'Everwood' Actor, Norwalk Native Treat Williams Mourned By Community

NORWALK, CT — "Everwood" actor and Norwalk native Richard Treat Williams died Monday afternoon as the result of a motorcycle crash in Vermont, according to police. He was 71.

Vermont State Police said in a news release a 2008 Honda Element was turning left into a parking lot in the town of Dorset just before 5 p.m. when the car struck Williams' motorcycle. The Honda stopped, signaled a left turn, then turned into the motorcycle's path.

Williams was unable to avoid a collision with the SUV and was thrown from his motorcycle, according to state police. He suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in Albany, N.Y., where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the Honda was checked at the scene for minor injuries but was not taken to a hospital. An investigation into the crash is in its early stages, state police said.

Williams was born in Stamford in 1951 and moved to the Rowayton section of Norwalk with his family at the age of 3, according to a June 2021 interview with Williams for Vermont Magazine.

"Looking back on my younger years, I had an idyllic childhood," Williams told Vermont Magazine, "but I didn't initially realize how idyllic it truly was until I grew older. Our backyard was the Long Island Sound."

A spokesperson for Kent School, a private boarding school in Kent, Conn., confirmed Williams attended the school in his youth and graduated in 1969.

On Tuesday, Mayor Harry Rilling offered his condolences to Williams' family and friends following the actor's tragic death.

"As a child, Williams grew up in the Rowayton community of Norwalk and got to experience the beauty of the Long Island Sound," Rilling said in a statement. "In a recent interview, the Emmy-nominated actor noted that he enjoyed racing blue jay and lightning boats on the coast right here in Norwalk, as his mother owned a local sailing school where he also worked. The world certainly benefited from Williams' incredible acting talents, and he will be greatly missed by many."

He was a resident of Manchester Center, Vt., at the time of his death, according to state police.

Barry McPherson, Williams' longtime agent, told People Magazine he was "devastated" hearing the news. He noted Williams was "an actor's actor" who was loved by filmmakers and "the nicest guy."

Throughout his vast career, Williams starred in a number of popular movies, including the 1979 musical film "Hair," director Sergio Leone's "Once Upon a Time in America," the Steven Spielberg wartime comedy "1941" and other films such as "The Eagle Has Landed," "Prince of the City" and "127 Hours."

Williams also starred as Dr. Andrew Brown in the WB drama series "Everwood" from 2002 to 2006 alongside Chris Pratt and Emily VanCamp. He most recently appeared in episodes of "Chesapeake Shores" and "Blue Bloods."

Williams was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performances in "Hair" and "Prince of the City" and a SAG Award for his "Everwood" role.

VanCamp paid tribute to her "Everwood" co-star Monday night on Instagram.

"The many times we worked together - always wonderful and I was always excited for the next time," VanCamp said. "Sending all my love to your family Treat. Fly high my friend."