Celebrities in Hollywood pay tribute to Treat Williams, who died Monday after a motorcycle accident.
Following the tragic news, Williams’ co-stars and co-stars, including Melissa Gilbert, Wendell Pierce, and Kim Cattrall, showered praise on both PEOPLE and social media.
Gilbert wrote in an Instagram post alongside a photo of the actor, “This isn’t real. It can’t be. Oh, that hurts. #rip #treatwilliams.”
Many stars reacted to the news in the comments section of Gilbert’s post. Rosie O’Donnell referred to Williams’ role. Hairit reads: “claude hooper bukaski – I loved him” (Williams played George Berger in the movie.)
facts of life Jonathan Bennett wrote, “Oh my god,” while actress Mindy Cohn commented “💔”. Patti Stanger also expressed her sadness: “I’m so sorry! I met Treat at Hallmark. [he] he was the cutest man! 😢”
Beverley Mitchell commented, “No, that’s so sad! 😢 The treat was incredible and so missed! 💔” and Joely Fisher added, “It was terrible.”
Kim Cattrall shared a photo of Williams alongside her, “I’m in shock! RIP Dear Treat. My condolences to Pam, Gilles, Ellie and their family. She’s a great actress and friend.”
Inside his own tweetWendell Pierce remembered Williams as “kind and generous”.
“Treat Williams was a passionate, adventurous, creative man,” he wrote. “He soon became friends with me right away and his adventurous spirit was contagious. We’ve only worked on 1 movie together but have occasionally connected over the years. Kind and generous with advice and support. RIP”
Justine Bateman shared a photo of the duo and tweeted with: “Working with Treat Williams in Mamet’s ‘Speed the Plow’ in Williamstown in ’91 was the start of a great friendship. Damn, dammit. Treat, you were the best. I love you.”
Actor James Woods, who shared a photo with Williams Wrote“Treat and I spent months filming Once Upon a Time in America in Rome. He can be pretty lonely on the road during a long shoot, but his resilience, good spirit, and sense of humor were a godsend. I really loved him and I was devastated. . #RIP #TreatWilliams”
Hallmark also paid tribute to Williams, who has been involved in many projects over the years.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Treat Williams, a beloved member of our Hallmark family and a tremendous talent who has conquered the hearts of millions,” the network told PEOPLE. “It has been a privilege to have worked with Treat, who brought life to so many memorable characters over the years. We will remember him for the joy he brought to our screens and the legacy he left behind. We offer our deepest condolences to family, friends and loved ones.”
Williams’ death was confirmed to PEOPLE on Monday evening by his manager of 15 years, Barry McPherson. The actor was 71 years old.
“He was killed this afternoon. He was turning left and right. [and] A car blocked you,” said McPherson. “I’m devastated. He was the nicest man. He was very talented.”
“He was an actor’s actor. The filmmakers loved him. He’s been the heart of Hollywood since the late 1970s,” McPherson continued. “He was really proud of his performance this year. He was very happy with the job I got him. He’s had a well-balanced career.”
Dorset, Vermont fire chief Jacob Gribble told PEOPLE that the accident occurred near Dorset, Vermont, around 5 p.m. Monday. Per Gribble, investigators believe a car driver made a turn and did not see Williams’ motorcycle. Williams was the only person injured, and a LifeNet helicopter was called to rush him to a hospital in New York. Vermont State Police also issued a press release later Monday, confirming Williams’ identity and details about the accident.
With more than 120 credits to his name, Williams’ career spans over forty years. She made her film debut in 1975 with the thriller she. Deadly Hero. From there, he went on to take on more film roles, including the 1979’s. Hairearned him his first Golden Globe nomination for new star of the year – actor. He later earned another Golden Globe nomination for best actor in a motion picture drama for his role in 1981. Prince of the City.
In 2002, on The WB’s, Dr. He went on to portray the lead role of Andrew “Andy” Brown. Everwood. He starred in the series for four seasons and was even nominated for a SAG Award in 2003-04 for outstanding performance by a male actor in a drama series.
Other works include Steven Spielberg’s. 1941, Heart of Dixie, Blue Bloods, The Late Shift, Chicago Fire, Chesapeake Shores, Hallmark’s Christmas Houseand Netflix Dolly Parton’s Christmas in the Square And Christmas Diary.
The actor is survived by his wife, actress Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gill and Ellie.