Deep Rising star Treat Williams Dies At 71

It’s with sad news that we have to report that actor Treat Williams, a prolific American actor with a career spanning nearly 50 years, has passed away this weekend. The star of filsm such as Deep Rising (1998), Venomous (2001) and Dead Heat (1988)

The Connecticut-born actor’s career started on the stage, portraying Danny Zuko in Grease between 1972 and 1980. His first feature film was 1975’s neo-noir thriller Deadly Hero, which won him much apparise. However, his big breakthrough role was the 1979 movie Hair , which won him a Golden Globe Award nomination and marked the beginning of a long career in both film and television.

Reports from The Wrap state that the actor was fatally injured in a vehicle accident, when his motorbike was struck by a car. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed the news. Williams’ family then issued a statement requesting that others ” … ask for space and privacy while we mourn” The full statement from the family can be seen below:

It is with great sadness that we report that our beloved Treat Williams has passed away tonight in Dorset, Vermont after a fatal motorcycle accident. As you can imagine, we are shocked and greatly bereaved at this time. Treat was full of love for his family, for his life and for his craft, and was truly at the top of his game in all of it…

It is all so shocking right now, but please know that Treat was dearly and deeply loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him. We are beyond devastated and ask that you respect our privacy as we deal with our grief. To all his fans, please know that Treat appreciated all of you and please continue to keep him in your hearts and prayers.

A Salute to Treat Williams: An Artist of the Craft

Prior to his passing, Williams was quite active in the acting industry, taking on roles in a number of TV shows and movies including Everwood, which was unfortunately cancelled. His portrayal of Dr. Andrew ‘Andy’ Brown was a standout performance that earned him a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Best Actor in the Drama category. Moreover, he was also a recurring character in the widely acclaimed police procedural series Blue Bloods, appearing in the episode “Irish Exits” earlier this year, which appears to have been his last work. Other credits include movies The Phantom (1996), Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead (1995) and the TV minis seires Journey to the Center of the Earth (1999). He also starred in an episode of Tales from the Crypt, called None But the Lonely Heart (S4E1). As a fun bit of trivia, he also had a small role in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back as an uncredited “Echo Base Trooper”.

A plethora of tributes have been expressed for Williams, including those from his agent who described him as “an actor’s actor”, and a multitude of actors and former co-stars. Notable among them are William Baldwin, Mark Hamill, Kim Cattrall and James Woods, all of whom co-starred alongside him in Sergio Leone’s period crime epic, Once Upon a Time in America. Williams was a highly-esteemed figure in the acting industry, having worked for nearly 50 years. His absence will be painfully felt.

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Please leave your messages of condolance or memories and thoiughst on Treat Williams epic career in the comments below. You can also share you thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Or head over to our Fans Page to join like minded horror fans who loved and appreciatedhis work. You can also carry on the conversation with me personally on Twitter @Lallenuk

Stay in, Stay Safe, Love Horror!

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