Treat Williams has sadly passed way. He was 71.
The Everwood actor was tragically killed in a fatal motorcycle accident. The accident took place on Monday afternoon (June 12).
His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed the heartbreaking news:
“He was killed this afternoon. He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off.
I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented.”
He went on to say:
“He was an actor’s actor. Filmmakers loved him.
He’s been the heart of Hollywood since the late 1970s. He was really proud of his performance this year. He’s been so happy with the work that I got him. He’s had a balanced career.”
Treat skyrocketed to fame with his role as George Berger in the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical Hair back in 1979. Other film credits included Prince of the city, 127 Hours, and Once Upon A Time In America.
The beloved star portrayed Andrew “Andy” Brown on the WB series Everwood opposite Gregory Smith, Emily VanCamp, and Chris Pratt from 2002 to 2006. He joined the cast for an epic reunion event years ago.
Everwood creator Greg Berlanti took to social media to pay tribute to Treat. He posted a photo of Treat with his sister, and wrote:
“I can still feel the warmth of your presence.
I remember our first lunch like it was yesterday. Myself and my fellow producer were meeting you about playing Doctor Andy Brown. I was only 29 and had never worked with a star of your stature, let alone had lunch about anything I had written. I was shaking (it was only months after September 11th and the whole world was still shaking). The assignment by the studio was to somehow vibe and see if “you were Andy”. The lunch lasted hours and at the end you gave me a hug that made me feel like everything would be okay. My answer to the network after was that if we were able to capture half of Treat’s warmth, humor, wisdom and heart we would have a tv show.
I can still feel the warmth of your presence back then. People could feel it through the screen when watching Everwood. That was the secret magic of the show, every week you were giving the world a much needed hug. The kindness you showed me from that lunch through our time working together changed the course of my life and my own heart.
Your loss from this world, especially only weeks after the loss of the beloved John Beasley, is heartbreaking and inconceivable to me. My love and prayers for you and your beautiful family who you loved so dearly and always reminded me nothing was worth anything without.
I have many photos from that joyful time. This is the one I keep by my writing desk. It’s from our lunch after the Everwood pick up at upfronts, of you and my sister. I’ve always loved it because it reminds me of the best about this business. As it, and you, always will.”
The cast of Everwood have also started to pay tribute. Gregory Smith, who played his son Ephram on the series, said in a statement:
“this news is devastating. Treat was a wonderful man and a brilliant actor. Above all, he loved his family so much.
I’m very grateful for the time I got to spend as part of his extended TV family. He made an indelible impression on me during my most formative years. I will always cherish my time with treat and think fondly of his stories, his laugh, and his passion for adventure. I’m sending love to his family, Pam, Gil, and Elinor.
He will be deeply missed.”
Sarah Drew issued a statement as well:
“I’m utterly heartbroken by the tragic and sudden death of Treat Williams. My experience working with treat on Everwood was formative in my life and career.
We had a beautiful and extremely close-knit family during our years in Salt Lake City. I learned so much from Treat’s talent and leadership and we have lost a bright light today. My heart goes out to his family.”
Scott Wolf took to Instagram Story to pay his respects:
“I love him and his beautiful family. Broken-hearted.”
Emily Van Camp issued a statement on Monday:
“The many times we worked together – always wonderful and I was always excited for the next time.
Sending all my love to your family, Treat. Fly high my friend.”
Many celebrity friends and co-stars are also paying tribute to Treat.
Mark Hamill:
“Just heard the awful news that the world has lost Treat Williams. Such a wonderful person… such a gifted actor… such a treasured friend. I’m gutted.”
James Woods:
“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.”
Sam Neill:
“Terribly sad to hear Treat William died today, on the road. Treat was about the nicest, most likable guy you could imagine. How awful this is.”
Treat is survived bu his wife Pam Van Sant and their two children, Gil, 31, and Elinor, 25. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones during this devastating time.
