Primetime Emmy Award-nominated actor, writer, and singer Treat Williams was killed in a motorcycle accident on Monday at age 71. News of his passing was confirmed by The Vermont State Police in a press release.
Williams is best known for his role as Dr. Andrew Brown in the television series Everwood. The show followed the story of a renowned neurosurgeon who moves to a small town in Colorado with his children after the death of his wife. Williams’ portrayal of Dr. Brown garnered critical acclaim and made him a household name among television audiences.
Additionally, Williams gained recognition for his role as Danny Ciello in the film Prince of the City, directed by Sidney Lumet. The movie is based on the true story of a New York City police detective who becomes involved in a corruption scandal. Williams’ performance in this gritty crime drama was highly praised by critics and solidified his reputation as a talented actor. His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
According to The Vermont State Police, Williams, of Manchester Center, Vermont, was driving a motorcycle and wearing a helmet when he collided with a car on Route 30 near Dorset. An initial investigation indicated that the driver of the car “stopped, signaled a left turn and then turned into the path of a northbound 1986 Honda VT700c motorcycle operated by Williams. 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 driver of the car had minor injuries and did not need to be hospitalized, according to Vermont State Police.
Richard Treat Williams was born on August 1, 1951, in Rowayton, Connecticut. He attended Franklin and Marshall College and later transferred to the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied theater. He made his Broadway debut in the musical Grease in 1972 and gained recognition for his role in the rock musical Hair in 1979.
After beginning his acting career in the 1970s, Williams quickly became recognized for his versatility and dedication to his craft. He mesmerized both critics and viewers alike with his memorable performances across various mediums, including film, television, and theater.
While Everwood and Prince of the City are among his most prominent works, Williams has a diverse body of work, and he is known for taking on a wide range of roles across various genres. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career, showcasing his versatility and acting prowess.
In film, Williams delivered remarkable portrayals in numerous iconic movies, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Williams made his film debut in the 1975 thriller film Deadly Hero. The following year he played a supporting role in The Ritz, a squeaky-voiced private detective looking for his suspect in a gay bathhouse. Williams’ range of characters, spanning from action films to heartfelt dramas, showcased his ability to immerse himself in each role and bring characters to life with depth and authenticity. In addition to his notable work in Prince of the City and Hair, Williams also appeared in Once Upon a Time in America, Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead, and 127 Hours, among many others.
Williams has also made notable appearances on television. In addition to starring in the television series Everwood, he has also appeared in shows like White Collar, Chicago Fire, Blue Bloods, and Chicago Med. Williams has shown his versatility by taking on both dramatic and comedic roles throughout his television career.
Apart from acting, Williams has demonstrated his passion for music. He released two albums, Treat Williams in 2005 and Rounding Third in 2008, which showcase his singing and songwriting abilities. Williams also penned a children’s book, Air Show!, illustrated by Robert Neubecker, which targeted an audience of children ages three to seven. The book playfully documents an airshow experience with simple text and bold illustrations of such aircraft as a Boeing B-17, a Pitts Special biplane, and the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angel FA/18.
Throughout his career, Williams has received various accolades, including a Theatre World Award for his role in the Broadway production of Grease and a Drama Desk Award nomination for his performance in Once in a Lifetime. He has also been nominated for multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards as well as a Prime Time Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special for his performance in The Late Shift in 1996. Williams was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his role in the film Hair as well as his performance as Stanley Kowalski in the television presentation of A Streetcar Named Desire.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Williams was known for his kindness, humility, and devotion to philanthropy. He actively supported various charitable causes, using his platform to raise awareness and make a positive impact on society. He absolutely loved living in Vermont and often shared his joy on social media. Just hours before his passing he posted on Twitter:
As news of his passing spread, many took to social media to pay their respects:
WIlliams is survived by his wife Pam Van Sant and their two children, Gille and Ellie.
