Chesapeake Shores' Cast and Stephen Huszar Celebrate Treat Williams' Unforgettable Legacy
'Chesapeake Shores' star Stephen Huszar shares how the cast is honoring the life and legacy of beloved former costar Treat Williams, emphasizing their heartfelt celebration of his memory after his passing
Hallmark's Stephen Huszar is grieving the passing of Treat Williams, his former co-star on Chesapeake Shores. Speaking exclusively to We while promoting his new film A Royal Christmas Crush with girlfriend Katie Cassidy, Huszar, 39, expressed the intense emotions he has been experiencing. However, he also mentioned that this tragic event has brought the Chesapeake Shores cast closer together as they celebrate Williams' life. Huszar described Williams as a formidable presence and a patriarch not only for the on-screen family but for him personally as well.
Williams, who tragically passed away in June at the age of 71 in a motorcycle accident, co-starred with Huszar on the heartwarming Hallmark series Chesapeake Shores for six seasons. Williams played the role of Mick O'Brien while Huszar portrayed Luke Tatum, a love interest for Mick's daughter Bree (Emilie Ullerup).
Reflecting on Williams, Huszar described him as a man who genuinely embraced life and lived it to the fullest. He expressed his admiration for the "legendary" and "incredible" actor and highlighted that Williams was pursuing something he loved when he met his unfortunate fate. The loss has brought the cast closer together as they continue to hold Williams dear in their hearts.
Huszar also had a personal message for Williams, expressing, "If you're listening, brother, we deeply miss you and you will forever be in our hearts."
After his passing, Hallmark also honored Williams, who had appeared in numerous projects for the network, including the recent films The Christmas House (2020) and its follow-up installment.
The network shared its deep sorrow upon hearing the news of the passing of beloved Treat Williams, the acclaimed actor renowned for his roles in Chesapeake Shores, The Christmas House, and many other memorable productions. Through an Instagram post, they expressed their enduring love for him, promising to hold him close in their hearts forever. In this difficult time, they also offered their heartfelt condolences to Treat's family, friends, and loved ones.
David Astorga/Hallmark Media
Williams' co-star, Barbara Niven, who portrayed Megan O'Brien, Williams' onscreen wife in Chesapeake Shores, also took to social media to pay tribute to the actor after his unexpected and significant passing.
"Niven expressed, 'Williams lived life to the fullest and embraced every moment. Working with him for six years on Chesapeake Shores was a true honor. He truly became the father figure for our cast and crew. Not only did he bring joy and laughter with his impromptu performances of songs from Grease or Hair during rehearsals, but he also brightened everyone's day with his corny dad jokes. He was an exceptional actor, comparable to the great Spencer Tracy of our time.'"
Hallmark has built a reputation for its close-knit ensemble of actors, which is precisely what attracts Huszar to continue participating in their projects.
When asked about his experience with the network, Huszar expressed his delight in working with familiar faces and the crew. He described it as being part of a family, creating a sense of comfort and camaraderie.
According to Huszar, it is always a pleasure to collaborate with individuals who have supported him in the past. Together, they strive to create exceptional artistic pieces while enjoying the process. In Huszar's opinion, this is ultimately what matters most in their line of work.
One artistic piece that Huszar thoroughly enjoyed creating was his upcoming film, A Royal Christmas Crush. This movie, set to premiere on July 8 as part of Hallmark's Christmas in July event, tells the story of Huszar's character, Prince Henry, who unexpectedly falls in love with architect Ava (played by Cassidy) during his visit to the United States. The chemistry between Huszar and Cassidy was so convincing that it led to a real-life romance.
"It's difficult to put into words, but as Katie and I got to know each other better, we realized that we are essentially the same person, just in different bodies. It's strange to meet someone who is so similar to me in many ways. It has been quite a journey," shared Huszar about their blossoming relationship. Cassidy, aged 36, chimed in saying, "It's like we complete each other's thoughts."
