Taylor Kinney is paying tribute to hisChicago FirecostarTreat Williamsfollowing hisunexpected death.
TheHairandEverwoodactordied on Mondayafter being involved in a motorcycle accident. He was 71.
Williams played Kinney’s on-screen father Benny Severide in the NBC firefighter drama, which he appeared on for seven seasons between 2013 and 2018.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Treat’s family,’ Kinney, 41, who plays Lt. Kelly Severide, told PEOPLE in an exclusive statement.
Arnold Jerocki/WireImage; Emma McIntyre/Getty
Remembering the star, he continued, “He played my father onChicago Fire, and was a father figure to everyone on set. I’ll always relish our conversations and his uncanny ability to light up a room. We all send love, he will be missed.”
Taylor Kinney and Treat Williams in Chicago Fire.Elizabeth Morris/NBCU Photo Bank
Elizabeth Morris/NBCU Photo Bank
In 2018, Williams shared a photo with Kinney and costarsMiranda Rae Mayo, who plays Stella Kidd, and Kim Delaney after he wrapped filming on the show after five years.
“Finished my #ChicagoFire episodes. Miranda Rae Mayo, Taylor Kinney, Kim Delaney. Great actors all,” he captioned the picture on Twitter at the time.
Williams’ formerEverwoodandWhite Collarcostars havealso been paying tributeto the actor.
The star playedMatt Bomer’s on-screen father Sam Phelps inWhite Collarfor six seasons. “I was so honored that he agreed to play my father on White Collar, and he jumped in and made every day on set a joy,” wrote Bomer, 45, on Instagram Monday.
Praising Williams’ patience and kindness,The Normal Heartstar continued, “He taught me in the most beautiful way- through patient example. He’s one of the few actors I’ve worked with who always checked in on me - even years after we worked together.”
“Treat — you were an amazing actor and an even better person and I will miss you. I count myself so blessed to have known you. My heart goes out to your wife and children. Rest in Peace, my friend,” he concluded the post.
Treat Williams and Taylor Kinney in Chicago Fire.Elizabeth Morris/NBCU Photo Bank
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McPherson said, “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.”
“He was an actor’s actor. Filmmakers loved him. He’s been the heart of the 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,” he added.
source: people.com
