Actor Treat Williams is dead at 71. He lost his life in a motorcycle accident on June 12, 2023. And news of the tragedy left fans and celebrities stunned and heartbroken.
With a Hollywood career that's been going since the 1970s, Treat Williams is one of those faces just about everyone recognizes even if they can't place the specific movie or show. His first big appearance on screen came in 1975 with the thriller Deadly Hero. However, his 1979 role as George Berger in the film Hair is when many began to take note of the talented performer.
RELATED: Singer David Crosby Dead At Age 81, But Not Before Reuniting With His Long-Lost Son
Throughout the decades, he's made all kinds of appearances in movies and on TV, from The WB's Everwood and the popular CBS show Blue Bloods, to films like Heart of Dixie and Deep Rising. He also starred in multiple Hallmark and Christmas movies.
So, with Treat remaining an "acting worker," news of his unexpected death hit hard.
The accident claiming Treat Williams' life occurred on June 12, 2023, in Vermont.
RELATED: After Dedicating Life to Spreading the Gospel, TV Pastor Pat Robertson of the 700 Club Dies at 93
"He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off," confirmed Barry McPherson, the actor's agent of 15 years.
Police believe the driver of the car was turning and simply didn't see the actor on his motorcycle. And though medical crews airlifted Treat to a hospital in New York, the actor didn't survive his injuries.
Survived by his two children, Gill and Ellie, and his wife, actress Pam Van Sant, the unexpected loss understandably rocked the family.
"This is a pain I have never felt. I am absolutely shattered," Treat's daughter Ellie shared in an Instagram story. "Thank you to everyone who has sent messages and kept our family in your hearts during this terrible heartbreak."
The terrible news also hit Treat Williams' agent of 15 years, Barry McPherson, hard, as he spoke with the public confirming the tragedy.
"I'm just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented," Barry said. Treat's agent continued, "He was an actor's actor. Filmmakers loved him. He's been the heart of Hollywood since the late 1970s... He's had a balanced career."
Plenty of others echoed this sentiment after hearing the news that Treat Williams is dead, remembering the actor as a kindhearted family man.
RELATED: Country Singer Blake Shelton Steps Away From The Voice To Put Family First
"This news is devastating," said Gregory Smith, who performed alongside Treat on Everwood. "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."
Little House On The Prairie star Melissa Gilbert responded to the news, saying, "This is not real. It can’t be. Oh, This one hurts."
She later followed up with a personal story of experiencing Treat Williams' kindness.
While once shooting for a film, the firstborn son of Melissa's best friend suddenly passed away. She desperately needed to get home for the memorial, but there were no flights available.
Hysterical, Melissa Gilbert sought anyone at all with a plane who could help. Treat Williams ended up coming to her rescue and showed incredible compassion during the ordeal.
Wendell Pierce appeared in the movie Confirmation alongside Treat Williams and after hearing the news that his colleague was dead, he recalled what an impact Treat had on him.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Melissa Gilbert Still Cherishes Her Special Bond With Michael Landon Decades After His Death
"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," he wrote.
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 pic.twitter.com/jjZN8VcLR8
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) June 13, 2023
And as more and more tributes hit social media, they all commented on the kind, caring spirit of Treat Williams.
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. #RIP #TreatWilliams pic.twitter.com/2FTBNJJ6lW
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) June 13, 2023
Ahhhhhh mannnnn! I jus devastated! This is breaking my heart. Treat Williams rest in peace. One of the truly nicest guys I’ve ever met! My prayers go out to Treat’s family…what a loss. So, so so sad 🙏🏾🕊️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/xVk4ik5xyG
— David Alan Grier AKA #LeonMusk (@davidalangrier) June 13, 2023
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
He had it all.
— Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) June 13, 2023
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…… pic.twitter.com/7cKP4nETTz
Our prayers go out to the family during this extremely difficult time.
h/t: People
Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Hallmark
Mel is the senior writer for GodUpdates, finding, writing and sharing Christian, uplifting, and health-related stories from around the world. Mel has a passion for writing and graduated with a degree in English from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia. When she’s not researching and writing stories, Mel is very active in her church. You can usually find Mel playing board games with her husband and two young girls, giving someone a hug, or hunting down a good cup of coffee!