Photo:Michael Bezjian/Getty; Walter McBride/Getty; Gotham/WireImage
Michael Bezjian/Getty; Walter McBride/Getty; Gotham/WireImage
Treat Williams' former costars in the drama seriesEverwood arepaying tribute to the actor followinghis unexpected death at age 71.
Actor Gregory Smith, who played Williams’ son Ephram, tells PEOPLE in a statement, “This news is devastating. Treat was a wonderful man and a brilliant actor. Above all, he loved his family so much.”
Gregory Smith.WB /Courtesy Everett Collection
WB /Courtesy Everett Collection
Smith, 39, continued, “I’m very grateful for the time I got to spend as part of his extended tv family. He made an indelible impression on me during my most formative years. I will always cherish my time with Treat and think fondly of his stories, his laugh and his passion for adventure.
“I’m sending love to his family, Pam, Gil and Elinor. He will be deeply missed.”
Grey’s Anatomystar Sarah Drew, who joined as Hannah Rogers in season three, says she’s “utterly heartbroken at the news.” She tells PEOPLE in a statement, “My experience working with Treat on Everwood was formative in my life and career.
“We had a beautiful and extremely close knit family during our years in Salt Lake City. I learned so much from Treat’s talent and leadership and we have lost a bright light today. My heart goes out to his family.”
Sarah Drew.Ron Jaffe/WB /Courtesy Everett Collection
Ron Jaffe/WB /Courtesy Everett Collection
Chris Pratt, who appeared as Bright Abbott for all four seasons of the beloved series, expressed that it is a “sad season for the cast and crew ofEverwood” in anInstagram postdedicated to Williams andJohn Beasley, who died at the age of 79 in May.
“Both men were exceptional actors, wonderful husbands, fathers and friends. They will be missed tremendously,” he wrote. “I learned a great deal from working with each of them.”
Noting that the Beasley family and Williams family will be in his prayers, he reminded his followers that “life is fragile, precious and finite. Embrace it and one another.” In their honor, the actor recommended for his fans to take a moment to watch some of Williams' most notable projects that includePrince in the City,Hair, andTen Things To Do in Denver When You’re Dead.
Emily VanCamp, who played Amy Abbott on the show, described working with Williams as “always wonderful” as she penned a tribute to the late star beside a black-and-white photo of him as a younger man on Instagram.
She added on Instagram Story, “Beyond heartbreaking to hear of this. Love you Treat and all my love to his family in this difficult time.”
Ina tribute postof his own, series creator Greg Berlanti reflected on Williams' “warmth” while recalling the pair’s very first lunch together.
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The cast of ‘Everwood’.Warner Bros./Getty Images
Warner Bros./Getty Images
With more than 120 credits to his name, Williams' career extended over four decades with appearances in films like Steven Spielberg’s1941 and Heart of Dixie,and television shows likeBlue Bloods, The Late Shift, Chicago FireandChesapeake Shores.
Williams also appeared in several Hallmark projects, likeThe Christmas House, Beyond the Blackboard, Safe Harborand Chasing a Dream.
source: people.com
