Veteran actor Treat Williams, died yesterday after being involved in a motorcycle accident. He was 71. The accident took place near Dorset, VT.
The news was confirmed by Williams' family in the following statement:
"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. To all his fans, please know that Treat appreciated all of you and please continue to keep him in your hearts and prayers."
Williams received wide acclaim for his performance at the age of 28 in "Hair", earning a Golden Globe nomination for the New Star of Year Category, which is now defunct. He also starred with Michelle Pfeiffer in "The Deep End of the Ocean", and "Deep Rising", among other films.
On TV, Williams starred in "Everwood", which ran for four years on The WB. His co-star, Gregory Smith, who played Williams' son, Ephram, also made a statement about the tragic news, saying, "This news is devastating. 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."
He also made appearances on other shows including, "White Collar," "Chicago Fire," "We Own This City" and "Blue Bloods."
Williams is survived by his wife, Pam Van Sant; and their children, Gil, and Elinor Williams.
