The fine character actor Treat Williams died in a motorcycle accident earlier this week. I say “character actor” because, despite his charm, intelligence, and vaguely Scottish good-looks, Williams never quite achieved leading-man status in Hollywood. His best movie, imho, was Sidney Lumet’s Prince of the City, a wrenching drama about the corrupting influence of drug money on police officers. Everyone should check it out.
I don’t know why Williams didn’t get the lead in more films. Perhaps it had something to do with his physiognomy (he resembled Colin Farrell, another actor who never really clicked in Hollywood). Whatever the reason, Williams had a long, brilliant career in films, TV, and on-stage.
Growing up in the 1970s and 80s, I saw him in a lot of stuff, and he was always great. His perseverance should inspire future generations of actors and artists who don’t quite fit the standard commercial mold but have talent out the yin-yang. Success is the best revenge.
Godspeed, Mr. Williams…
Ash Clifton, Writer 