In a recent episode of the FX series Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, a heartfelt tribute was paid to the late actor, Treat Williams. On the Valentine's Day episode, just before the credits rolled, a title card appeared on the screen that read, 'In Memory of Treat Williams 1951 – 2023.'
Williams, who tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident at the age of 71, had spent some of his final days on the set of the show. He portrayed CBS co-founder William Paley alongside Naomi Watts, who played William's wife and Truman Capote's former close friend, Babe Paley.
Feud: Capote vs. The Swans revolves around the fallout between Babe and her social circle, whom Capote referred to as his “swans,” following the publication of his scandalous story, 'La Côte Basque, 1965.'
In the episode, Babe comes to terms with her lung cancer diagnosis and accepts the fact that her husband had been involved with her close friend, Slim Keith, portrayed by Diane Lane. Babe tells her husband that Slim is a suitable companion for him after she passes away. Meanwhile, Slim conveys to Capote that their friendship cannot be repaired during Babe's remaining days.
Truman himself grapples with his own health issues in this episode, as he attempts to get sober upon learning from a CT scan that his brain is shrinking due to his excessive alcohol consumption. To fill the void left by the absence of his swans, Capote finds a new mentor in John O'Shea's daughter, played by Russell Tovey.
During the show's New York City premiere, co-creator Ryan Murphy shared his last conversation with Williams. Murphy recalls Williams grabbing his face and saying, 'I loved every minute.' Naomi Watts, who also served as an executive producer on the show, had a similar experience with the actor. She mentioned that Williams would express his delight with the incredible scenes and material he had the opportunity to work with.
Despite the character portrayal of Bill's alleged infidelity in 'La Côte Basque, 1965,' Bill continued to care for Babe as she faced her battle with cancer. Watts commented on Williams' emotional accessibility during the scenes that depicted Babe's final moments, attributing it to his gratitude for being a part of this stage in his life.
Williams' wife, Pam, expressed that her husband 'couldn't have been happier' working on Feud and that he truly thrived while collaborating with the talented individuals involved in the project. As Pam and their children prepared to watch Williams in his final role, she acknowledged the discomfort of witnessing his last performance but reiterated their unwavering support for him.
Tom Hollander, who portrayed Truman Capote in Feud, conveyed the cast's difficulty in processing Williams' death. Hollander described the situation as tragic and admitted that they were still getting to know Williams when the tragic accident occurred. He expressed his admiration for Williams' positive and optimistic spirit, labeling him as a true enthusiast.
The loss of Treat Williams has left the cast and crew devastated, as they were just beginning to form bonds with the talented actor. His portrayal in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans showcased his immense talent and left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
As Feud: Capote vs. The Swans continues to air on FX, viewers eagerly anticipate seeing Williams' final performance. Although his departure has brought sorrow to those who knew him, his memory will live on through his incredible body of work, including his heartfelt contribution to this captivating series.
