Treat Williams, ‘Everwood’ and ‘Hair’ Actor, Dead at 71

By Samantha Nungesser @samjnungesser
Published June 13, 2023, 9:38 a.m. ET

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Treat Williams, the actor best known for his roles in The WB drama Everwood and the movie musical Hair, has died following a motorcycle accident. He was 71.

The star’s death was confirmed by his manager of 15 years Barry McPherson, per People.

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

He continued, “He was an actor’s actor. Filmmakers loved him. He’s been the heart of the Hollywood since the late 1970s. 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.”

According to a statement released by the Vermont State Police, the accident happened on Monday (June 12) around 5 p.m. local time near Dorset, Vermont. Investigators believe the 35-year-old driver of the car was turning and didn’t see Williams’ motorcycle. Following the crash, Williams — who was the only person hurt — was airlifted to a hospital in New York, where he was pronounced dead.

Williams first rose to fame playing George Berger in the 1979 musical Hair — for which he earned his first Golden Globe nomination — as well as Steven Spielberg’s comedy 1941, which debuted that same year.

'Hair'
Photo: Everett Collection

He later nabbed a second Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama for his role in the neo-noir crime drama Prince of the City.

Aside from his numerous film credits, Williams was known for playing Dr. Andrew “Andy” Brown in The WB series Everwood, which aired from 2002 to 2006. He also went on to appear in several other TV shows such as Chicago Fire, Chesapeake Shores and Blue Bloods.

Following news of his death, several of Williams’ Hollywood peers shared their memories of the late actor on social media.

“Treat and I spent months in Rome filming Once Upon a Time in America,” actor James Woods wrote. “It can be pretty lonely on the road during a long shoot, but his resilient good cheer and sense of humor was a Godsend. I really loved him and am devastated that he’s gone.”

Actress, director and writer Justine Bateman added, “Working with Treat Williams in Mamet’s ‘Speed the Plow’ at Williamstown in ‘91 was the start of great friendship. Damn it, damn it. Treat, you were the best. Love you.”

Williams is survived by his wife, Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gill and Ellie.