Beloved ‘Hair’ and ‘Star Wars’ Actor Passes Away in Tragic Accident

A friend of the late Carrie Fisher, who talked his way into being an Echo Base Trooper in Star Wars: Episode V, The Empire Strikes Back, Treat Williams, has passed away tragically at 71.

As tributes pour in on Twitter for the Hair (1979) actor, the Hollywood world is mourning the unexpected loss of Treat Williams. As reported by his longtime agent, Barry McPherson, Treat Williams passed away Monday in a motorcycle accident near his home in Vermont.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Mcpherson shared the conditions around the accident:

He was killed this afternoon. He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off. I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented.

McPherson continued:

He was an actor’s actor. Filmmakers loved him. He’s been the heart of Hollywood since the late 1970s. 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.

Vermont State Police released a statement confirming the details and identity of the motorcycle crash on June 13. Shortly before Williams passed, he shared a post on Twitter capturing his love for his laid-back lifestyle in Vermont:

What a real Vermonter does

What a real Vermonter does pic.twitter.com/gNflWGoxdN

— Treat Williams (@Rtreatwilliams) June 12, 2023

Born Richard Treat Williams, the actor has over 120 credits to his name since his film debut in Deadly Hero (1975), including his Golden Globe-nominated roles in Hair (1979) and Prince of the City (1981). The actor also earned accolades for his starring role as Dr. Andrew “Andy” Brown in the WB series “Everwood” with a SAG award nomination in the 2003-04 season.

Fans of Williams have watched him take on roles in popular series like “Blue Bloods,” “Chicago Fire,” “The Late Shift,” and the Steven Spielberg film 1941. While many recognize the renowned actor from his award-nominated roles, few know about an uncredited one that made Star Wars history.

Related: Renowned ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Actor Passes Away Tragically

Treat on the ‘Star Wars’ Set

Rising to fame in the late 70s, Treat Williams pulled off the greatest cameo of all time. While visiting Carrie Fisher on the set of Empire Strikes Back, Williams charmed his way into an uncredited role as an Echo Base Trooper.

In 2020, a popular post on Reddit by u/kevin_church shared iconic images of Williams with the late Carrie Fisher behind the scenes.

Actor Treat Williams poses with friend Carrie Fisher on the set of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.
byu/kevin_church inStarWarsMagic

Another post on Reddit by u/crossrivers released an image of Williams posing with Mark Hamill on the 1980 set.

Mark Hamill and Treat Williams on the set of Empire Strikes Back
byu/crossrivers inStarWars

Related: Queen of Rock Tina Turner Dead at 83

Twitter Pays Tribute

While images resurface of Williams with his famous friends, more prominent posts are paying tribute to his life and career, including CNN Anchor Bill Weir:

RIP Treat Williams, a kind and thoughtful human who made everything he touched better, including Twitter. Deep condolences to all who loved him.

RIP Treat Williams, a kind and thoughtful human who made everything he touched better, including Twitter.
Deep condolences to all who loved him. pic.twitter.com/1PKP1H35r2

— Bill Weir (@BillWeirCNN) June 13, 2023

Actor Billy Baldwin also shared his condolences in a post on Twitter:

He had it all. Smart. Talented. Funny. Charming. Successful. Handsome. Compassionate. Heart of gold. And that name… Treat Williams. He truly and deeply cared about what’s going on here in America and around the world. Climate change, social justice, freedom, truth, tolerance… love. Beloved by his family, friends, fans, colleagues… his community. A terrible loss. You will be missed. Rest in power Treat.

He had it all.
Smart.
Talented.
Funny.
Charming.
Successful.
Handsome.
Compassionate.
Heart of gold.
And that name… Treat Williams.

He truly and deeply cared about what’s going on here in America and around the world. Climate change, social justice, freedom, truth, tolerance…… pic.twitter.com/7cKP4nETTz

— Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) June 13, 2023

Treat Williams is survived by his wife, actress Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gill and Ellie.