Clarence Williams III Tragic Cause of Death Confirmed: 'Purple Rain' Actor Dead at 81, Obituary, Details And More Clarence Williams III, popularly known for his roles in "The Mod Squad" and "Purple Rain", has passed away at the age of 81. In an obituary published by Variety, the actor's management confirmed that his cause of death is colon cancer. Williams was born on August 21, 1939. He spent his early days in New York City where he was born and raised. As a kid, the late actor was exposed to acting and music as his father was a professional muscisian, he was also raised by his grand mother who's a singer and an actress, as well as his grand father who's a composer and pianist.