Remembering Broadway Icon Treat Williams: A Touching Tribute from John Travolta
Renowned actor Treat Williams, known for his memorable roles on Broadway and his extensive Hollywood career, tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident at the age of 71. His loss has sent ripples through the entertainment industry, with peers and fans alike mourning the talented performer. John Travolta, a longtime friend and fellow Broadway collaborator, paid a heartfelt tribute to Williams.
A Journey Down Memory Lane
Travolta, 69, shared a throwback black and white image on Instagram, capturing a performance from the early 1970s film, “Over Here!” It was a poignant moment, featuring both him and Williams on stage. The two actors started their careers together, featuring in two famous Broadway productions, “Grease” and “Over Here.”
In his heartfelt Instagram tribute, Travolta wrote, “Treat and I got our start together in NYC playing in two Broadway shows: Grease and Over Here. Treat, I’m so sorry. I’m thinking of you and your family. We will miss you. Love, John.”
Sparking Careers on Broadway
“Over Here!” a Broadway musical set in the United States during World War II, is recognized as the launching pad for several celebrated actors, including Williams and Travolta. While Travolta played the role of ‘Doody’ in “Grease,” Williams portrayed ‘Danny Zuko’, a role that Travolta would eventually immortalize in the 1978 film adaptation.
Marilu Henner, another actor who joined Williams and Travolta on “Grease” and “Over Here!,” fondly reminisced about her early connection with Williams. “We portrayed two wildly in love characters,” she recollected their performances in “Over Here!,” adding, “We never stopped kissing the whole show.”
A Lifelong Bond and a Shared Career Path
Henner shared how Williams had supported her at a critical point in her career. “When we first started out, he allowed me to stay at his apartment in New York,” the Taxi actress stated. She explained how after their Broadway run ended and before she secured another job, Williams let her stay in his apartment while he was working elsewhere.
Later in their careers, both Williams and Henner became prominent actors on the Hallmark Channel. “We never lost touch,” Henner asserted, “We looked out for one another and often checked in. He was a unique individual. He had such skill. We were members of the Hallmark family and an important part of one other’s life. He was extremely vivacious, liked acting, and, most of all, loved his family. Loved his life, too. All of us who loved him are devastated by this.”
Celebrating a Storied Career
Treat Williams had an impressive acting career spanning over four decades, with over 120 credits to his name. He made his acting debut in the 1975 thriller, “Deadly Hero,” and soon started taking on more acting roles in films such as the 1979 musical “Hair,” which led to his first Golden Globe nomination. Williams was nominated again for his performance in 1981’s “Prince of the City” for best actor in a drama film.
In 2002, Williams landed the leading role in The WB’s “Everwood,” where he played Dr. Andrew “Andy” Brown for four seasons. This role led to a SAG Award nomination for outstanding performance by a male actor in a drama series.
He also appeared in several other film and television projects, such as Steven Spielberg’s “1941,” “Heart of Dixie,” “Blue Bloods,” “The Late Shift,” “Chicago Fire,” “Chesapeake Shores,” Hallmark’s “The Christmas House,” and Netflix’s “The Noel Diary” and “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square.”
Williams is survived by his two children, Gill and Ellie, and his wife, actress Pam Van Sant. His indelible mark on the entertainment industry and his immense contribution to acting will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.