.

Williams is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons, Fred and Ian; and grandchildren, Maureen and Stephanie.

Co-star Priscilla Presley remembered his “gentle humor and warmth.” At 98, Ed Williams leaves behind a timeless reminder that it’s never too late to make people laugh.