“The heart of Hollywood” Treat Williams dead at 71
Richard Treat Williams, a Hollywood heavyweight with over 129 acting credits to his name, has passed away at the age of 71.
The actor was involved in a tragic accident with a car while riding his motorbike in Dorset, Vermont. Treat was the only person who sustained injuries in the crash, and while a helicopter was called in to airlift him to hospital, he sadly passed away.
As Dorset’s fire chief Jacob Gibble told People, investigators believed that the car’s driver had been turning and didn’t notice the motorbike.
And Treat’s agent of 15 years, Barry McPherson, said the same while confirming the news to the publication.
“He was killed this afternoon. He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off," McPherson said. "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. 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’s family later issued a statement regarding his passing to Deadline, where they shared that “it is with great sadness that we report that our beloved Treat Williams has passed away tonight in Dorset, Vermont after a fatal motorcycle accident.
“As you can imagine, we are shocked and greatly bereaved at this time. Treat was full of love for his family, for his life and for his craft, and was truly at the top of his game in all of it. It is all so shocking right now, but please know that Treat was dearly and deeply loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him.
“We are beyond devastated and ask that you respect our privacy as we deal with our grief. To all his fans, please know that Treat appreciated all of you and please continue to keep him in your hearts and prayers.”
Treat is survived by his wife of 35 years, Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gill and Ellie, as well as his significant Hollywood legacy.
He was a star across both the screen and stage over the course of his impressive career, with over 50 years of experience behind him. From Prince of the City to A Streetcar Named Desire, Hair, Chicago Fire, Everwood, and Miss Congeniality 2, he’d dipped his toes in a wide variety of content.
Treat won over fans and co-workers alike with his presence, and they felt the weight of his passing, taking to social media to share their grief, and to pay tribute to the late star.
“We are heartbroken over the passing of beloved … star of Chesapeake Shores, The Christmas House and so much more,” the Hallmark Channel wrote. “We will forever cherish him in our hearts, and extend our condolences to Treat’s family, friends, and loved ones.”
“Working with Treat Williams in Mamet’s Speed the Plow at Williamstown in ‘91 was the start of great friendship. Damn it, damn it. Treat, you were the best. Love you,” writer and director Justine Bateman shared.
“Treat Williams was a passionate, adventurous, creative man. In a short period of time, he quickly befriended me & his adventurous spirit was infectious. We worked on just 1 film together but occasionally connected over the years. Kind and generous with advice and support. RIP,” actor Wendell Pierce said of Treat.
And on behalf of many, actor Billy Baldwin noted down just a handful of the qualities he would remember his friend by, writing that “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.”
Images: Getty