Actor Treat Williams dead at 71: A renowned actor, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 71 due to a fatal motorcycle accident. According to his representative, Barry McPherson, a car cut him off while he was taking a turn, leading to his untimely demise.
McPherson expressed his sorrow and admiration for the late actor, calling him the “heart of Hollywood” since the late 1970s. Williams had a successful career spanning several decades, with over 120 film credits to his name. He received a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the 1979 film “Hair” and won a Primetime Emmy award in 1996 for his performance in “The Late Shift.”
‘Hair’ and ‘Everwood’ actor Treat Williams dead at 71 following motorcycle accident
Treat Williams was survived by his wife, Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gill and Elinor Williams. Just before his death, Williams shared a tweet expressing his love for his freshly mowed lawn, which he wished he could bottle up. The investigation into the accident is ongoing, and the Vermont State Police has released an official statement confirming the actor’s death.
Treat Williams died unexpectedly Monday following a motorcycle accident. He was 71.
“He was killed this afternoon. He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off,” Williams rep, Barry McPherson, told People on Monday. “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 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.”
A rep for Williams did not immediately respond to PandaUSA’s request for comment.
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Shortly after, the Vermont State Police released a statement confirming the actor’s death and details surrounding the accident.
Authorities stated that around 4:53 p.m., Williams was “unable to avoid a collision” caused by a Honda Element and was “thrown from his motorcycle.”
“He suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, where he was pronounced dead.
Officials added that the investigation is in its early stages and they will return Tuesday to where the accident occurred to continue processing the scene.
Williams’ decades-long career began with his film debut in “Deadly Hero” in 1976, which led him to accrue more than 120 film credits to his name.
He went on play in numerous films by Steven Spielberg, including “1941,” “Prince of the City,” “Blue Bloods” and “Chesapeake Shore.”
The actor landed his first Golden Globe nomination for his role in the 1979 film “Hair,” based on the Broadway musical. He would later win a Primetime Emmy award in 1996 for his role in “The Late Shift.”
Williams is survived by his wife, Pam Van Sant, whom he married in 1988, and their two children, Gill and Elinor Williams.
Just hours before his tragic death, the actor was enjoying his home as he tweeted a photo of his lawn with the caption, “Mowing today. Wish I could bottle the scent.”
In a separate video of someone mowing his lawn, the Vermont local said, “What a real Vermonter does.”
