Actor Treat Williams Dead Following Motorcycle Accident

Published Jun 13, 2023 By Tiffany Aaron

Treat Williams/Hallmark Channel/Instagram

Treat Williams, actor in Everwood and Once Upon a Time in America has died at the age of 71.

Treat Williams’ agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed to PEOPLE that the actor died in a motorcycle accident Monday afternoon.

“He was killed this afternoon. He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off,” McPherson says. “I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented. 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.”

Jacob Gribble, Dorset, Vermont, fire chief, told PEOPLE that the crash happened around 5:00 p.m. Monday and that the crash involved a car and a motorcycle. Gribble declined to confirm the identity of the motorcyclist, but said that the motorcyclist was the only person hurt and was transported to a hospital via helicopter.

Treat Williams made his film debut in 1975 in Deadly Hero. Numerous film roles followed, including a starring role in Hair that earned him his first Golden Globe nomination. Another nomination followed for his role in 1981’s Prince of the City.

Williams’ television resume is even more impressive with roles in shows such as Everwood, Blue Bloods, The Late Shift, and Chicago Fire. 

 

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In recent years he became a staple on the Hallmark Channel where he starred as Mick O’Brien on the series Chesapeake Shores. He also appeared in Hallmark movies The Christmas House, Beyond the Blackboard, Safe Harbor and Chasing a Dream. 

Treat Williams is survived by his wife of nearly 35 years, actress Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gille and Ellie.

The Hallmark Channel issued a statement regarding Treat Williams’ death, saying: “We are heartbroken over the passing of beloved Treat Williams, star of “Chesapeake Shores,” The Christmas House, and so much more. We will forever cherish him in our hearts, and extend our condolences to Treat’s family, friends, and loved ones.”