Treat Williams, a renowned actor known for his appearances in various gay-themed or LGBTQ-adjacent projects, tragically passed away at the age of 71. The news of his demise came as a result of a fatal motorcycle accident in Vermont. Williams, who had played the role of a supportive father to a gay man in TV movies, had left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
The accident occurred in the town of Dorset when Williams’s motorcycle collided with an SUV that was turning into a parking lot, as reported by the Associated Press. Despite being airlifted to a hospital in Albany, New York, the actor was pronounced dead upon arrival. Williams had been a resident of Manchester Center, Vermont, further emphasizing the local impact of his loss.
Williams’s remarkable career spanned nearly five decades, showcasing his versatility and talent across various genres. Notably, he portrayed a whistleblower cop in Sidney Lumet’s 1981 film, “Prince of the City,” and a labor organizer in Sergio Leone’s epic movie “Once Upon a Time in America.” In the new millennium, he captivated audiences as a widower embarking on a fresh start in the TV series “Everwood.”
Williams’s early film roles included a private detective in the gay-themed 1976 comedy “The Ritz,” adapted from Terrence McNally’s play. He also made a significant breakthrough in the 1979 film “Hair,” where he portrayed Berger, the leader of a group of hippies celebrating sexuality across the spectrum. Although the movie received mixed reviews, Williams’s performance stood out, capturing the euphoric spirit that the original Broadway musical intended to convey.
Throughout his career, Williams received critical acclaim for his roles, earning a Golden Globe nomination for “Prince of the City.” Despite some lower-profile projects, he remained an active figure in the film and television industry. Notably, he portrayed FBI boss J. Edgar Hoover in a 1987 TV movie and took on the role of Stanley Kowalski in the 1984 TV version of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Furthermore, Williams portrayed U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy in the 2016 TV film “Confirmation,” which centered around the hearings on Clarence Thomas’s Supreme Court nomination.
Treat Williams’s untimely passing is a significant loss for both the LGBTQ community and the entertainment industry as a whole. His portrayal of gay characters and his involvement in projects that embraced LGBTQ themes and narratives have left an enduring legacy of representation and inclusivity. Williams will be remembered as a talented actor who contributed to advancing LGBTQ visibility on screen, and his impact will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.