Treat Williams was 71. “He was killed this afternoon. He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off,” McPherson told PEOPLE. “I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented.”
“He was an actor’s actor. Filmmakers loved him. He’s been the heart of the Hollywood since the late 1970s,” McPherson continues. “He was really proud of his performance this year. He’s been so happy with the work that I got him. He’s had a balanced career.”
With more than 120 credits to his name, Williams’ career extended over four decades with appearances in films like Steven Spielberg’s 1941 and Heart of Dixie, and television shows like Blue Bloods, The Late Shift, and Chicago Fire.
Williams also appeared in several Hallmark projects like The Christmas House, Beyond the Blackboard, Safe Harbor and Chasing a Dream, as well as Netflix’s Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square and The Noel Diary.
The actor is survived by his wife, actress Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gill and Ellie.
Williams’ family issued the following statement to Deadline, which reads in part, “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…To all his fans, please know that Treat appreciated all of you and please continue to keep him in your hearts and prayers.”
