Taylor Kinney paid tribute to actor Treat Williams who played the role of his father, Benny Severide, in 16 episodes of Chicago Fire.
Williams was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on Monday around 5 p.m. near Dorset, Vermont.
The incident involved a single car and Williams’ motorcycle. Investigators believe the driver of the car was turning and didn’t see the motorcycle. The accident is still under investigation.
Williams had a successful career spanning over four decades, appearing in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions.
Chicago Fire fans will remember him as Benny Severide, the charismatic and seasoned firefighter, and father of the show’s main character, Kelly Severide. He appeared in 16 episodes of Chicago Fire series from 2013 – 2018.
Williams made his debut in Season 1, Episode 13, Warm and Dead. In preparing for the role he spent time visiting firehouses, interacting with real-life firefighters, and immersing himself in their experiences. He wanted to authentically portray the challenges, camaraderie, and courage of these unsung heroes.
He was warmly welcomed by the cast and crew of Chicago Fire, who were thrilled to have such a talented actor join their ensemble.
He served alongside Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker) and his expertise in arson investigation would eventually rub off on his son.
Benny wasn’t without flaws. He often cut corners to benefit himself. The character had a penchant for adultery, which led to him getting divorced from Kelly’s mother.
The chemistry between Treat Williams and Taylor Kinney was palpable on screen. Their scenes were filled with a mix of tension, respect, and a deep-rooted father-son bond. Treat’s nuanced performance showcased the complexities of their relationship, revealing both the love they shared and the struggles they faced.
Here’s a scene that defines the complicated relationship between father and son:
Off-camera, Treat Williams became an honorary member of the Chicago Fire Department. He attended charity events, fundraisers, and fire safety initiatives, lending his support and raising awareness for the real-life heroes he portrayed on screen.
In season 7, episode 6, All The Proof, Treat Williams played his final scene on Chicago Fire in a poignant storyline that explored Benny Severide’s ultimate sacrifice to save lives. Benny did not leave in a tragic way. He had a stroke and passed away. The fire department held an official funeral for him, during which Kelly and his sister Katie (Brittany Curran) paid their respects.
Treat Williams’s portrayal of Benny Severide left a lasting impact, reminding everyone of the courage and bravery displayed by firefighters every day.
In the season 9 episode Funny What Things Remind Us, noting it had been two years since Benny Severide’s death, Kelly and Boden reflected on Benny and the dynamic that both men shared with him.
On hearing the news of his passing, Taylor Kinney remembered his on-screen dad in a touching tribute, as being someone with an “uncanny ability to light up a room.”
In an exclusive statement to People, Kinney wrote, “My thoughts and prayers are with Treat’s family.”
“He played my father on Chicago 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.”
Outside of acting, Williams was a passionate pilot and an advocate for environmental causes. He was involved in various charitable organizations, including the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Treat Williams’ enduring talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft has solidified his status as a respected and accomplished actor. He will be missed.
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