“Treat Williams, Star of ‘Everwood’ And ‘Deep Rising’, Passes Away at 71”

Actor Treat Williams dies in motorcycle accident at age 71

The entertainment industry was plunged into mourning after news broke on Tuesday, December 7, that veteran actor, Treat Williams, had passed away as a result of a motorcycle accident in Vermont. He was 71. Williams’ longtime agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed the sad news to CNN, adding that the actor was involved in an accident on Monday, December 6, at about 5 p.m. EST on Route 30 near Dorset. While local authorities are yet to officially name Williams, Jacob Gribble, the fire chief for Dorset, Vermont, told People that investigators believe the driver of a vehicle made a left turn and failed to see Williams’ motorcycle, leading to the accident.

A Versatile Screen Career

Treat Williams, originally Richard Treat Williams, was born in Rowayton, Connecticut, in 1951. He studied theater in college before moving to New York to pursue his acting career. He landed his first major role as John Travolta’s understudy in the Broadway production of “Grease” and later replaced him as Danny Zuko.

Williams’ career included starring roles in movies such as director Milos Forman’s adaptation of the musical “Hair” in 1979, followed by a lead role alongside renowned director Sidney Lumet in the gritty undercover crime drama “Prince of the City” two years later. He also appeared in TV movies throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, such as the remake of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” in which he played Stanley Kowalski, and as boxer Jack Dempsey in a TV movie remake. In the late ‘90s, he shifted to villainous roles, including one in the pulp-comic adaptation “The Phantom” and as super-agent Michael Ovitz in the HBO movie “The Late Shift,” which chronicled “The Tonight Show’s” succession battle between Jay Leno and David Letterman. He earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for the latter role.

In the early 2000s, Williams found success in TV, starring in the CW series “Everwood” and, more recently, a stint on “Chicago Fire.” He also appeared in 53 episodes of the Hallmark series “Chesapeake Shores” between 2016 and 2022 and starred in the HBO miniseries “We Own This City” in 2021.

The Legacy of Treat Williams

Williams’ death has left Hollywood in shock and elicited tributes from fans and fellow actors alike. McPherson described the late actor as “the nicest guy” and “an actor’s actor” who was loved by filmmakers since the late 1970s. Williams’ legacy in the entertainment industry is undeniable, and his memorable performances in a range of roles made him a beloved figure.

Williams’ advice to younger actors, delivered in an “Acting Lessons” video for Netflix in 2020, is a fitting epitaph for the actor: “Be concerned with what you’re doing, not how you’re doing. If you’re very focused on what you have to say, or what you’re trying to tell the other person, or what you’re sharing with the audience, you’re going to be a lot more comfortable, and I think, truthful.”

Final Thoughts

The death of Treat Williams is a sad reminder of the fragility of life. While he may no longer be with us, his work will live on, and his contribution to the entertainment industry will be remembered for years to come. As fans and industry peers, we must celebrate the legacy that he has left behind and honor the final advice that he gave to all actors – to focus on the work and tell the truth.