Emotional Tribute: ‘Blue Bloods’ Bids Farewell to Treat Williams in Heartfelt Episode Honoring the Late Actor’s Character!
Blue Bloods bid farewell to Treat Williams’ recurring character during Friday’s episode.
Williams, who tragically passed away on June 12, 2023, at the age of 71 due to a traffic collision, portrayed Lenny Ross, the close friend of Tom Selleck’s character, New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan.
In the third episode of the series’ 14th and final season, it was revealed that Lenny had succumbed to cancer. This revelation came after it was disclosed that he had been battling the illness during Williams’ final appearance on the show last season.
Williams appeared as Lenny six times throughout the show’s run, first joining in season 6 in 2016 and making his final appearance in season 13, episode 20, titled “Irish Exits.”
During the family meal, Frank paid tribute to his longtime friend, saying, “Lenny Ross was my oldest friend, my closest confidant, my getaway driver, and I lost him this week. And it hurts like hell.”
“But Lenny would hate it if we got all teary and quiet and sad,” Frank continued. “So Lenny: We’ll miss ya. And save me a seat at your table, and I’ll see ya on down the road.”
The episode concluded with a title card honoring Williams, featuring a photo of him and Selleck in character, accompanied by the message, “In memory of our great friend, Treat Williams. 1951-2023.”
Williams’ untimely passing occurred in a motorcycle accident in Vermont. Family and close friends gathered for a private funeral in June 2023 to pay their last respects.
His final role was on the drama series Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, where he portrayed CBS executive William Paley. Naomi Watts, who starred alongside Williams, spoke fondly of him at the show’s premiere, remembering his gratitude for the role and his joy in being part of the project.