American actor Treat Williams, who is best known for his roles in the 1979 film Hair and The WB's Everwood series (2002–2006), died on Monday after a motorcycle accident in the town of Dorset in Vermont, state police said in a statement. He was 71. The Vermont State Police said that Williams' motorcycle collided with a Honda SUV that was turning left into a parking lot. The statement read, "Williams was unable to avoid a collision and was thrown from his motorcycle. He suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, where he was pronounced dead." The news was also confirmed by the actor's publicist Barry McPherson, who told People Magazine, "I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented. He was an actor’s actor. Filmmakers loved him. He’s been the heart of Hollywood since the late 1970s."
Born as Richard Treat Williams, the Connecticut-born actor lived in Manchester Center in southern Vermont and made his big screen debut in 1975 in Deadly Hero, while going on to make appearances in Once Upon a Time in America, Prince of the City, and The Eagle Has Landed to name a few notable films. He also earned a Golden Globe Award nomination for his role as hippie leader George Berger in the 1979 film adaptation of the hit musical Hair. Williams subsequently landed roles in several big television shows but continues to be remembered for playing Dr. Andrew Brown on Everwood, which aired from 2002 to 2006. The show saw him play the role of a widowed brain surgeon from Manhattan and father of two, who moves to the Colorado mountain town of the same name. He also landed a recurring role as Lenny Ross on the popular television show, Blue Bloods. Williams also made a big impression in theater and appeared on hit stage shows like Grease and Pirates of Penzance.
The news of Treat Williams' passing has come as a big shock to many in Hollywood and celebrities have been paying their tributes on social media. Actor William Baldwin wrote on Twitter, "He had it all. Smart. Talented. Funny. Charming. Successful. Handsome. Compassionate. Heart of gold. And that name… Treat Williams. He truly and deeply cared about what’s going on here in America and around the world. Climate change, social justice, freedom, truth, tolerance… love. Beloved by his family, friends, fans, colleagues… his community. A terrible loss. You will be missed. Rest in power Treat. (sic)"
He had it all.
— Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) June 13, 2023
Smart.
Talented.
Funny.
Charming.
Successful.
Handsome.
Compassionate.
Heart of gold.
And that name… Treat Williams.
He truly and deeply cared about what’s going on here in America and around the world. Climate change, social justice, freedom, truth, tolerance…… pic.twitter.com/7cKP4nETTz
James Woods tweeted, "Treat and I spent months in Rome filming Once Upon a Time in America. It can be pretty lonely on the road during a long shoot, but his resilient good cheer and sense of humor was a Godsend. I really loved him and am devastated that he’s gone. #RIP #TreatWilliams" (sic).
Treat and I spent months in Rome filming Once Upon a Time in America. It can be pretty lonely on the road during a long shoot, but his resilient good cheer and sense of humor was a Godsend. I really loved him and am devastated that he’s gone. #RIP #TreatWilliams pic.twitter.com/2FTBNJJ6lW
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) June 13, 2023
