Treat Williams, star of the film Hair and television series Everwood, has died aged 71 after a motorcycle accident.
The actor’s agent confirmed to People that the screen star was killed on Monday when a car cut him off as he was making a turn on his motorcycle in Vermont.
“I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented," agent Barry McPherson said.
“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.”
It has been reported that the incident happened on Route 30 by Long Trail Auto near Dorset, Vermont at around 5pm.
Fire chief for Dorset Jacob Gribble said the incident involved Williams’ motorcycle and a single car, where the driver of the car did not see the turning bike.
The actor was the only injured party in the crash and he was airlifted to hospital in New York but pronounced dead on arrival.
Variety Magazine published a statement from his family which expressed their “shock”.
“As you can imagine, we are shocked and greatly bereaved at this time,” it read.
“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.”
Williams starred on stage in Stephen Sondheim’s Follies and as Danny Zuko in the original theatre version of Grease.
His big on-screen break came with the musical Hair in 1979, in which he played hippie George Berger. This led to him going on to record more than 130 screen credits. He was also well-known for starring in the US TV drama Everwood.
After Hair, Williams was able to land roles in Stephen Spielberg’s 1941 in 1979 before Once Upon A Time In America and Dead Heat in the 1980s.
He also appeared in Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead and Deep Rising in the late 1990s.
At the turn of the century, Williams began to appear in more television roles - including Chesapeake Shores, Blue Bloods and Chicago Fire as well as Everwood.
Born Richard Treat Williams, he is survived by his wife of 35 years Pam Van Sant and their two children.
In light of his death, John Travolta, Vanessa Hudgens, Billy Baldwin and Kim Cattrall were among the famous faces to pay tribute to Williams.
Travolta penned on social media: “Treat Williams and I got our start in NYC appearing in 2 Broadway shows, ‘Grease’ and ‘Over Here’.
“I’m so sorry Treat. My thoughts are with you and your family. You will be missed. Love, John.”
I’m in shock! RIP Dear Treat.
— Kim Cattrall (@KimCattrall) June 13, 2023
My condolences to Pam, Gilles, Ellie and the family. A wonderful actor and friend. pic.twitter.com/hurBQfejRu
Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall shared an image from their 1999 TV movie 36 Hours to Die, writing on Twitter: “I’m in shock! RIP Dear Treat. My condolences to Pam, Gilles, Ellie and the family. A wonderful actor and friend.”
Vanessa Hudgens, who played his on-screen daughter in the 2018 film Second Act, paid tribute to him on her Instagram story.
She shared: “He was a great movie dad and an even better human being. Treat Williams was a fantastic actor, a joy to be around, and the kindest soul. He will be missed.”
Hilaria Baldwin wrote: “We feel sick... Our hearts are broken... rest in peace, dear friend. Pam.. Gill, Elinor.. we send love.”
Backdraft actor Billy Baldwin, 60, tweeted: “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.”
