Treat Williams’ unexpected death on June 12 in a motorcycle crash shocked many. Family, friends, fans, and industry cohorts gathered together to pay tribute to the veteran actor, who was 71 years old at the time of his passing. Here are some of the heartwarming, positive words people had to say about this tragic incident especially those who ever had any contact with him in the past.
A statement was released by his family following his death expressing grief at this tragic turn of events.
“It is with great sadness that we report that our beloved Treat Williams has passed away tonight in Dorset, Vt. after a fatal motorcycle accident. As you can imagine, we are shocked and greatly bereaved at this time. 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. It is all so shocking right now, but please know that Treat was dearly and deeply loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him. We are beyond devastated and ask that you respect our privacy as we deal with our grief.”
Emily VanCamp, who co-starred with Williams in the family drama Everwood, posted about her friend on Instagram, saying, “The many times we worked together- always wonderful and I was always excited for the next time. Sending all my love to your family Treat. Fly high my friend.”
Working with Treat Williams in Mamet’s “Speed the Plow” at Williamstown in ‘91 was the start of great friendship. Damn it, damn it.
— Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) June 13, 2023
Treat, you were the best. Love you. pic.twitter.com/WSZVBcOYWG
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
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
Williams was extolled as a co-worker.
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
Treat Williams. Devastating. A very good man.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) June 13, 2023
The actor was renowned for being a nice person.
What a shock. Treat Williams was a wonderful actor (and a lovely, generous presence here). Check out his starmaking turn in Hair, set aside three hours and give yourself the gift of Sidney Lumet’s great Prince of the City, and don’t miss his funny/startling role in The Ritz. https://t.co/BcjrgVkql3
— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) June 13, 2023
After years of cop reporting, Prince Of The City was the only film that made me believe anyone else knew the truth about the drug war. So honored when Treat Williams signed on to deliver our own, later critique of the disaster. RIP to a legendary actor and a fine, gracious man.
— David Simon (@AoDespair) June 13, 2023
His past works and performances were remembered.
I loved Following the wonderful Treat Williams, who shared so many warm and lovely and peaceful Tweets with us over the years. So deeply sorry to hear of his passing. https://t.co/u7N3qPzHio
— Richard Roeper (@RichardERoeper) June 13, 2023
Wiliams’ unexpected demise and the deluge of praise have led many to revisit his contribution and achievements as a Hollywood stalwart. It’s true that the late actor has been quite a name in the industry since the 1970s, and at the age of 28 he landed a role as Gorge Berger in the 1979 feature Hair, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for his performance.
Two years later in 1981, he starred as Daniel Ciello in Prince of the City, another major hit that heightened his popularity, paving the way for more success and fame in Hollywood. Other well-known films of his from the era include Smooth Talk and Deep Rising, to name just two.
Moving forward, Williams played other notable roles, and the most renowned one amongst them is the New York-based neurosurgeon Dr. Andy Brown in the WB series, Everwood. The role earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Male Actor.
It can be stated that with the impressive filmography attached to his name – coupled with some memorable performances – Williams’ legacy will forever remain intact.