Laura Dern remembers her co-star Treat Williams, who died in a motorcycle crash at the age of 71 on Monday.
The 56-year-old Oscar-winning actress paid tribute to Williams on Tuesday with a photo from her 1985 movie on Instagram. Smooth Speech.
He also posted a picture of Williams dressed as a character from one of his other projects.
“Great Treat. You loved art, acting, living, and loving your incredible family beyond measure,” Dern said.
“Thank you for all the characters and deep creative inspiration you’ve given us,” he continued. “From the depths of a hard-hitting movie to the most extraordinary musical theater experiences.”
Dern added: “Thank you for the gift of honest, consistent, inspiring, and enduring friendship along our paths in this life.”
The actors starred together in the 1985 romantic thriller. Smooth Speech Joyce Carol Oates’ “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Adapted from the short story. The film is about 15-year-old Connie Wyatt (Dern) getting dangerously involved with an elderly stranger named Arnold Friend, played by Williams.
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Williams’ manager of 15 years, Barry McPherson, confirmed to PEOPLE on Monday that the player had died. “I’m devastated,” he said. “He was the best man. He was very talented.”
Williams was riding his motorcycle near his Vermont home when it was hit by a car on Route 30 near the Long Trail Auto near Dorset, Vermont, at around 5pm on Monday, Fire Chief Jacob Gribble told PEOPLE.
Many celebrities honored Williams following the news of his death, including Marilu Henner, who had worked with him on Broadway productions. Here And Grease.
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“We’ve never lost touch,” Henner, 71, told PEOPLE privately. “We supported each other and always checked. He was an extraordinary person. He was very talented. We were the cornerstone of each other’s lives and we were in the Hallmark family. She had a great energy and loved being an actress and most of all she loved her family. And he loved his life. This is very painful for all of us who loved him.”
Gregory Smith, who plays Williams’ son Everwood Speaking to PEOPLE over four seasons from 2002-2006, he said: “This news is devastating. Treat was a great guy and a great actor. Above all, he loved his family very much.”
“I am so grateful for the time I have spent as part of the extended television family. He left an indelible impression on me during my most formative years.” I will always treasure my time with Treat and fondly think of his stories, laughter, and passion for adventure. Sending my love to her family, Pam, Gil and Elinor. He will be greatly missed.”
Williams is survived by his wife, actress Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gill and Ellie.