Beloved 'Naked Gun' Actor Ed Williams Passes Away at 98, Days After Co-star Diane Keaton's Death
The entertainment world faces a double tragedy as Ed Williams, the deadpan scientist from beloved comedy classic The Naked Gun series, passed away peacefully at 98 - mere days after his co-star Diane Keaton's death. Williams' granddaughter Stephanie confirmed the news, sharing that the actor "slipped away surrounded by family, still making us smile until the end."
Williams carved his place in comedy history through his iconic portrayal of lab technician Ted Olson in both Police Squad! (1982) and all three Naked Gun films. His dry delivery and perfect comic timing became signature elements of the franchise, with fans particularly cherishing his mock-serious explanations of absurd scientific scenarios.
Industry colleagues remember Williams as the "quiet maestro" of physical comedy. "Ed could make an EPA water quality report sound hilarious," recalled producer Robert K. Weiss. "His commitment to playing everything straight was what made the satire work."
The consecutive losses of Williams and Keaton (who played his love interest in the original series) within days creates poignant symmetry for fans. Entertainment historian Mara Wilson notes: "Their on-screen dynamic represented a very specific brand of smart absurdist humor that influenced a generation of comedians."
Williams is survived by three children and seven grandchildren. While no public memorial is planned, fans worldwide continue sharing favorite Ted Olson scenes across social media - a testament to how his work continues delivering laughter decades later.