Hollywood heavy-hitters are paying tribute to Everwood actor Treat Williams after his death aged 71.
Williams’ friends, former co-stars and industry colleagues have shared their condolences online for the star, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Monday.
Gregory Smith, who played Williams’ son on the hit show Everwood from 2002 until 2006, told People he was devastated to hear the news.
“This news is devastating. Treat was a wonderful man and a brilliant actor. Above all, he loved his family so much,” Smith, 39, said in a statement.
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“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.”
Sex and the City actress Kim Cattrall, who starred alongside Williams in the 1999 film 36 Hours to Die, shared a screenshot from their movie with some heartfelt words.
“I’m in shock! RIP Dear Treat. My condolences to Pam, Gilles, Ellie and the family. A wonderful actor and friend,” she wrote.
Family Ties star Justine Bateman also took to Twitter with a message of condolence. The two met on set in 1991.
“Working with Treat Williams in Mamet’s “Speed the Plow” at Williamstown in ’91 was the start of great friendship. Damn it, damn it,” Bateman wrote.
Billy Baldwin mourned the loss with his own tweet, sharing a photo of the late actor.
“He had it all. Smart. Talented. Funny. Charming. Successful. Handsome. Compassionate. Heart of gold. And that name… Treat Williams,” Baldwin wrote.
“He truly and deeply cared about what’s going on here in America and around the world. Climate change, social justice, freedom, truth, tolerance.”
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Meanwhile, actor James Woods wrote about his memories of Williams with a similarly heartbroken message on Twitter.
“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 humour was a Godsend,” Woods said. “I really loved him and am devastated that he’s gone. #RIP”
Mean Girls actor Jonathan Bennett, who played alongside Williams in several Hallmark Christmas films, shared a statement with People following his co-star’s death.
“Working with and being around Treat was such a special thing that I can’t explain. It was like lightning in a bottle,” Bennett said. “All he ever wanted to do was make you laugh and entertain you. He was the definition of a showman and brought so much joy to all of us by doing what he loved doing. He is who I looked up to as an actor and a human. My heart is so heavy right now.”
Williams’ agent of 15 years, Barry McPherson, confirmed news of his death on Monday evening.
“He was killed this afternoon,” McPherson told People. “He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off.”
“I’m just devastated,” the agent continued. “He was the nicest guy. He was so talented.”
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“He was an actor’s actor. Filmmakers loved him. He’s been the heart of the Hollywood since the late 1970s,” McPherson added. “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.”
Despite local authorities not yet confirming his identity, Jacob Gribble, the fire chief for Dorset, Vermont, told the outlet that the crash happened on Route 30 by Long Trail Auto near Dorset, Vermont.
Gribble also noted that the incident involved a single car and Williams’ motorcycle, with investigators under the impression that the driver of the car was turning and didn’t see the motorbike.
After the incident, the motorcyclist was the only person hurt and was airlifted to hospital.
Despite kicking off his career in the ’70s, starring in films such Deadly Hero, The Ritz and The Eagle Has Landed, the star continued acting well into his more recent years.
The veteran actor was well known for his role in teen drama series Everwood which premiered in 2002.
The actor is survived by his wife, actress Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gille and Ellie.
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