Tom Selleck, John Travolta & Kim Cattrall Among Stars Honoring ‘Great American Actor’ Treat Williams After His Passing

Jun 16, 2023

Treat Williams, an actor most popularly known for the movie musical "Hair" and for his role in Steven Spielberg's "1941," passed away at the age of 71 on Jun. 12, 2023. Williams' agent for 15 years, Barry McPherson, confirmed the saddening news to People magazine. 

Born Dec. 1, 1951, in Stamford, Connecticut, Richard Treat Williams had over 120 acting credits to his name. His appearance in the movie musical "Hair" and the movie "1941" catapulted the actor to fame. 

Later on, he also starred in various films like "The Eagle Has Landed," "Prince of the City," "Once Upon a Time in America," "The Late Shift," and "127 Hours," among many others. Aside from working in film, he also became a lead actor in "Everwood," which made him one of the biggest television actors at the time. For his role as Dr. Andrew "Andy" Brown in "Everwood," Treat earned two Screen Actors Guild Awards. 

In his last few years, Treat appeared sparingly in some television shows and films. He appeared as a recurring actor in "Chicago Fire," "Heartland," "Against the Wall," "Eve of Destruction," "White Collar," "Blue Bloods," and a main actor in "American Odyssey" and "Chesapeake Shores." Aside from being a distinguished actor, Treat was also a writer, stage actor and aviator. 

Recent reports stated that Williams lived alternately in Park City in Utah and Manchester Center in Vermont with his wife, Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gill and Elinor Williams. Keep on reading to learn more about Treat, his life in front of the camera and how his friends are paying tribute to him. 

Treat, a Connecticut native, was the son of Marian, an antique dealer, and Richard Norman Williams, a corporate executive. From Stamford, Treat and his family relocated to Rowayton, Connecticut. 

The actor has a long line of prominent people down his ancestry. His maternal great-great-great-grandfather was US Senator William Henry Barnum, the third cousin of showman P.T. Barnum. Treat was also a distant family relative of one of the American Founding Fathers, Robert Treat Paine. 

Growing up, Treat played a lot of football. He then finished his education at the Kent School in Connecticut and Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

Eventually, Treat ventured into acting and had his film debut in 1975 on "Deadly Hero." Afterward, he had a role in "The Ritz," playing a curious detective. In 1979, he was catapulted to fame after playing George Berger in the Miloš Forman film "Hair," based on the hit 1967 Broadway musical. 

He went on to earn his first Golden Globe nomination for the said role. From then on, he appeared in more than 75 films and shows on television. 

Eventually, Treat's second Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance in a Motion Picture came in the form of his starring role in "Prince of the City." Meanwhile, his third nod was for Best Performance in a Miniseries or Television Film for Stanley Kowalski in the television film" A Streetcar Named Desire."

He then earned his Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special Emmy Award for his work in "The Late Shift." 

He won even more accolades and acclaim in his role as Dr. Andrew "Andy" Brown in "Everwood," winning industry nominations and awards as well as fans’ hearts.

Treat passed away on Jun. 12, 2023, in a vehicular accident. In a statement to People magazine by his agent, McPherson, Treat was killed after a collision occurred between his motorcycle and a car. 

"He was an actor's actor. Filmmakers loved him. He's been the heart of Hollywood since the late 1970s," McPherson said. "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."

Since his tragic and untimely passing, Treat’s former co-stars have come out in force to remember the beloved actor. Among them was Matt Bomer, who played Treat’s son in the series “White Collar.” In a heartfelt Instagram post, Bomer described Treat as an “absolute treasure.” He wrote:

“This is a tough one, and I don’t like doing this on social media, but I want to share what an absolute treasure Treat Williams was – both as an actor and a person. I was so honored that he agreed to play my father on White Collar, and he jumped in and made every day on set a joy. He taught me in the most beautiful way – through patient example. He’s one of the few actors I’ve worked with who always checked in on me – even years after we worked together.”

Another onscreen son who paid tribute to the late actor was Taylor Kinney, Treat’s co-star in “Chicago Fire.” Treat appeared in the show from 2013 to 2018 as the father of Kinney’s character, Lt. Kelly Severide. Kinney told People:

“He played my father on Chicago Fire, and was a father figure to everyone on set. I’ll always relish our conversations and his uncanny ability to light up a room. We all send love, he will be missed.”

More tributes from Treat’s former co-stars and famous friends poured in after his passing. Among them were his “Blue Bloods” cast members, Tom Selleck and Bridget Moynahan. Selleck told People:

“It has been said that we are all just passing time and occupy our chair very briefly. My friend Treat was aptly named and occupied his chair so well. I will miss him but I will not forget him.” 

Moynahan called Treat a “role model” and an “absolute pleasure” to work with.

Treat’s co-star in “Star Wars” Mark Hamill called him “a wonderful person... such a gifted actor... such a treasured friend. I'm gutted.” 

John Travolta posted an Instagram Story and said he and Treat got their start on Broadway together and that he “will be missed.”

Jennifer Tilly described Treat as a “great American actor, and more importantly a kind and decent man,” while Kim Cattrall tweeted:

“I’m in shock! RIP Dear Treat… A wonderful actor and friend.”

Wendell Pierce, who appeared in the 2016 HBO film “Confirmation” with Treat, called him a “passionate, adventurous, creative man.” He added: 

“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.” 

David Alan Grier said he was “devastated” by the passing of “One of the truly nicest guys I’ve ever met,” while Malcolm McDowell tweeted: 

“Treat’s passing is a great lost to the acting community.”

Billy Baldwin shared a lengthy tribute to the late star. “He had it all. Smart. Talented. Funny. Charming. Successful. Handsome. Compassionate. Heart of gold. And that name… Treat Williams,” Baldwin tweeted. He added Treat “truly and deeply cared about what’s going on here in America and around the world…  You will be missed. Rest in power Treat.”

Condolences to Treat Williams' family. Are you a fan of Treat Williams? What is your favorite performance of his? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other loved ones!