Treat Williams in New York City in September 2019.Photo:Lars Niki/Getty
Lars Niki/Getty
AsTreat Williamswould have turned 72 on Friday, the actor’s family is remembering how he lived his life to the fullest before it wastragically cut shorton June 12.
Williams’ wifePam Van Santandtwo children, Gill and Ellie Williams, admit that they’re still processing the loss nearly six months later.
“I think because of the suddenness of it — there was absolutely no preparation — so I find that I’m still grappling with the fact that it happened and that he’s really, really gone,” Van Sant tells PEOPLE.
Treat Williams and Pam Van Sant in May 2023.treat williams/instagram
treat williams/instagram
Williams and Van Sant, who married in 1988, welcomed their son Gill in 1992 and daughter Ellie in 1998. The couple lived aquiet life in Vermont, an adopted home state for which the actor had “an enormous love,” he toldVermont Magazinein 2021, describing the people there as “incredibly honest, real and good-humored.”
Gill admits it’s strange to live in a world now where his father is “actually gone.”
“But at the same time, he’s left behind this beautiful legacy,” he explains. “I think that’s something that you’re very lucky if your parent is an artist — especially when [the artist] is as prolific as him, because you do get to, in many ways, still be with them through that art.”
Treat Williams, Pam Van Sant and Gill Williams in New York City in 2019.Lars Niki/Getty Images
Lars Niki/Getty Images
With more than 120 credits to his name, Williams made his film debut alongsideJames Earl Jonesas a police officer in the 1975 crime thrillerDeadly Hero. He took on more film roles from there, including the 1976 filmsThe RitzandThe Eagle Has Landed.
The actor’s career reached one of several high points in 1979 when he starred as the free-spirited hippie Berger in the filmHair,a role thatearned him his first Golden Globe nomination. His second nod came two years later for 1981’sPrince of the City.
Treat Williams with daughter Ellie Williams.Instagram/elliecwills
Instagram/elliecwills
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But as dedicated an actor as Williams was, the role that mattered most to him was that of husband and father.“His family was the thing that he always said [he’d be remembered for],” Ellie recalls.
“You guys are obviously his legacy,” Van Sant says, referring to Gill and Ellie. “He was just so proud of both of them.”
source: people.com
