Hal Williams Reflects on Private Benjamin Audition and Sitcom Challenges

Hal Williams recalled his audition and on-set difficulties playing Sgt. L.C. "Ted" Ross in the 1980 film Private Benjamin and its later CBS sitcom adaptation.

The original film, featuring Goldie Hawn, was shot over two months in Southern California. The sitcom ran for three seasons, ending in 1983.

Williams revealed that casting initially resisted considering him for the role.

"They didn't want to bring me in," said Hal Williams, actor.

The audition changed when he read scenes directly with Goldie Hawn.

"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," said Hal Williams, actor.

Williams described the film production as highly enjoyable.

"[I] just had a great time with Eileen and Goldie and everybody. ... It was really the best fun I've had ever," said Hal Williams, actor.

However, the sitcom adaptation brought challenges as new CBS production staff sought to alter character dynamics.

"[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," said Hal Williams, actor.

Network executives attempted to change his character's relationship with co-star Eileen Brennan, who played the captain.

"They didn't want me to be tight with Eileen [Brennan], who was a captain and defending Benjamin all the time. There was an episode that I almost got fired over because they wanted me to say some things that I had never done before," said Hal Williams, actor.

The conflict escalated when Williams refused to deliver scripted lines that conflicted with his character's established behavior.

"One of the executives at Warner Bros. [said], 'Hal, you're gonna say that line.' I say, 'I'm not gonna say that line.' Why would I? I've never talked to her that way," said Hal Williams, actor.

Despite threats of termination, Williams stood firm until the script was modified.

"They call my agent. They threaten me with all kinds of stuff. They modified it somewhat, but they were ready to fire me over that because they didn't want to listen to what the show had been up to that point," said Hal Williams, actor.