Actor Treat Williams may be best known for his role as Dr. Andrew “Andy” Brown on the TV series “Everwood,” or as Berger in the 1979 movie “Hair,” but he also acted in numerous other movies and TV shows during his long acting career. Notable credits include “Deep Rising,” “The Phantom,” and “Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead.”
Unfortunately, now Williams really knows what things there are to do when you’re dead because he tragically passed away on Monday June 12th at the age of 71. His death was a shock to his friends, family and fans. Williams hadn’t been sick and didn’t show any sign of his life coming to an end soon. In fact, his death was caused by a horrific accident.
Williams was riding his motorcycle when he was hit by another vehicle. He did not survive the crash.
Barry McPherson, who has been Williams’ agent for the past 15 years, told PEOPLE, “He was making a left or a right a car cut him off.” McPherson added, “I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented.”
According to the fire chief for Dorset, Vermont, Jacob Gribble, the fatal crash took place on Monday June 12th around 5pm. The crash happened in Dorset on Route 30 by Long Trail Auto.
The investigators so far believe that the driver of the car that hit Williams failed to see his motorcycle while attempting to turn. Nobody else was injured in the crash.
According to Gribble, after the crash, Williams was air lifted to a New York hospital. The Manchester Fire Department arrived at the scene to prepare the area so a helicopter could safely land. In addition, Dorset Fire Department and Rupert Fire Department both arrived at the scene.
Williams was born Richard Treat Williams in Rowayton, Connecticut, back in 1951. While attending school at Pennsylvania’s Franklin and Marshall College, Williams spent his summers working at the Fulton Repertory Theatre at Lancaster. After college, he moved to New York and was an understudy for the role of Danny Zuko in “Grease.”
His first role on screen was in the film “Deadly Hero” in 1975. He played a police officer. This role did not mean he had decided to leave theater behind. Instead, he returned to “Grease” and was no longer the understudy. He now had the lead role. His role in “Grease” helped land him his role in the film “Hair,” which officially made him a movie star.
Williams is survived by his wife Pam Van Sant and their two children, Gill Williams and Elinor Williams.
Rest in peace.
