Treat Williams’ sudden death following a motorcycle has left his Hollywood co-stars in mourning.
Matt Bomer, Emily VanCamp and John Travolta were among the celebrities who shared sweet tributes to the late actor, who starred in the 1979 film version of the musical “Hair” and on the television series “Everwood.” They also shared memories of working with Williams.
The 71-year-old actor died Monday night in Dorset, Vermont, following a motorcycle accident, according to a family statement.
“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,” the statement read in part.
Matt Bomer pays tribute to his ‘White Collar’ co-star Treat Williams: ‘This is a tough one’
Bomer, who worked alongside Williams on “White Collar,” shared a photo of the late actor on Instagram Monday. “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,” Bomer began in his tribute.
“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 continued.
Bomer added that Williams continued to check in “even years after we worked together.”
“Treat- you were an amazing actor and an even better person and I will miss you. I count myself so blessed to have known you,” he concluded. “My heart goes out to your wife and children. Rest in Peace my friend.”
Treat Williams,actor from ‘Everwood’ and ‘Hair,’ dead at 71 after motorcycle accident, family says
‘Everwood’ alum Emily VanCamp remembers co-star Treat Williams: ‘Fly high my friend’
VanCamp, who portrayed Williams’ daughter on “Everwood,” posted a photo of her TV dad on Instagram. “The many times we worked together- always wonderful and I was always excited for the next time,” she captioned the post. “Sending all my love to your family Treat. Fly high my friend.”
On “Everwood,” Williams played Dr. Andrew “Andy” Brown from 2002 to 2006, earning two Screen Actors Guild nominations.
VanCamp also starred with Williams in the Hallmark movie “Beyond the Blackboard.”
Treat Williams’ wife Pam Van Sant, kids survive late actor
Williams is survived by his wife Pam Van Sant, whom he married in 1988, and their two children: son Gill, 31, and 24-year-old daughter Elinor “Ellie.”
“As you can imagine, we are shocked and greatly bereaved at this time,” the family said in a statement Monday. “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.”
Stars extended their condolences to their family in some of their tributes to Williams.
Kim Cattrall posted a picture with Williams from a scene they shared in the 1999 thriller “36 Hours to Die” on Twitter. “I’m in shock! RIP Dear Treat,” she wrote. “My condolences to Pam, Gilles, Ellie and the family. A wonderful actor and friend.”
John Travolta, Billy Baldwin, Kim Cattrall, more share memories with Williams
Williams acted in several films, including “The Eagle Has Landed,” “Prince of the City,” “Once Upon a Time in America,” “The Late Shift,” “127 Hours” and “Run Hide Fight.”
In addition to “Everwood,” his television credits include “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Chicago Fire,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “Blue Bloods,” “White Collar” and “The Simpsons.”
Williams also starred as Danny Zuko in the Broadway musical “Grease” from 1972 to 1980.
Travolta, who acted alongside Williams in “Grease,” posted a photo from their Broadway days on his Instagram Story. “Treat Williams and I got our start together in NYC appearing in 2 Broadway shows, ‘Grease’ and ‘Over Here,'” Travolta recalled.
“I’m so sorry Treat. My thoughts are with you and your family. You will be missed,” he added.
Billy Baldwin remembered Williams as someone who was “Smart. Talented. Funny. Charming. Successful. Handsome. Compassionate. Heart of gold.”
“He truly and deeply cared about what’s going on here in America and around the world. Climate change, social justice, freedom, truth, tolerance… love,” Baldwin tweeted.
The actor called Williams’ death “a terrible loss,” adding, “You will be missed. Rest in power Treat.”
“This is not real. It can’t be. Oh, This one hurts,” Melissa Gilbert wrote in a brief tribute Monday. On Tuesday, she expanded, writing, “None of us will forget his kindness and humanity. Especially me. Oh how you are loved and oh how you will be missed.”
She added: “All my love to Pam and the kids during this horrible, heartbreaking time. Dearest Treat my friend and childhood crush, may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Wendell Pierce remembered Williams as 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,” he wrote on Twitter.
Justine Bateman recalled working with Williams in 1991, which marked “the start of great friendship.”
“Damn it, damn it. Treat, you were the best. Love you,” Bateman added.
Contributing: Charles Trepany
