Renowned actor Treat Williams, famous for his outstanding performances in the television series Everwood and the movie Hair, tragically died in a motorcycle accident in Vermont, according to state police. He was 71 years old.
According to the statement released by Vermont State Police, the incident occurred around 5 p.m. when a Honda SUV turning left into a parking lot collided with Williams’ motorcycle in the city of Dorset.
Despite wearing a helmet, the actor was unable to avoid the collision and was thrown from his motorcycle, sustaining critical injuries. He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, where he was sadly pronounced deceased.
The driver of the SUV suffered minor injuries and did not require hospitalization. Although the driver had signaled his intention to turn, he was not immediately stopped. Police continue to investigate the accident.
Richard Treat Williams, known artistically as Treat Williams, resided in Manchester Center in southern Vermont, according to authorities.
Barry McPherson, his agent, also confirmed the actor’s tragic passing. “I’m devastated. He was an extremely nice person and extremely talented,” McPherson told People magazine.
McPherson added, “He was an actor who inspired other actors. The filmmakers adored him. He’s been a Hollywood icon since the late 1970s.”
Originally from Connecticut, Williams made his film debut in 1975 playing a police officer in the film Deadly Hero. Throughout his career, he participated in more than 120 productions between television and film, including outstanding films such as The Eagle Has Landed, Prince of the City and Once Upon a Time in America.
His performance in the 1979 film version of the hit musical Hair, where he played hippie frontman George Berger, earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
Williams was also recognized for his starring role as Dr. Andrew Brown in the television series Everwood, which aired from 2002 to 2006. In that series, he played a widowed brain surgeon from Manhattan who moved with his two children to the picturesque Colorado mountain town of the same name.
In addition to his work in film and television, Williams also had a prominent involvement in theater, including Broadway productions such as Grease and Pirates of Penzance.
Colleagues and friends of the actor have praised his kindness, generosity and creativity. Actor James Woods shared on Twitter: “Treat and I spent months in Rome filming Once Upon a Time in America. Although being away from home for so long can be lonely, his resilient spirit and sense of humor were a blessing. I really loved him and I’m devastated by his departure.”
Writer, director and producer Justine Williams tweeted: “Working with Treat Williams on Mamet’s Speed the Plow in Williamstown in 1991 was the beginning of a great friendship. Damn, damn. Try, you were the best. I love you.”
Actor Wendell Pierce said on Twitter: “Treat Williams was a passionate, adventurous and creative man. Although we only worked together on one film, he quickly became a close friend. His adventurous spirit was contagious. Over the years, we connected on occasion and he was always kind and generous with his advice and support. Rest in peace.”
