Hal Williams Recalls Private Benjamin Audition and On Set Struggles

Actor Hal Williams reflected on his role as Sgt. L.C. "Ted" Ross in the 1980 film "Private Benjamin" and its subsequent CBS sitcom adaptation, detailing both his audition experience and creative tensions with studio executives.

Williams originally appeared alongside Goldie Hawn in the hit feature film before reprising his character for the television version, which ran for three seasons before ending its broadcast run in 1983.

During a 2024 interview with "The Waltons" star Judy Norton, the actor disclosed that the movie's casting team initially resisted bringing him in for the role of the drill sergeant.

"didn't want to bring me in" [said] Hal Williams, Actor.

He recalled that the audition turned around when he had the opportunity to read directly with Hawn on the day he arrived.

"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.

Production for the feature film took place over two months in Southern California, creating fond memories for the cast before the property transitioned to small-screen television.

"[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.

Transitioning to the CBS sitcom adaptation proved more difficult for Williams as network leadership brought in new production staff who sought changes to the show's established 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 tried to alter his character's demeanor and diminish his onscreen rapport with co-star Eileen Brennan, who played the role of 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 creative conflict escalated when studio leadership insisted on specific dialogue changes that Williams refused to deliver, leading to threats of termination from his management.

"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 the studio pressure, Williams stood his ground until the executives agreed to alter the script lines rather than recast the role.

"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.

Separately, Hawn showcased her outdoor home design in a TikTok video, featuring lush potted palms in black containers against white marble tiles on her patio.

Gardening experts like David Denyer of Eflorist noted that moving potted plants near brick or stone structure walls helps shield tropical greenery from early fall freeze by releasing stored daytime warmth overnight.