Two weeks after actor Treat Williams’ death, new details and photos have emerged from the private memorial service held for him in Vermont on June 20, 2023. Williams, whose acting career included starring in all six seasons of the Hallmark Channel series “Chesapeake Shores” and several movies on the network, died on June 12 in a motorcycle crash minutes from his home in Vermont, per WAMC Public Radio. He was 71.

Five days after the memorial, which was first reported by People, Williams’ wife, Pamela Van Sant, marked their 35th wedding anniversary on June 25 by sharing favorite memories from their marriage on social media, just as her husband used to do to honor her. Here’s what you need to know:

Treat Williams Remembered at Private Memorial Service

On June 19, according to People, Van Sant, 68, was joined by her and Williams’ grown children — — Gill, 31, and Ellie, 25 — and an “intimate” group of loved ones for a private memorial at their farmhouse in Manchester, Vermont, where the couple has lived for many years.

But the service was not as small as first intimated. On June 25, Williams’ longtime agent Barry McPherson posted photos from the memorial service on Instagram, revealing further details about the gathering. White folding chairs were set up in front of a small cottage on Williams’ sprawling property, which he frequently posted photos of on his Instagram feed.

In fact, Williams posted a picture of the cottage on June 10, just two days before his death, and wrote, “Home. Now.” When someone commented that it looked like a guest house, Williams replied, “It’s simple but nice.”

For the memorial service, the tiny deck that typically just holds two rocking chairs served as a stage for those paying homage to Williams. They set up a microphone stand and sound amp, added vases and baskets full of pink peonies, and a large statue of an angel.

McPherson, who wrote in a tribute to Williams on the day of his death that he’d been his agent for 16 years, also shared photos of the lush green grounds on the family’s property, with a large white tent set up to protect tables of refreshments and shared memories.

Outside the tent, guests could sit or stand at round tables covered in white linens, with flowers and boxes of tissue as the centerpieces. There were also tiki torches and silver standalone bonfire stands, likely available for the evening hours.

In his post, McPherson wrote, “It has been a week of so many emotions. A lot of sadness with the memorial for Treat Williams in Vermont. So much love and appreciation for his work. But more importantly for the man himself. Such a terrible loss for our community and his wonderful family.”

Dina Janis, former artistic director of the Dorset Theatre Festival, told the Batteboro Reformer, “He was so happy with his house, and his life, and his wife, and his kids. And Pam is one of the most beautiful and generous people I know. It’s absolutely tragic.”

People reported that the following day, June 20, Williams was laid to rest in a private funeral.

Pamela Van Sant Shares Photo Memories of Late Husband Treat Williams

GettyActor Treat Williams (R) and wife Pam Van Sant attend the 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 2004

Days after the memorial and funeral for Williams, Van Sant had to face her first special occasion without her husband by her side. Although she has a private Instagram account, she posted memories in her late husband’s public Instagram Stories on June 25, the date of their 35th anniversary, sharing multiple photos of treasured times they had together.

Over a photo of the couple on their 1998 wedding day, she wrote, “Happy anniversary honey! 35 years.”

Van Sant also shared a more recent photo of them bundled up in the snow, a press photo taken of them at a red carpet event, a throwback picture of her sitting in his lap next to a Christmas tree, a current photo of them smiling on their Vermont land with their lapdog Woody, and a framed photo of them in 1999 dressed in ornate costumes over which Van Sant wrote, “1st anniversary on location in Bali.”

Her notes and throwback photos to mark their anniversary mirrored one of the ways Williams frequently paid tribute to her, posting sweet notes and favorite photos of her on Instagram for anniversaries, birthdays, and sometimes just because he was thinking about her.

In February, Williams posted a throwback photo of them with their kids when they were young. He wrote, “Happy Birthday to Pam. @pamelaberyl11 You are the love of my life. What joy you have given us. More adventures to come! 🥰❤️🙏”

Van Sant replied, “AWW Thank you honey. Love you and our family and looking forward to so much more adventures and fun together!!”

On their 34th anniversary in 2022, Williams shared a photo of them goofing around as a young couple on a summer day and wrote, “Happy Anniversary to my best friend and love of my life. I love you Pam❤️❤️❤️”

On their anniversary in 2021, Williams was away filming “Chesapeake Shores” and shared a video of the lakeside setting. But he didn’t forget the special occasion, writing, “What I do on my 33rd anniversary? Call my wife. Then chill”

In an apparent case of life imitating art, the viral news story of a Florida firefighter who adopted a baby left at his fire station during the holidays caught the attention of Hallmark star Andrew Walker, who played a firefighter in an eerily similar storyline for 2022’s wildly popular movie “Three Wise Men and a Baby.”

On June 24, 2023, Walker shared a screenshot in his Instagram Stories of an article from “The Today Show” about the touching adoption story. Over the image, he wrote, “Hmmm, sounds familiar. @paulcampbellofficial @tyler_hynes #3wisemenandababy”

Fans have been clamoring for a sequel to the “Three Wise Men” movie, and this latest development may only fuel their desire to see Walker’s firefighter character and his on-screen brothers back together.

Firefighter Discovered Baby at Station Overnight, Just Like Andrew Walker’s ‘Three Wise Men’ Character

HallmarkAndrew Walker stars as a firefighter who has to take care of a baby in “Three Wisemen and a Baby”

In “Three Wise Men and a Baby,” which became the most-watched cable movie of 2022, Walker plays bachelor firefighter Luke Brenner who, while working the overnight shift during the holidays at his fire station, discovers a baby left in a car seat with a note specifically for him from the baby’s unidentified mother.

“I had no one else to turn to,” the note reads. “Please take care of Thomas for me. I’ll be back by Christmas, I promise.”

Rather than take the baby to child protective services, his character’s mom, played by Margaret Colin, convinces Luke and his brothers, played by Paul Campbell and Tyler Hynes, to watch the infant for several days and see if the mother returns as promised. The comedy then chronicles the brothers bonding as they amusingly learn to care for baby Thomas, falling in love with him in the process.

Once the baby’s single mom returns, she reveals that firefighter Luke had been first on the scene when she was alone and in labor. In true Hallmark fashion, the two fall for each other and, in the movie’s last scene, are shown cohabiting in his newly-built home while raising Thomas together.

“Three Wise Men and a Baby” premiered on Hallmark Channel on November 19 and instantly became a huge hit. Weeks later, as first reported by WKMG-TV in Orlando, a similar scenario to its plot line played out in real-life when a newborn baby was left overnight at the fire station in Ocala, Florida.

Now named Zoey, the baby girl was left inside a Safe Haven Baby Box, which is a temperature-controlled box installed at nearly 150 fire stations across the U.S. where desperate parents can anonymously place babies they can no longer care for, no questions asked. According to USA Today, 23 abandoned babies have been rescued through the program since 2017.

At 2 a.m. on January 2, an alarm went off at the station in Ocala to signal that a baby had been placed inside the box — the only one that exists in Florida. The firefighter who quickly responded — and has asked to remain anonymous for his family’s privacy — discovered a baby girl wrapped in a pink blanket with a pink bottle next to her. He and his wife, he told USA Today, had been trying to have a child for a decade, so he instantly hoped the baby could be theirs.

The firefighter took the baby to the hospital, as is protocol according to “The Today Show,” and left a note with the baby, describing what had happened and why he and his wife would love a chance to adopt the little girl. Since they had previously filled out all of the paperwork necessary to become adoptive parents, they had Zoey in their arms two days later and have since adopted her.

“Everybody was just in disbelief, honestly, that she was hand-delivered to us, basically,” his wife told WKMG off-camera.

At a press conference in early January, Safe Haven Baby Boxes founder Monica Kelsey directly addressed the parent who left Zoey at the fire station, according to TODAY.

She said, “Thank you for keeping your child safe. Thank you for bringing your child to a place that you knew was going to take care of this child. And thank you for doing what you felt was best.”

Fans Clamoring for Sequel or Follow-Up to ‘Three Wise Men and a Baby’

Hallmark fans loved “Three Wise Men and a Baby” so much that calls for a sequel or follow-up have been nonstop on social media since its airing. Walker got their hopes up on his birthday, June 9, when he shared a spoof movie poster for “Charlie’s Snow Angels” that made it look like he and his on-screen brothers were teaming up with Hallmark star Nikki DeLoach for a sequel.

The graphic was professionally created just for fun by movie poster artist Rick Slusher, Walker recently told Heavy, based on an idea that DeLoach shared jokingly during ChristmasCon last December. Fans went wild on social media, thinking it was a real movie in the works.

“I’d like to see it actually,” Walker told Heavy. “Like us saving Christmas or something?”

But, he said, the movie is “not happening — yet” and developing a follow-up to their huge hit is not as easy as it may seem, particularly because of the current writers’ strike and because the network and the movie’s screenwriters, Campbell and fellow Hallmark star Kimberley Sustad, know how difficult it is to create a sequel as good as the original.

On June 17, Campbell told TV Insider that the possibility of an actual sequel is slim to none.

“We talked with the network early on about a potential sequel and they just said, ‘We love the movie. We’d love to sort of work with you guys again in another capacity, but it’s just not going to be in powers on this one.’ So unfortunately, unless we get a miracle, I would say the chances are zero.”

However, Walker thinks the trio will be back in some fashion, given their chemistry, on and off the screen, and fan interest.

“Paul can bring down a room, like he is just so funny,” Walker said. “And then Tyler with his understated ‘Mr. Cool Guy’ thing that he does. It’s just incredible and so funny. I feel so fortunate that we found this in each other now. It’s amazing. It opens up a whole new world for us, you know?”

The Hallmark Channel’s newest June Weddings movie, “Make Me a Match,” premieres on Saturday, June 24, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. The movie stars Eva Bourne and Rushi Kota. Read on to learn all about where the movie was filmed and cast’s behind-the-scenes stories.

‘Make Me a Match’ Was Filmed in the Vancouver, Canada, Region

Hallmark“Make Me a Match”

Labeled as “the very first Hallmark South Asian story” by director Heather Hawtorne-Doyle, the movie’s working title was “Match Me, Please.” It was filmed in the Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, region. According to social media posts, the 14 days of filming for the movie began on March 21.

Hawtorne-Doyle posted a picture of a Vancouver beach on April 24.

She shared a behind-the-scenes photo on April 11.

On May 9, she posted a video about wrapping filming (but the wrap day itself was much earlier.)

She posted on March 23: “Wildest day of my career yet, so I wore a wild shirt! Amazingly we pulled it off. Match me, Please (working title) coming in June (wild turnaround too).”

“Still sends a thrill! Day one shot, 14 more to go!” she posted on March 21.

Now that she’s back on social media, Bourne has posted a few pictures about her new movie on Instagram too.

“Absolutely over the moon to be guided by our incredibly brilliant and fearless director @hhdtvis ✨” she wrote on April 1. “Oh…and @rushikota isn’t half bad either. 😛”

“All done ✨I experienced the magic of so many truly good and talented people on this project. Lucky, lucky me,” she wrote on April 11.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you @nikhilsjayaram for your words, wit and art. @rushikota @therekhasharma you brought every page to life so flawlessly and I couldn’t be happier to have shared this experience with you both.
I finally found my match! ❤️” she wrote on April 11.

Bourne recently told JustJared that she was excited to be back at Hallmark.

“I was super grateful for the opportunity, and I was excited that this was the script that I got to have the first leading role with,” she shared. “I had a lot of ideas swirling around in my head about all the things that would come with a lead, but to be honest, all of my worries were completely gone once the second day came. ”

On Kota’s birthday, she posted the following “Happy Birthday @rushikota 🥳✨Thanks for really pushing through and always putting up with me 😛”

Rekha Sharma, who is from North Vancouver, posted a few pictures on her own Instagram as well.

“*Spoilers 🤩 Some behind the scenes tomfoolery for y’all from my current project – set to be released this summer on @hallmarkchannel 😍I havefakegreyhaairrthisisfuuunnn Woohoo 🥳” she wrote.

And Kota posted photos of him and his co-host, writing: “The many times @evacbourne and I make the same faces. #makemeamatch”

Meet the Cast

Hallmark“Make Me a Match”

Hallmark’s synopsis reads:

Vivi (Bourne), an optimistic woman with a substandard romantic history, works at a datadriven matchmaking app. Once she discovers that the success rate for matches at her company is low, she hires Raina (Rekha Sharma,“Battlestar Galactica”), an Indian matchmaker, to provide advice on how to improve their numbers. However, Raina suggests an unusual arrangement to teach Vivi her tactics: she will use her expertise to help Vivi find love, and Vivi can use what she learns through this process to help her company. As they embark on this matchmaking journey, Vivi meets Raina’s spontaneous son, Bhumesh (Kota), and questions whether finding love is something one must take control of or allow to happen on its own.

Eva Bourne, who plays Vivi in the movie, is from British Columbia, according to her bio. After completing high school, Bourne initially pursued a Dental Assisting career. However, she soon discovered her true passion for acting and journeyed to Vancouver to pursue her career. She’s well known for her role on “When Calls the Heart” as Clara, and for her role on “Garage Sale Mysteries” as Hannah. She’s also starred on “Caprica,” “Psych,” “Falling Skies,” “Devil in Ohio,” “Once Upon a Time,” and more.

Rushi Kota is Boom in the movie. According to his bio, he is known for portraying the character of Prashant in the popular Netflix series “Never Have I Ever,” as well as portraying Dr. Vik Roy in “Grey’s Anatomy.” Before breaking into the entertainment industry, he studied Automotive Engineering at SUNY Farmingdale, and double majored in Industrial Management Technology and Business Administration. However, the financial crisis of 2008 put things into perspective and he decided to focus on acting.

Also starring in the movie, according to Hallmark’s press statement, are:

• Rekha Sharma (Raina)
• Rahat Saini (Nella)
• Lynda Boyd (Janice)
• Garwin Sanford (Walter)
• Sean Yves Lessard (Adam Yantzy)
• Patch May (Kenny)
• Kyle Toy (Dom)
• Alex Pychtin (Paul)
• Nitin Prasad (Leonard)
• Darien Martin (Tristan)
• Iain Craighead (Suitor)
• Wonita Joy (Mom)
• Nipun Joshi (Arvind the Astrologer)
• Nimet Kanji (Palmist)
• Janelle Beadall (Fangirl)
• Arianna Bent (Party Guest)
• Patience Dossen (Testimonial Person #1)
• Terrick Harley (Testimonial Person #2)
• Suresh Patel (Older Indian Man)
• Angelique Maingot (Eatery Server)
• Devinder S. Dillon (Hindu Vadhiyar)
• Moheb Jindran (Venky)
• Sophia Biling (Kid)
• Neema Rose Vincent (Engagement Dancer #1)
• Karanvir Singh (Engagement Dancer #2)
• Bhushan Patil (Engagement Dancer #3)
• Manasi Harshit Shah (Engagement Dancer #4)
• Niki Patel (Wedding Dancer #1)
• Vishakha R. Patil (Wedding Dancer #2)
• Shilpa Patel (Wedding Dancer #3)
• Janhvi Vora (Wedding Dancer #4)
• Chad Sayn (Stunt Coordinator)
• Niki Patel (Choreographer)

READ NEXT: Hallmark’s June 2023 Lineup of New Movies

Actor Dermot Mulroney, star of some of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic comedies, including several Hallmark movies, walked off the set of ABC’s “The View” toward the end of his interview in the episode that aired on June 23, 2023. He said he did so to show his support for the ongoing WGA Strike, as TV writers demand higher wages and better conditions from major entertainment companies like Disney, Netflix and Warner Bros., according to Entertainment Weekly.

Appearing on the talk show for the first time since 2005, Mulroney, 59, was there to promote his role in Marvel’s “Secret Invasion,” which premiered June 21 on Disney+. He taped the talk show a day earlier, according to Deadline, but producers opted not to edit out his walkout, which occurred shortly before the hosts went to break. Here’s what you need to know:

Dermot Mulroney Explains Why He Walked Off ‘The View’

During the strike, which began May 2, networks have had to increasingly lean on news and unscripted shows to keep programming fresh. “The View” has been able to continue airing daily shows without writers, and moderator Whoopi Goldberg, who was not on set for the June 23 episode, has mentioned that she and her cohosts do not read introductions or lead-ins from writers, per Deadline.

After chatting with “The View” hosts for a few minutes, Mulroney heard one of them say they’d be taking a commercial break soon.

“Are we going to break?” he asked, and cohost Joy Behar responded, “We’re going to break.”

Mulroney then said, “Sorry, first, I want to do this symbolically in support and solidarity with the writers. I’m gonna walk off your show.”

Rising from his seat, he said, “Thank you, I’ll see you in the picket lines,” and walked off stage while waving and smiling at the audience. Behar went on to give viewers details on his new series and then said, “We’ll be right back.”

After his walkout, Mulroney issued a statement to Variety that said, “Since I have such respect for ‘The View,’ a news program with a heart, it was there that I felt comfortable enough to draw attention to the ongoing WGA strike for fair wages and working hours, as I find it incredibly important to continue to support the union.”

Since writers began striking, organizing picket lines outside major studios primarily in Los Angeles and New York, multiple Hallmark stars have showed up to march with their colleagues or have shown their support online.

For instance, actress Ashley Williams shared photos in her Instagram Stories on May 12 and 17 of her joining L.A. picket lines, writing, “Pay artists a fair wage!” On May 8, actress and screenwriter Nikki DeLoach did the same, sharing a photo of herself with fellow creatives and writing, “friends going out to support each other on the picket lines.”

Dermot Mulroney Says He’s Worked Hard to Stay Relevant in Entertainment Biz

GettyDermot Mulroney and Don Cheadle, who first worked together on “Fame” in 1986, attend the “Secret Invasion” launch event in June 2023.

Before Mulroney staged his symbolic walkout, he talked about his new Marvel role and his ability to stay relevant as an actor after more than 30 years, from starring in classic rom-coms like “My Best Friend’s Wedding” with Julia Roberts and “Wedding Date” with Debra Messing to playing a coach in LeBron James’ 2023 basketball movie, “Shooting Stars.”

When cohost Ana Navarro asked him what he attributed his longevity to, Mulroney said that was his goal from the time he started acting.

“I don’t know why I thought of it at 22 when I was starting in Los Angeles, but I just thought, ‘Do whatever it takes to stay in the game,” he said. “So, I’d say that worked out really well for me. I’ll also attribute my work ethic to my dad, so that was hereditary.”

“I work my tail off,” Mulroney said. “Who wouldn’t want to when you have a job like mine? And there’s so much variety and I’ve had so many people extend themselves for me and give me opportunities that I never dreamed of. So, it is to all those people that I owe this. And I will claim for myself how hard I’ve worked, so that’s starting to show.”

Mulroney’s Hallmark movies have included 2017’s “The Christmas Train” with Kimberly Williams-Paisley and 2015’s “North Pole: Open for Christmas” with Lori Loughlin.

Hallmark Channel star Holly Robinson Peete has spoken out about a “godsend” of an opportunity for her autistic son. The actress had high praise for the Los Angeles Dodgers at their foundation’s Blue Diamond Gala because of what the baseball organization has done for her son by giving him a job eight years ago.

Here’s what you need to know:

Holly Robinson Peete Said RJ’s Job With the Dodgers Was a ‘Godsend’ For Their Family

Rodney Peete Jr. (“RJ”) was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, according to Robinson Peete’s Instagram. She has frequently praised him on her account for being “an awesome autism advocate,” as she wrote in 2022, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been struggles.

At the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala on Thursday, June 22, Robinson Peete praised the Dodgers organization in an interview with People. She spoke about the Dodgers giving her autistic son a chance by “hir[ing] inclusively” and now he’s been with the organization for eight years and it has been a “godsend” for RJ.

“The fact that they employed my son, they hired inclusively, a young man with autism that they gave a chance and he’s been here eight years. It’s been a godsend. So I love this team with my whole heart,” said the Hallmark star.

She added, “He didn’t have friends growing up. He has just a whole family around him, outside of his immediate family who supports him. … Then beyond that, what they do off the field and how they contribute, getting back to the community to walk the walk. For me, I love this team from A to Z … When you come to Dodger Stadium, it’s a family atmosphere. They do the same thing when they go into the community. And it’s probably not often enough do you hear about what the Dodgers do in the community. And that’s why nights like this are so important.”

RJ Peete is Holly Robinson Peete’s ‘Inspiration’

In an Instagram post from 2018, Robinson Peete introduced son RJ Peete to her fans and called him her “inspiration” because of all the things he can do instead of how doctors told her and her husband to prepare for all the things he wouldn’t be able to do.

Robinson Peete wrote:

Meet RJ Peete!! 👦🏽💕👍🏽

He loves aquariums, baseball & trampolines!
He is my inspiration.

When he was diagnosed w/ #autism at 3 we were told to prepare for everything he would NEVER do💔 Now 20 he does A LOT🙏🏽 Make sure to keep up with RJ on our new family docu series #MeetThePeetes premiering this Sunday Feb 18 10/9c on @hallmarkchannel 📺❤️🎉

The Peete family, which consists of Holly and husband Rodney Peete, boy-girl twins Ryan and Rodney Jr. (RJ), 25, and two more sons named Robinson, 20, and Roman, 18, starred on the Hallmark Channel reality series “Meet the Peetes” for two seasons; it was a follow-up program to their two-season reality show on the Oprah Winfrey Network called “For Peete’s Sake.”

On both shows, talking about and showing experiences with RJ’s autism was something the family did not shy away from. In one episode of “For Peete’s Sake,” RJ and his mom were shown talking about his autism and he admitted that he sometimes lies about being autistic because of how people treat him.

“[I say] I don’t have it anymore,” said RJ, adding, “I don’t like people affecting it. I just want to be a normal guy like everybody else.”

To that, Robinson Peete said, “You’re an exceptional person, you’re different. You have to embrace that. That’s what makes you special, right?”

“I just don’t like the world thinking I have it because I don’t want people to make fun of me,” replied RJ.

At that point, Robinson Peete mentioned his job with the Dodgers, saying, “I wouldn’t worry so much about what other people think. Just go do you. You got a great job, you’re moving forward in life. I’m proud of you, you’re working so hard, everyone on the Dodgers loves you. Don’t worry about that.”

He admitted to reading online comments and his mom asked him not to do that. “Don’t every scroll down and read anything,” she said, adding, “RJ, you cannot listen to what random people say.”

But he said in a private interview that the things people say online “really hurt [his] feelings.”

Days after celebrating the premiere of her latest Hallmark movie, “Wedding Season,” and her own wedding to fellow Hallmark actor Sebastian Gacki, actress Stephanie Bennett posted details of a “really creepy” incident in which she was followed by a man in his car on the morning of June 22, 2023.

Though the actress is okay, she was clearly shaken up by the encounter. Sitting in her own vehicle, Bennett posted a video in her Instagram Stories in which she described the encounter and then pleaded with men to consider how “terrifying” such behavior is for women.

Stephanie Bennett Pleads With Men to Think About Impact of Their Actions

HallmarkStephanie Bennett and Casey Deidrick in Hallmark’s “Wedding Season”

Bennett, who’s appeared in many Hallmark projects including 2022’s “Christmas Class Reunion” and episodes of “The Aurora Teagarden Mysteries” and “Signed, Sealed and Delivered,” posted an impromptu video midday on June 22 as she sat in the driver’s seat of her vehicle.

“Okay, I’m in my car and I just had this really creepy thing happen,” she said, looking straight at the camera. “You know, it’s the middle of the day — it’s like 11:30 on a Thursday — and I’m going and I’m getting my coffee and I’m about to go to an appointment and, like, I noticed there’s this car just at pace with me.”

“And the guy’s looking,” she continued. “He’s just looking, just straight up following me for blocks in his car. Like, then I look at him and I kind of give this look like ‘Can I help you?’ And he sort of speeds off and then he goes two blocks ahead and he just stops there with his hazards on like, as if he’s waiting for me to catch up.”

Bennett didn’t say whether she took another route or passed the man’s car; instead, she began talking about how hard it is for women to have to deal with feeling unsafe so often.

“Man, I really wish men were more, just, cognizant of how terrifying it is to be a woman on a daily basis,” she said. “Like, it’s the middle of the day. And genuinely, my heart started racing and my palms started sweating because he was, like, following me!”

Bennett then said she’d much prefer that a guy who’s interested in her maturely and cautiously approach her.

“Like, if you’re gonna shoot your shot or you’re going to try to talk to me or something and you’re polite enough, I’ll politely say, ‘Thank you so much, I’m married. You know, have a good day.’ But if you’re going to literally follow me in your car…”

Bennett, who lives in Vancouver, then suddenly remembered a similar incident two weeks prior.

She recalled, “A guy rolled his window down and he’s like, ‘Hey do you know how to use Uber?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, you just go on the app and you just use it’ and I kept my distance. And he said, ‘Come here, can you do it on my phone for me?’ Like, he had his car door open! Do you know how terrifying that is? Like, what if he grabbed me — again, in the middle of the day, but like, I just don’t think men really understand.”

“And I’m so frustrated right now,” Bennett added, “because they don’t understand how friggin’ scary that is. Don’t do that. Okay, guys? Don’t do that. That’s not how you do it. Anyway, that’s my rant. Thanks for listening.”

Police Offer Tips for Drivers Who Think They’re Being Followed

GettyA San Francisco police car in June 2023

In recent months, police in many cities have issued warnings to drivers — especially women — about staying alert and notifying authorities when they think they’re being followed in their cars.

In early June, three women were attacked while sitting at a stoplight in Toledo, Ohio, according to WTVG, just after they realized they were being followed.

“They were like kicking the car and punching mirrors and punching windows,” one of the victims told the station. “They were pulling on the door handles trying to pull us out. Literally, one of them climbed on the roof of the car and started jumping on it like it was a trampoline.”

Luckily, people at an apartment complex nearby saw the crime in progress and yelled at the attackers to leave, which they did. Police still haven’t found the suspects, the station said.

In San Antonio, Texas, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar told NBC affiliate News4 in February that women there were being targeted by carjackers in the early morning hours. Each victim was driving alone and noticed that she was being followed before suspects got out of their cars and approached the women’s vehicles, tapping their windows with handguns and demanding they get out of their cars.

“We still know that this is a common occurrence,” Sheriff Salazar said, adding that women should never drive home and lead their potential attackers to where they live. “Be aware of your surroundings, check your rearview mirrors frequently, and again if you think you’re being followed don’t go wherever it is you were going, continue to drive and call it in.”

The Houston Police Department offers similar guidance in its “Keep Houston Safe” guide for residents. Among its tips for drivers are to immediately lock their doors upon entering the car, avoid eye contact with aggressive drivers and, in cases where they think they’re being followed, drive to the nearest police station, fire station, open gas station or a well-lighted area where there are people who can help.

Multiple Hallmark stars including Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown and Andrew Walker have signed on to be part of former colleague Jen Lilley‘s month-long Camp Christmas, a virtual summer camp for fans of Christmas rom-com movies, in an effort to raise money for kids in need.

During virtual game nights in July 2023, at least eight Hallmark fan favorites will team up with some of their former colleagues who, like Lilley, left Hallmark for cable start-up Great American Family, including Candace Cameron Bure and Trevor Donovan. Here’s what you need to know:

Stars Will Appear Together to Raise Money for Youth Program

Lilley starred in over a dozen Hallmark movies before jumping ship in January 2022, when she signed a two-year, four-movie contract with Great American Family, the network started by former Crown Media — now known as Hallmark Media — CEO Bill Abbott and Hicks Equity Partners, which is owned by recent Republican National Committee co-chairman Thomas Hicks, per Bloomberg.

There has been some undeniable tension surrounding Hallmark Media and Great American Family over the past year, with many fans and stars taking sides after Bure told the Wall Street Journal in November 2022 that her new network, for which she serves as Chief Creative Officer, would likely not feature same-sex couples as Hallmark movies sometimes do, preferring to “keep traditional marriage at the core.”

Abbott also told USA Today in October that his new network’s aim to dethrone Hallmark and become “the leader in quality family entertainment in this space.”

But many stars are willing to put any differences aside to collaborate on raising money for kids in need. In fact, many of them participated in the program last year, too. While still at Hallmark, Lilley and her friend Ale Boggiano, a former non-profit executive, founded Christmas is Not Cancelled, a company that hosts “giving campaigns” with exclusive opportunities for fans to watch and connect with some of their favorite Christmas movie stars. Over the past four years, the organization says it has supplied over $1.8 million in toys, school backpacks and cash donations to various charities.

Lilley’s goal for Camp Christmas this July is to raise enough money to fill backpacks with school supplies for 2,500 kids in need. During the month-long campaign, which costs $69 to join and kicks off on June 29, participants can enter weekly sweepstakes for prizes including going a cruise with Walker and a private virtual picnic with Lilley, connect with fellow fans, and watch exclusive game nights each Thursday, during which stars from both networks will appear.

The first celebrity game night on July 6 is scheduled to feature current Hallmark stars Chabert, Walker, Kevin McGarry and Cindy Busby, along with Great American Family stars Lilley, Donovan, and Bure. Cameron Mathison, who’s appeared on both networks, will also be part of the fun.

On July 13, Camp Christmas will host a “Camp Fire with the Hunks,” as Paul Greene, Christopher Russell, Jesse Hutch and Hallmark mainstay Wes Brown swap stories, play games and sing Christmas carols.

On July 20, the ladies get their turn with Camp Christmas’ “Slumber Party With the Darlings” featuring Hallmark stars Nikki DeLoach and Tamera Mowry-Housley alongside former “Home and Family” host Debbie Matenopoulos, “Full House” alum and Great American Family actress Andrea Barber, and Lilley.

Camp Christmas’ final virtual get-together is a craft class on July 27, with Hallmark star Marcus Rosner on board to participate.

Friendships Remain Between Hallmark Stars and Former Colleagues

Despite media attention focused on the bad blood between Hallmark and Great American Family, many of the stars from both networks remain friends after years of working together in past movies and TV series.

This is not the first time Lilley has leaned on her former Hallmark colleagues for help with her fundraising efforts. In March, for instance, she shared an Instagram video of herself with Walker, Chabert and Greene meeting a fan who won a previous Christmas is Not Cancelled sweepstakes.

And, on June 6, when Lilley shared an article announcing that she and Matthew Morrison are starring in a Great American Family follow-up to Hallmark’s “Christmas Waltz,” which starred Will Kemp and Chabert, Kemp graciously offered his congratulations on her Instagram post.

He wrote, “Very exciting! Huge congratulations. Send my love to everyone. 🙌🔥👏🕺🏻💃🏻”

Meanwhile, “When Calls The Heart” star Erin Krakow remains tight with her former co-star Lori Loughlin, who moved to Great American Family after a college admissions scandal that landed her in a medium-security prison for two months. On May 4, Krakow shared a photo of Loughlin with her dog, Willoughby, and simply wrote, “Besties.”

Despite some public feuding, Hallmark star Jodie Sweetin seems to have made amends with her “Full House” co-star Bure, as they reunited in March for an 80s fan convention.

“We have our, you know, moments and we have our stupid squabbles or whatever,” Sweetin said in February during the “Steph Infection” podcast, “but, like, we’re also really close. It’s what you do with family and siblings, you know what I mean? Sometimes you’re like ‘I’m gonna kill you’ and then ‘Whatever, pass the mashed potatoes.'”

The Hallmark Channel has announced a new summer romance film called “Aloha Heart” and with it comes a new leading man for the network in actor Kanoa Goo.

Here’s what you need to know:

Kanoa Goo is Proud to be a Part of Advancing Asian & Pacific Islander Inclusion on Screen

According to his Hallmark Channel bio, actor Kanoa Goo is a native of Hawaii, though he left the islands for school and attended New York University before breaking into show business.

He current has recurring roles on ABC dramedy “The Rookie” and CBS’ new firefighter drama “Fire Country,” and he also starred in the critically-acclaimed film “I Was a Simple Man,” which earned rave reviews at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.

This summer’s “Aloha Heart” will be Goo’s Hallmark Channel debut and his Hallmark bio says that he takes “great pride” in his mixed heritage and wants to take “leading roles that further Asian and Pacific Islander inclusion within the entertainment industry while contributing to his vibrant community’s visibility on screen.”

In an interview with Pop Culturalist, Goo said that the success of “Crazy Rich Asians” opened a lot of doors for API actors, giving producers confidence that actors of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage could be in leading roles.

“[T]he success of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ had a big impact on stepping into a new chapter in my career. I would argue that’s the case for a lot of other mixed and API actors. … That’s truly when I felt a palpable shift in opportunities that were being afforded to me, even just to read for those types of parts and actually compete for them,” said Goo.

He later added, “I just want to continue being a part of this positive moment of API representation in this industry and especially in these types of roles that weren’t being given. API actors weren’t even considered to lead a project. I just want to continue stepping into those shoes and those characters that aren’t just a supporting character or a sidekick for the main protagonist.”

‘Aloha Heart’ Stars Goo & Hallmark Veteran Taylor Cole

HallmarkTaylor Cole and Kanoa Goo

Goo is making his Hallmark debut opposite a familiar face for Hallmark Channel fans in actress Taylor Cole, who has starred in almost 20 Hallmark romance and mystery movies in the last 10 years.

In the film, Goo plays a native Hawaiian who manages a hotel and Cole plays a woman who visits Hawaii to be the maid of honor in her best friend’s wedding. They fall in love as they realize they can help make the resort more conservation-friendly.

The official description is as follows:

Manu (Goo) loves his Hawaiian homeland. His heart is in conservation, knowing full well his family’s hotel needs to make big changes to how the business operates. His family resists his costly suggestions, wanting to stay competitive with bigger resort hotels on the islands.

Sara Hamilton (Cole) is the best friend and maid of honor in her friend’s wedding, which is being held at Manu’s hotel. She has had trouble getting her foot into the world of environmental protection and is starting to lose hope she’ll be able to pursue what matters most to her.

When Sara and Manu meet, she has all kinds of suggestions for making the hotel a more sustainable business, but her overzealous approach only rubs Manu the wrong way. Leading up to the wedding, Manu and Sara find out they are in fact kindred spirits. Manu needs help getting his family on board to manage the business the right way, and Sara needs to balance her work passion with enjoying life that is too quickly passing by. In the partnership that forms, they discover they make the right kind of team, especially as an unexpected love for each other enriches their dream of making the world a better place.

The film premieres on Saturday, July 29 at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific times to kick off Hallmark’s “Summer Nights” programming, which will air all-new romance movies every Saturday through the end of August.

Hallmark star Luke Macfarlane is starting a new journey in life. He announced the birth of a baby girl and shared for the first time publicly that he’s in a relationship with a loving partner. Friends and fans flooded his social media with notes of congratulations after the joyful news.

Macfarlane Said Their Baby, Tess Eleanor, Came Home on Father’s Day

Macfarlane shared that he and his partner got to take their newborn baby home on Father’s Day after she was born on June 4, 2023.

He wrote: “Tess Eleanor Macfarlane— Born June 4th 2023. We started life with some hectic days and received world class care. On Father’s Day we got to take her home. Her Dads can’t wait to introduce her to all the remarkable people and the beautiful world we live in.”

He also shared a series of photos and videos about the happy day in his post.

After Macfarlane shared the news of his baby daughter, fans and friends flooded his social media with congratulatory notes.

Alison Sweeney replied, “This is incredible news!! I am SO happy for all three of you!!!!!! Congrats. 👏👏👏.”

Erin Krakow wrote, “The best! So happy for you!!! 🥰”

Nikki DeLoach wrote, “Huge congrats Luke! So thrilled for you.”

One fan wrote, “I remember when Scotty and Kevin had a baby through surrogacy in Brothers and Sisters back in 2011…. I had just come out of the closet and kept thinking I’d never be a father. But thanks to what I saw on that TV show, it was the first time I thought someday I might actually be one. Then on 2021 my husband and I received our daughter. And now when I see you becoming a father, it really makes me very happy! Congratulations to you both!!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️”

Macfarlane Tagged Hig Roberts in the Birth Announcement

In one of his photos, Macfarlane tagged a picture of Hig Roberts holding the baby’s hand, and shared a video of Macfarlane and Roberts walking out of the hospital with Tess Eleanor.

According to his Instagram bio, Roberts is a sports agent from Los Angeles and a former World Cup and U.S. National Champion skier.

Roberts was with Macfarlane when he trekked the highest mountain outside the Himalayas. After they reached the summit, Roberts shared photos with Macfarlane on his Instagram.

Macfarlane had also talked about the adventure they started just before New Year’s Eve.

Mt. Aconcagua is so dangerous that it’s earned the nickname “Mountain of Death” in some regions, Mountain IQ reported. But the duo handled their trek successfully.

Macfarlane has been historically quiet about his love life.

In an interview with Page Six in September 2022, Macfarlane was asked if he was seeing anyone romantically.

He replied: “I’m not going to talk about that at all. I give you my performance and you give me my privacy!”

But he’s always been consistent about keeping his private life private.

In 2017, he told In Magazine that he doesn’t like to talk about who he’s dating.

“I don’t like to talk about my personal life in interviews,” he said when asked.

In an interview with Chicago Tribune in 2008, shortly after he came out as gay, Macfarlane shared that he did hope to one day be married.

Macfarlane’s last movie with Hallmark aired as part of the December 2022 lineup. It was his 14th movie. At the time, he told the LA Times that it would likely be his last movie with the network.

“They’ve been very good to me, but I think I’ve told my story for now with those folks,” Macfarlane said. “I mean, how many firefighters can I play?”

He said in a separate interview that he was very grateful to the network and always would be.

He told Yahoo: “Hallmark gave me jobs for a long time. And not only just the gay best friend — they let me be a leading man. I’m always going to be very grateful to them for that.”

READ NEXT: Watch Deleted Scenes from ‘Three Wise Men & a Baby’

Just five days after becoming a first-time father, “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Never Have I Ever” alum Rushi Kota had to be in Vancouver to film his first Hallmark movie, “Make Me a Match,” which premieres on June 24, 2023, as part of the network’s June Weddings programming lineup. The seasoned actor, who will also appear opposite Seth Rogan in the feature film “Dumb Money” this fall, has said nothing could have prepared him for the stress of juggling being a brand new parent and tackling his first lead role in a movie at the same time.

After wrapping the movie this spring, Kota wrote on Instagram, “These past 4 weeks were wild AF! Still processing the magnitude of everything.”

Now that he is back home in California with his wife, Reeshelle Sookram Kota, and their newborn, the new dad is reflecting on what a crazy ride it’s been ahead of his Hallmark debut, in which he stars opposite “When Calls The Heart” alum Eva Bourne. Here’s what you need to know:

Rushi Kota Says He Was ‘Freaking Out’ Before Filming ‘Make Me a Match’

On March 19, Kota shared photos from the hospital celebrating the birth of his firstborn.

“We still can’t believe you are real,” he wrote. “Thank you for gracing us with your presence.”

But within days, the new dad had to board a plane for Vancouver to film “Make Me a Match,” which he told HOLR Magazine is “the first South Asian rom-com for Hallmark, written by an amazing Indian writer named Nikhil S. Jayaram.”

Directed by Heather Hawthorne Doyle, the movie follows Bourne’s character, Vivi, as she falls for Kota’s character Boom, the son of an Indian matchmaker she hires. Though Kota has had nothing but positive things to say about working with the Hallmark cast and crew, the experience of becoming a new dad days before filming was a stress unlike any other.

“Honestly, it was a hell of an experience,” he told Digital Journal. “As an actor, I was filled with tremendous growth and joy. However, I had a lot of anxiety the two weeks prior to shooting because this was my first lead in a movie, and my wife was due to give birth to our first baby.”

Kota told Just Jared he was in “full on panic” mode before filming began because he “wanted to be as fully memorized and prepared for my character as much as possible,” which is tough to do with a newborn.

He told the outlet, “I just remember the week before we got onto set, and I talked to my acting coach, where I told them I had no idea what I’m doing right now. I don’t know who this guy is. I’m full on freaking out.”

But once Kota arrived on set and began working with Bourne and Hawthorne Doyle, all of his fears subsided.

He told Digital Journal, “Luckily, everything ended up working out and I got to spend a week with my newborn son before shooting began and once I landed in Vancouver, I was relieved at how organized everything was. Hallmark knows how to put these groups of people together to create a wonderfully collaborative space.”

Rushi Kota Reflects on Profound Personal Growth That Happened During Filming ‘Make Me a Match’

HallmarkRushi Kota and Eva Bourne in Hallmark’s “Make Me a Match”

After the three-week shoot for “Make Me a Match” wrapped, Kota shared on April 17 what a transformative month it had been for him.

“I was everything everywhere all at once trying to figure out what the universe was telling me before I reminded myself to go with the flow,” he wrote on Instagram. “Pushed through all the anxiety. Will I get be able to pull this off? Am I ready for this responsibility in my personal and professional life? Can I do this? Also, where is my Earl Grey Tea with Oat Milk?”

Kota continued, “I made more growth as a human in the last 4 weeks than I had in my whole life and I couldn’t have done it without everyone holding down the fort at home and at work (which actually should be called Play, cause we are playing other people on screen. I ll leave that for another post…)”

The actor went on to thank the “amazing people” he worked with, saying he had the “time of my life” filming the movie. He told FanSided that he’d always wanted to do a rom-com, and how much fun he had playing the lead role once he got used to it.

“In all of my previous works, I was always a really large supporting character,” he said. “For the first time, I was the lead in this movie. It was definitely anxiety-fueled and daunting to all of a sudden be number one on the call sheet and I’m like, ‘Oh, my God. So much responsibility.’ Once I was able to really get my hooks into the script and into the character, I was able to have a lot of fun and even on set, it was a dream come true.”

“Make Me a Match” premieres on Hallmark Channel on June 24 at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

On Father’s Day 2023, Ellie Williams posted several photos to her Instagram of her late father, Treat Williams, who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on June 12. The prolific Hallmark Channel star was struck by a vehicle and died later at the hospital, according to the Vermont state police.

Ellie Williams Posted a Photo of Her as a Baby Playing With Her Dad

On Instagram Stories on Father’s Day, Ellie posted a photo of young Treat playing with her when she was a baby, captioning it, “I love you, dad. I miss you.”

She also posted a more recent photo of her dad on a lawn tractor at what looks like their Vermont farm, writing, “I took this picture of my pops when I was in college. He’s so handsome.” Page Six has screengrabs of the photos.

Then on June 20, Ellie posted footage of the huge array of flowers that arrived for Williams’ memorial service. The video was captioned, “Celebrating a big life.” She also reposted a video from a family friend that showed Williams playing the guitar and singing around a campfire surrounded by loved ones.

According to People, the family held a private memorial service at the Williams family home in Vermont on Monday, June 19. He was then laid to rest in a funeral ceremony the following day.

Treat Williams’ Wife, Pam, Has Shared Some Memories on Facebook

Williams married his wife, Pam Van Sant, in 1988 and they welcomed son Gill in 1991 and daughter Ellie in 1998. Since his death, Van Sant has been sharing memories of her late husband on her Facebook page.

The day after he died, she reposted a memory from a year ago that she captioned at the time “Moonlight in Vermont.” She wrote on the new post, “Thank you, Treat for sending me this memory. We love you and miss you so much.”

She later posted some private content that was captioned, “Our last amazing flight down the PCH. My amazing private Top Gun,” which is in reference to Williams’ love of flying. According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) obituary for Williams, he actually began flying in high school in the 1960s. The AOPA writes that Williams “earned a commercial pilot certificate, a flight instructor certificate, an instrument rating, a multiengine rating, and a rotorcraft rating” and he would often fly himself to filming locations.

Van Sant went on to write in her post, “The most loving husband, father, and friend to all. Please know the kids and I feel the enormous outpouring of love from our beautiful community that Treat loved so much. He was always happiest here on the ‘farm’ with us in his beloved Vermont. We will let you know when we can plan a larger memorial to honor Treat where everyone will be welcome. Thank you. Love, Pam, Gill, Ellie ❤️🙏💔.”

Just a couple of months before his death, Ellie and Treat went to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood together. Ellie posted a series of photos of their big day together at the theme park.

Upon learning of his death, Ellie wrote on an Instagram story that it was “a pain [she has] never felt.”

“I am absolutely shattered,” she continued. “Thank you to everyone who has sent messages and kept our family in your hearts during this terrible heartbreak.”

When Williams died, tributes came pouring in from all corners of Hollywood. It sounds like the Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor was loved by so many people that he worked with over the years.

One of Williams’ last projects was an episode of “Blue Bloods” where he reprised his recurring role of Lenny Ross. It aired just a month before his death. His co-star in that project and real-life friend Tom Selleck told People in a statement, “It has been said that we are all just passing time and occupy our chair very briefly. My friend Treat was aptly named and occupied his chair so well. I will miss him but I will not forget him. Well done, my friend.”

A Hallmark star might finally be returning to the network after a long absence. Lisa Durupt left a hint on social media that has many fans believing she’s working on a project for the network. The timing of her post lines up with Cameron Mathison and Alison Sweeney filming a new “Hannah Swensen” movie, but neither Hallmark nor the stars have indicated what project Durupt is working on.

Lisa Durupt Shared a Photo With a Hallmark Hashtag While Sweeney Is Filming a New ‘Hannah Swensen’ Movie

The rumors started when Durupt shared a photo on Instagram showing herself in a trailer, presumably working on a new TV or film project.

She wrote: “Just when you think you get a break…. They put baby wipes in your trailer.”

What was most intriguing to fans were her hashtags: “#workingmomlife #actor #hallmark #romanceuniversity #returningstudent.”

The post sparked rumors that she might be currently working on a project for the network. Neither Durupt nor Hallmark have confirmed the rumors as of the time of this article’s publication.

Sweeney replied with “😂,” which left some fans hoping Durupt is returning as Hannah’s sister Andrea in Sweeney’s “Hannah Swensen Mysteries” franchise. Sweeney has revealed that she’s currently filming a new movie for the series, so the timelines line up.

Sweeney wrote on June 19: “So exciting to be on set for the newest #HannahSwensen ! Proud to be producing another episode for these fun characters. #bluesocks #motivationmonday #setlife.”

They started filming their eighth Hannah Swensen a week ago, Sweeney also revealed.

Co-star Cameron Mathison shared the same news.

The timing of Durupt’s post lines up with Mathison and Sweeney revealing they’re filming a new movie in the franchise. Durupt hasn’t been in a “Hannah Swensen” movie since the franchise returned and changed its name from “Murder She Baked.”

One fan picked up on the clues and replied to Durupt, writing: “I have a question for you, Lisa, will you be joining the Hannah Swensen movies again? I ask because you are missed! There is such a great dynamic between you and Allison as sisters in those movies. Just thought I’d ask.”

Another fan wrote, “You must go back to Hannah Swenson mysteries. Still good but you brought so much to the show. 👏”

Back when “Hannah Swensen” returned in 2021, Sweeney told TV Goodness that Durupt couldn’t be in the new movie, and they brought on a new character (Tess Atkins portraying Hannah’s other sister, Michelle) because that character has a big role in the books.

Sweeney told TV Goodness: “Michelle was heavily featured as a main character in all the novels. And so for me, my question was why wasn’t she in the first movies, and I didn’t have a say in that as I came in close to the start of production on the first ‘Murder She Baked’ film. I was really excited to be able to introduce this character that I think plays such a big role in Hannah’s life.”

Sweeney also told TV Goodness at the time that she hoped Durupt could return to a future “Hannah Swensen” movie one day.

Durupt Recently Shared Her Journey With Multiple Scleroris on Instagram

Durupt has been busy. According to IMDb, she’s starring in “How to Murder Your Husband” with Cybill Shepherd. In 2021 she also starred in Hallmark’s “Time for Them to Come Home for Christmas,” alongside Jessy  Schram and Brendan Penny, so she’s only been gone from the network for about two years.

She also appeared in 13 episodes of “Heartland” through 2021.

Earlier this year, Durupt opened up on Instagram about a multiple sclerosis diagnosis that she’s had since she was a teenager. Durupt shared on Instagram that she’s been receiving Ocrevus infusions for the last 10 years when she started as part of a clinical trial. She added that she’s had MS for 25 years, but is now enjoying a “healthy symptom free life.”

She was diagnosed when she was 16, she told TV Goodness, and at the time it was so bad that she couldn’t even brush her own hair. But she was able to regain her fine motor skills, she told Vancouver is Awesome. She had subsequent flares at 18 and at 24, but today her MS is under control due to Ocrevus and lifestyle choices.

Durupt told Vancouver Is Awesome: “I know what it’s like to not be able to dress yourself or feed yourself and all that stuff, so when you do have your health, I think the rest, you can’t stress about anything. I’ve been very lucky.”

READ NEXT: Hallmark’s June 2023 Lineup of New Movies

The family of beloved actor Treat Williams, who starred in Hallmark Channel‘s popular series “Chesapeake Shores” for six seasons and multiple Hallmark movies, held a private memorial service for the star on June 19, 2023, according to Us Weekly, and was laid to rest on the morning of June 20th during a private funeral, per People.

On June 12, Williams died after his motorcycle collided with a turning car he couldn’t avoid, according to WAMC Public Radio. The Vermont State Police Department said that Williams suffered “critical injuries” in the accident, the outlet reported, and was treated at the scene before being airlifted to a New York hospital where he died hours later. A witness and friend at the site of the crash told reporters Williams was alert and answering questions shortly after the crash.

According to Us Weekly, his memorial service was held in Vermont, where Williams lived on a sprawling ranch. The “intimate” gathering included his wife, Pamela Van Sant, and their grown kids Gill Williams, 31, and Elinor “Ellie” Williams, 25. In social media posts over the past week, Van Sant has shared several poignant memories and also announced that a more public memorial service is in the works.

Treat Williams’ Wife Shares Poignant Memories & Gratitude for Her Late Husband

On June 25, Williams and Van Sant would have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. The actor often posted photos of and sweet tributes to his wife. On March 8, for example, he shared a throwback photo of her on Instagram for International Women’s Day and wrote, “Happy Woman’s day to my girl for life ❤️❤️❤️”

The night after Williams’ death, Van Sant shared a Facebook memory from exactly one year prior featuring a photo of the moon shimmering over a field and trees. It was captioned “Moonlight in Vermont.”

Van Sant wrote, “Thank you Treat for sending me this memory. We love you and miss you so much. ❤️🌕✨”

In a post on June 16, she shared how grateful she was for the outpouring of support she and her family had received in the days since Williams’ death and said a “larger memorial” will eventually take place. Her words were part of a post in which she shared another photo memory, which was only visible only to her private Facebook friends. She alluded to the picture being on a day Williams, an avid pilot, flew them along California’s Pacific Coast Highway.

“Our last amazing flight down the PCH,” Van Sant wrote in her post. “My amazing private Top Gun. The most loving husband, father, and friend to all.”

She continued, “Please know the kids and I feel the enormous outpouring of love from our beautiful community that Treat loved so much. He was always happiest here on the ‘farm’ with us in his beloved Vermont.” We will let you know when we can plan a larger memorial to honor Treat where everyone will be welcome. Thank you. Love, Pam, Gill, Ellie “

Van Sant also shared a private family photo via Facebook on June 19 and wrote, “Grateful for this family memory that just came up. We love you Treat now and forever”

Treat Williams’ Daughter Posts Tribute on Father’s Day

Williams and Van Sant’s daughter Ellie, who lives in Los Angeles, has posted her own social media tributes to her dad, expressing her shock and grief over his sudden death.

On June 14, she posted a series of photos in her Instagram Stories, including an image of a satin jacket with her father’s name embroidered on it. She then posted a picture of her parents in which her mom was resting her head on Williams’ shoulder.

Over the image, she wrote, “This is a pain I have never felt. I am absolutely shattered. Thank you to everyone who has sent messages and kept our family in your hearts during this terrible heartbreak.”

On Father’s Day, June 18, Ellie shared two more throwback photos in her Instagram Stories, captured by Page Six. The first showed Williams as a young dad with her when she was a toddler. She wrote over the image, “I love you, Dad. I miss you.”

She then uploaded a photo of her dad smiling while posing on one of his tractors on their Vermont land. She wrote, “I took this picture of my pops when I was in college. He’s so handsome.”

Shortly after Williams’ death, the family issued a public statement, per USA Today.

“As you can imagine, we are shocked and greatly bereaved at this time,” the statement read. “Treat was full of love for his family, for his life and for his craft, and was truly at the top of his game in all of it. It is all so shocking right now, but please know that Treat was dearly and deeply loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him. We are beyond devastated and ask that you respect our privacy as we deal with our grief. To all his fans, please know that Treat appreciated all of you and please continue to keep him in your hearts and prayers.”

Hallmark Channel star Tyler Hynes has a message for the fans out there who care “so much” — beware of scammers and imitators on social media because they have been “preying on the vulnerable.”

Here’s what Hynes had to say and why it’s so important:

Tyler Hynes & the Hallmark Channel Are Working to ‘Keep Everyone Safe’

In a lengthy Instagram post, Hynes wanted to inform fans that the Hallmark Channel has created a QR code that fans can scan and it will direct them toward official Hallmark talent social media accounts because there are “immitators” out there trying to take advantage of members of the Hallmark community.

Hynes wrote:

The lovely folks at @hallmarkchannel have joined in trying to keep everyone safe from fake accounts taking advantage of people in our community. The following is there to help clarify any confusion and bring awareness so hopefully we can turn the tide on this trend of people preying on the vulnerable.

Everyone’s socials from hallmark are verified here. If you don’t see them on here please be cautious and know it’s likely or certainly not the person no matter what they claim or how convincing it is.

Please be safe and take care of family and friends who may be less familiar to this fraudulent phenomena. It’s rampant across the internet. But we can rid ourselves of it if it stops being successful. If we look out for each other, the opportunities will dry up and they’ll move onto something else.

He went on to say that he hopes other actors for the network will share this QR code and for anyone out there, if you think someone you know “thinks they’re in contact with us or one of our representatives, please make it clear that they are not and use this link or post as proof to help them understand.”

He finished by writing, “Perhaps all together we can save some vulnerable folks from heartache. It seems that this is just a result of the times we’re in and as it is with most things of this nature it’s simply a matter of awareness and thoughtful consideration for one another that will put it behind us. The only question is how many victims will be spared during this moment in time. On your #tylertuesday I wanted to do something that cared for the community that cares so much. Cheers and thank you to everyone at hallmark for helping in this effort.”

On Instagram and Facebook, fans should be on the lookout for the blue check mark that indicates someone has been verified to be who they say they are. On Twitter, that’s tricky now that the platform has done away with blue checkmarks unless you choose to pay for one, so proceed with caution on Twitter.

Tyler Hynes Also Posted 4 Tips for Fans

Hynes also outlined in his post four Dos and Don’ts about interacting with Hallmark stars on social media to keep everyone safe:

1. Many imitators are using fake accounts
2. Hallmark media talent will never ask you to send money to them or to anyone else
3. Do make sure you are following the OFFICIAL social accounts of Hallmark talent by scanning the QR code
4. Do not accept invites or engage with individuals who do not have handles listed on our site

When you scan the QR code with your phone, you are taken to a link tree page that have links to the offical Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts of Alicia Witt, Andrew Walker, Ashley Williams, Autumn Reeser, Benjamin Ayres, Brennan Elliott, Brooke D’Orsay, Cindy Busby, Erin Cahill, Jonathan Bennett, Kimberly Sustad, Kristoffer Polaha, Lacey Chabert, Nikki DeLoach, Paul Campbell, Taylor Cole, Victor Webster and Wes Brown, plus Hynes. Those are the stars who appeared at ChristmasCon — hopefully Hallmark will add more soon, like Erin Krakow, Cameron Mathison, Allison Sweeney and other familiar Hallmark faces.

Hynes is the latest in a string of Hallmark stars working to help the fans out by issuing these kinds of warnings. In March, star Alicia Witt penned a lengthy post on Instagram assuring her fans that if they don’t see a blue checkmark, it’s not her.

“Just breaks my heart when I hear someone gave money to a scam artist posing as me or someone on my team. I can assure you, that will never be coming from me, so if you get a follow request or a message from such an entity, just block em and report – no need to ask me, you can rest assured, if it didn’t come from the blue checkmarked account: IT’S NOT MEEEEEEEEEEEEE,” wrote Witt.

Furthermore, in the fall of 2022, the official Hallmark site published a post advising fans not to fall for phishing email scams.

“If you receive an email which appears to be from someone at Hallmark and the email asks you to send money or provide personal information, that email is most likely not legitimate and you should delete it. It is likely part of a phishing scheme,” reads the post.

It tells fans that Hallmark will “never ask you” for any personal information, credit card numbers, request payments through a third party, or ask you to download anything from an email sent by Hallmark. If you see something like this, Hallmark asks you to contact Consumer Care.

Hallmark fans were devastated when they learned that the “Mystery 101” series was canceled. But they’ve been holding out hope that another fan favorite — “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” — will still have more installments. A Hallmark executive recently shared the network’s plans for the latter series’ future, while also revealing why they decided it was time for “Mystery 101” to come to an end.

Hallmark’s CEO Wonya Lucas Talked About the Cancelation of ‘Mystery 101’

In an interview with The U.S. Sun, Hallmark CEO Wonya Lucas revealed why the network decided to bring “Mystery 101” to a close.

“Well, we hadn’t done it in a long, long time, right?” she told The Sun. “And we just brought the mysteries back. So, we’re just looking at mysteries a little differently now… We’ve created some new mysteries, in addition to some that we’ve had in the past. So, it’s just an evolution of our mysteries. We’re just doing a lot of new things.”

The seventh movie in the “Mystery 101” series — starring Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha — had ended on a cliffhanger in August 2021 that made it look like Amy and Travis had broken up. Fans wanted to see the mystery resolved.

Interestingly, Polaha had hinted in December 2021 that Hallmark was changing its approach to mysteries.

When he appeared on The Hallmarkies Podcast in December, he said: “I’m speaking so out of school right now, because I do not work for Hallmark other than I am a brand ambassador as an actor for them. … I hope to be in business with them for many years to come… I know that they are rejiggering their approach to mysteries. … As a viewer I think you can see a lot of redundancies between the different mysteries. It’s like a girl with a quirky job meets up with a cop and then they solve crimes together. … I think the idea is, ‘Why don’t we do mysteries and just make them a little more interesting or a little more diverse… Let’s just kind of mix up the formula.”

At the time, however, he thought “Mystery 101” would continue.

Thankfull, screenwriter John Christian Plummer has revealed how he planned to wrap up that cliffhanger that was left in the seventh movie. You can read what he shared in Heavy’s story here.

Hallmark’s CEO Is Hopeful About the Future of ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’

In contrast with “Mystery 101,” Lucas is much more hopeful about Hallmark’s history with the “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” franchise. In her interview with The U.S. Sun, she said Hallmark planned to bring back another installment in the series.

“We’re pretty excited about that,” she told The Sun when they spoke on the red carpet of the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame ceremony. “…I will tell you, the POstables are alive and well. They send me notes, they send me pictures, every time I go to my office, they’re there… So, we are really listening to our fans and leaning into the fandom.”

Fans are still pulling for “Mystery 101,” however. When Hallmark Movies & Mysteries had a poll on June 9, 2023, on Twitter asking fans which mystery they’d describe as “10/10,” many responded with “Mystery 101.”

Other fans mentioned “Family History Mysteries,” “Aurora Teagarden,” “The Gourmet Detective,” “The Cases of Mystery Lane,” and more.

READ NEXT: Hallmark’s June 2023 Lineup of New Movies

Fans went wild when Hallmark star Andrew Walker recently shared a movie poster on social media for a film purportedly starring him, Tyler Hynes, Paul Campbell and Nikki DeLoach called “Charlie’s Snow Angels.” The possibility of a reunion for the “Three Wise Men and a Baby” cast alongside fan favorite DeLoach sent fans into a frenzy, with many begging Walker to let them know if it was a real project in the works — and, if not, to make it so.

Walker set the record straight in a recent interview with Heavy, explaining that the movie poster was just a spoof, but that he’d love to see the concept — which was originally DeLoach’s idea — become an actual movie.

“It’s not happening — yet,” Walker said, adding that he’s excited to see whether Hallmark acts on fans’ overwhelming response and that he’s confident network execs are strategizing about how best to reunite the “Three Wise Men” cast onscreen. Here’s what you need to know:

Hallmark Fans Go Wild for ‘Charlie’s Snow Angels’ Concept

While attending the Christmas Con fan convention in Kansas City, Walker uploaded a spoof movie poster for “Charlie’s Snow Angels” on June 9, 2023 — which was his 44th birthday. The image features DeLoach with her Louboutin heels up on her desk as the “Three Wise Men” stars pose behind her in matching holiday sweaters. Above them, the tagline reads, “With these angels around, she’ll need a miracle.”

“On my birthday and first day of #christmascon I give you this gift… from @the_slush,” Walker captioned the post. “Love you all and thank you for all the wishes. 😘”

Many fans assumed the professionally-designed movie poster was touting a real movie, especially after DeLoach commented and shared it in her Instagram Stories, writing, “Cannot wait for everyone to see our movie!”

But the movie poster, Walker told Heavy, was actually created by award-winning designer and creative director Rick Slusher after DeLoach suggested the concept during another ChristmasCon weekend last December. Slusher is married to Breanne Heldman, a People magazine editor who moderated a panel discussion at the event with Walker, Hynes, Campbell, and DeLoach.

“Three Wise Men and a Baby” premiered on November 22 and by the time fans gathered at ChristmasCon, it was already a huge hit, becoming the most-watched movie across all cable TV in 2022. When Heldman asked the audience if they wanted a sequel, Walker recalled, the crowd roared with applause.

Walker told Heavy, “Nikki took the mic and she goes, ‘I have an idea!’ ‘Cause Paul said, you know, ‘It’s really tough for us to live up to the expectations that the first one had and sequels never really hit like the first one. So we’re a bit stuck on, you know, if we were asked to do another ‘Three Wise Men,’ what would it be?'”

“And Nikki’s the one that came up with this concept,” Walker continued. “She goes, ‘Well guys, I need to be part of the next one. So maybe we do ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and I’m Charlie!'”

Slusher “took that and ran with it,” Walker said, “and his body is … the hands and then he just superimposed our faces on his body. But that movie is not happening — yet. We’ll see if Hallmark responds to the response.”

“I’d like to see it actually,” Walker added. “Like us saving Christmas or something?”

The fan response to the movie poster was swift and loud with over 1,200 fans commenting, including many who begged Walker for confirmation that it was real.

One wrote, “Please tell me this will be a real movie 🙏🏻 the four of you = pure magic!!!”

Another commented, “There is now an empty spot in my soul until this becomes a reality. 😂😍”

“This better be a real movie or someone better start writing it,” another fan wrote.

Many others assumed the movie is already a done deal and celebrated having a new Christmas movie to look forward to.

“Can’t wait,” one wrote. “This has got to be awesome. What a cast. 4 of Hallmark’s Greatest.”

Andrew Walker Says Success of ‘Three Wise Men’ Opens Up ‘Whole New World’ of Possibilities

The current writers’ strike and potential SAG-AFTRA strike among actors may make a reunion of the “Three Wise Men” cast for a 2023 Christmas movie particularly difficult, Walker told Heavy. The hit movie was co-written by Campbell and Kimberley Sustad, who also appeared in the film, but they were asked to develop the script more than a year before it aired, he said, noting how much he admires Campbell and Sustad as a writing team.

“They’re brilliant minds,” Walker said. “I always say that Paul is the John Cleese of Hallmark. And Kimberley is this powerhouse of a woman that is so real — it’s difficult to find an actress that wears her vulnerability on her sleeve the way she does. She carries herself with such strength but she’s also not afraid to show her cracks, so it’s just the perfect dynamic because she writes the emotional scenes and Paul writes all the humor.”

Even if a 2023 Christmas movie isn’t in the cards, Walker said he’s confident the team will reunite in some way.

“The numbers don’t lie,” he told Heavy, pointing out that when Hallmark’s “Wedding Veil” series generated huge ratings in early 2022, Hallmark moved swiftly to expand the franchise with three more movies in the spring of 2023, reuniting Lacey Chabert, Alison Sweeney and Autumn Reeser.

“They’re gonna strategize and maybe put something together,” Walker said, adding how grateful he is for the onscreen and offscreen chemistry between him, Hynes, Campbell, and Sustad as well as DeLoach, with whom he co-stars in the “Curious Caterer” mystery franchise.

“We hang out together all the time,” he said. “This dynamic of Paul, Tyler, myself and Kimberley in the ‘Three Wise Men’ world right now, there’s a chemistry and an understanding. We’re just so different in, like, our animalistic qualities of who we are and how we carry (ourselves), but somehow we just work. I love spending time with them. They’re just such — I appreciate how smart they are and their sense of humor.”

“Paul can bring down a room, like he is just so funny,” Walker continued. “And then Tyler with his understated ‘Mr. Cool Guy’ thing that he does. It’s just incredible and so funny. I feel so fortunate that we found this in each other now. It’s amazing. It opens up a whole new world for us, you know? And I’m not just saying on camera but off camera, too.”

Though Walker said he doesn’t have any details yet on what Christmas movie he will star in this year, he and DeLoach recently filmed the third installment of their “Curious Caterer Mysteries” and his movie “A Safari Romance” with Brittany Bristow will premiere on August 12.

Many Hallmark stars have taken to social media for Father’s Day, with some sharing how much they love and admire their dads and others, from Cameron Mathison to Brant Daugherty, revealing how much they love being fathers themselves.

Multiple actresses have also paid tribute to their husbands and dads with touching stories and throwback photos. Heavy has compiled a round-up of many of the stars’ social media posts commemorating the holiday on June 18, 2023.

Many Hallmark Actors Posted Photos With Their Dads & Kids for Father’s Day 2023

On Father’s Day, many so-called “Hunks of Hallmark” used the occasion to celebrate the gifts of fatherhood or pay homage to their own dads.

Cameron Mathison, who’s been in Vancouver filming the next installment of the “Hannah Swensen” mysteries with Alison Sweeney, posted a series of photos of his dad as well as his kids, 20-year-old Lucas and 16-year-old Leila.

Mathison wrote, “Lucas and Leila I honestly don’t have the words to tell you what you mean to me. Hopefully someday you’ll be parents and you’ll understand❤️🙏🏼😌”

The actor continued, “Happy Father’s Day to my amazing dad and to all the dads out there👊🏼”

On Facebook, actor and screenwriter Paul Campbell shared three posts on Father’s Day — a cute video of him giving a piggy back ride to his seven-year-old son Kingston when he was a baby, a photo of red poppies to note that he was “remembering our Canadian & American Veterans,” and he also shared Heavy’s tribute to Hallmark dads.

Aaron O’Connell, who last starred in February’s “Made For Each Other,” shared several past and present photos with his dad in his Instagram Stories, writing, “Happy Father’s Day to my dad who still and will always be able to do anything and everything better than me. 😂 And still has the patience to teach me everything he knows. ❤️”

Brant Daugherty, who has been busy filming a new movie overseas, posted an Instagram photo of him with his wife, Kimberly, and their two-year-old son, Wilder.

“This is my first Father’s Day away from my family as I’ve been stuck in a hotel in Bulgaria for the last few weeks,” he wrote. “I miss them a lot. But we’re heading to France in a few days to finish this movie and they’re meeting me there. And then we get a family vacation. That’s not too shabby. I’m a lucky man and I can’t wait to see you both soon. Happy Father’s Day to me and to all the other dads out there.”

Paul Greene, who is currently filming a new movie in Vancouver and writing a book titled “52 Ways To Be the Dad You Wish You Had,” per his web site, posted a video on Facebook of himself playing at the beach with his 18-month-old son Austin, set to the audio of a motivational speaker stating that those who spend 100 hours a year — or 18 minutes a day — focused on practicing one thing will become great at it.

“The rule of 100,” Greene captioned the video with his toddler. “I love this stat. I could spend 100 hours doing this…”

“When Calls The Heart” star Jack Wagner, who recently commemorated the somber one year anniversary of losing his youngest son, Harrison, spent Father’s Day with his eldest son, Pete. He shared a photo in his Instagram Stories of the two of them standing in front of a pool and wrote, “Backyard workout with @petepiopi32 💪. Grateful 🙏🏻. Happy Father’s Day to all Dads!!”

Meanwhile, actor Tyler Hynes, who doesn’t have kids of his own, posted a cute video of him training his beloved Pomeranian Rusty and wrote, “Happy Daddy Day 🐺.” In his Instagram Stories, he also posted a simple white heart on a black background with the word “Dads” in the center.

Erin Cahill also celebrated the dog dad in her life, husband Paul Freeman. In her Instagram Stories, she posted a photo of him carrying their tiny pump Crumpet, who has his own private Instagram account, in a literal doggy bag — a satchel that Crumpet fit inside during a walk — and she wrote, “Happy Father’s Day @paulfreemanreal! @crumpet_chronicles_ and I are the luckiest to have you in our lives! ❤️”

In addition, Cahill was among multiple Hallmark actresses who honored their own dads for Father’s Day. She posted photos of her father in her Stories and wrote, “No words can say how much I love you … You are an incredible Dad and your daughters love you so much!!”

Hallmark Actresses Pay Tribute to Their Husbands & Dads on Father’s Day

Many Hallmark actresses shared meaningful tributes to their own dads and husbands in honor of Father’s Day. Holly Robinson Peete posted a series of throwback photos featuring her husband, former NFL star Rodney Peete, as a dad to their four kids — Ryan, Roman, Robinson, and Rodney Jr.

She wrote, “Fatherhood is a journey! Thank you for continuing to evolve into the best father and human you can be. We learn so much on this life road. But most of all at the end of the day, it’s being present and consistent that defines a good father. So blessed to call you ours. We love you, Popsy Pops!”

Robinson Peete also posted a separate photo of her dancing with her dad at her wedding. Matt Robinson was an original cast member on the iconic children’s show “Sesame Street,” and died in 2002 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, according to The New York Times.

Becca Tobin, whose Hallmark movie “The Wedding Contract” premiered on June 17, also shared a throwback photo in her Instagram Stories of her hugging her dad at her wedding.

“This was me crying at my wedding because it hit me like a ton of bricks how much he has done to give us a beautiful life,” she wrote.

Nikki DeLoach paid tribute to her dad, who died in 2021 following a heartbreaking journey with Alzheimer’s. She shared two photos — including one of him holding her as a baby — and a video of them on a walk.

In her touching post, DeLoach wrote, “I miss so much about you everyday. Especially on days like today, I am reminded of how blessed I was and am to have had a father who loved so beautifully and unconditionally. Your tender yet steady hand and heart helped me to know that everything was going to be okay. And even though my heart will forever be broken by the profound loss of you, I can still feel your tender, steady presence whispering that it’s all going to be okay.”

In a separate post, DeLoach later paid tribute to her husband Ryan Goodell with a list of the many ways he supports her and their boys, Hudson and Bennett.

“We would be quite literally be lost without you,” she wrote. “And we promise to let you do your favorite thing today and take a nap… maybe.”

Kimberly Williams-Paisley posted an Instagram video of her husband, country star Brad Paisley, playing an upbeat tune on the mandolin as their sons, William Huckleberry “Huck” and Jasper Warren, danced off-camera.

She wrote, “Brad is watching the kids dance to his playing. You can barely see their shadows on the post behind him. 😍😍 Thanks for making life fun @bradpaisley! Happy Father’s Day! We love you! 🦖🦕❤️❤️❤️”

Barbara Niven, who’s been with Mathison in Vancouver on the set of the new “Hannah Swensen” movie, paid tribute to her dad George, who died in 2010. Her dad was born in Vancouver, she wrote, so she always feels closer to him when she’s there. Niven shared a photo of him playing the guitar and another of her raising her glass to the heavens while watching a beautiful sunset on the last day of filming Hallmark’s “Chesapeake Shores,” on which she co-starred with the late Treat Williams for six seasons.

“If you see Treat, maybe he can sing along with you this year,” she wrote. “Can’t wait to see you both again some day. 😇❤️”

The Hallmark Channel’s newest movie, “The Wedding Contract,” premieres on Saturday, June 17, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. The movie stars Becca Tobin and Jake Epstein. Read on to learn behind-the-scenes stories, including where the movie was filmed and the cast involved.

‘The Wedding Contract’ Was Filmed in Vancouver, Canada

Hallmark“The Wedding Contract”

According to the ACFC, a union local to British Columbia, “The Wedding Contract” was filmed between March 20, 2023 and April 10, 2023 in the Vancouver region of Canada.

Tobin posted a series of selfies during her time on set. She also spent time with family while she was filming.

Meet the Cast

Hallmark“The Wedding Contract”

Hallmark’s synopsis reads”

Rebecca (Tobin) and Adam (Epstein), a recently engaged Jewish couple, are beginning to feel like their union may be jeopardized by their different values and beliefs. Rebecca is all about home and family and Adam is all about work. Adam is not as connected to or as familiar with Jewish tradition as Rebecca. Adam is ambitious and is considering taking a job in LA for a promotion to vice president, while Rebecca really wants to build her life close to her family, her synagogue, and her rabbi (Michael Benyaer, “The Exchange”). As their wedding day approaches, Adam’s focus on work begins to interfere with their wedding planning and Rebecca starts to wonder if he might not have time for their wedding or their marriage. Their mothers come together to help Rebecca and Adam realize their priority is focusing on their love.

Becca Tobin portrays Rebecca in the movie. According to her bio, she’s an actor, singer, and dancer. She initially gained recognition for her role as Kitty on the Fox series “Glee.” She has also starred in Hallmark’s “A Song for Christmas” and “Love at First Dance.” She studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and was part of Broadway’s Rock of Ages.

In a heartfelt Instagram post on February 22, 2022, Tobin joyfully shared the news of her son’s arrival through the incredible journey of surrogacy. Alongside her husband, Tobin has openly discussed their challenges with fertility and their path through IVF before embracing the blessing of their precious child.

Jake Epstein portrays Adam in the movie. According to his bio, his many roles have included “Designated Surivvors” on ABC, “Suits” on USA, and “Gone” on NBC. He starred as Craig on “Degrassi” and also performed in a Tony-nominated musical on Broadway. He’s also going to be on Netflix’s “Umbrella Academy” and “The Hardy Boys” on Hulu.

Epstein and his wife, Vanessa Smythe, recently had a baby.

Miles August Epstein was born on May 25, 2023.

Also starring in the movie, according to Hallmark’s press release, are:

• Colleen Wheeler (Sadie)
• Laura Soltis (Dianne)
• Morgana Wyllie (Hannah)
• Barry Levy (Jacob)
• Adil Zaidi (Nick)
• David Kaye (Elliot)
• Peter Benson (Peter Pitt)
• Michael Benyaer (Rabbi)
• Garfield Wilson (Charlie)
• Nicole Major (Vanessa)
• Liam Pavel Malik (Kevin)
• Linda Minard (Marion)
• Peter DeLuise (TV Director)
• Thomas Darya (Attractive Actor)
• Emily Maddison (Attractive Actress)
• Paul Wu (Stunt Coordinator)
• Hugo Steele (Stunt Coordinator)

If you miss the premiere of Hallmark’s new movie, you can catch it again at these times:

• Sunday June 18: 6 p.m. Eastern
• Thursday, June 22: 8 p.m. Eastern
• Sunday, June 25: 2 p.m. Eastern

READ NEXT: Hallmark’s June 2023 Lineup of New Movies

Actress Andie MacDowell has given fans a rare glimpse inside her family following the wedding of her son, Justin Qualley, whom she shares with ex-husband Paul Qualley. The star of Hallmark‘s “The Way Home” posted a series of candid photos with family members at the wedding, including her and Qualley’s grown daughters, actresses Margaret and Rainey, and Justin and Nicolette’s one-year-old daughter — MacDowell’s only grandchild — Cozette.

Along with the photos she posted on Instagram on June 16, 2023, MacDowell celebrated how intentional Justin and Nicolette have been about their relationship.

“The best part was the service Julie did a glorious, job, but it was the intention set by Nicolette and Justin with their beautiful words they found and created,” MacDowell wrote. “This is why we wept heartfelt tears because we saw deep love standing in front of us.”

She continued, “Yes, we played, we laughed we partied, we had fun and so much joy. But standing in front of us at that moment were two people taking each other extremely seriously, setting a tone for a life together. A perfect wedding full of love”

Andie MacDowell Marvels at Her Son’s Private, Purposeful Life

Though MacDowell frequently shares photos with her famous daughters, who are public figures, glimpses of her with her son Justin, 36, are far more rare, given that he chooses to lead a very private life with his now-wife and daughter in Montana.

In January 2020, the actress posted a photo of him tending to cows on his Montana ranch and wrote about how proud she was of the life he’s created there.

“My son Justin spent his formative years in Montana surrounded by old timer ranchers and wilderness lovers,” she wrote. “It is in his blood to love the Montana lifestyle. My children and I used to walk up into the wilderness and stop and listen to silence… it is the most beautiful sound you can hear. It’s like God breathing. I feel so fortunate to have a son like Justin who has a depth of heart & compassion for the country life. It’s not about flash or extravagance but simplicity and peace that he desires. He is wise!”

That August, she shared a throwback photo of him for his birthday, praising his kindness and humility.

“Nothing superficial about him,” she wrote. “He doesn’t worry about what he wears or status. He is down to earth and humble.”

When Justin and Nicolette were expecting their baby girl, MacDowell posted a photo from their baby shower in June 2022.

The actress gushed about the couple in her post, writing, “When so much of the world is looking for attention they are looking for each other & are waiting for the perfect gift their child. My son never looks at his phone, he does not live a life online. He has been a blessing and a gift to me from the very beginning. The best thing that ever happened to me. AND I cannot wait to meet my granddaughter! 🥰”

Andie MacDowell Loves Being a New Grandma

GettyAndie MacDowell and her son Justin Qualley at the National Women’s History Museum in March 2020

On January 11, hours before a preview event in New York for “The Way Home” series premiere, MacDowell revealed on “The Today Show” that she’d become a first-time grandma.

“I just spent Christmas with her,” she said. “I’ve never had somebody look into me and see my soul like that. It was definitely a soul-to-soul connection.”

MacDowell has periodically shared photos in her Instagram Stories of her snuggling with Cozette, but the photos she shared from the wedding are the first she’s posted in her feed — including photos of the toddler with her parents and in MacDowell’s arms. The star’s only complaint as a grandma, she told KTVB in March, is that she wishes she could be with her granddaughter more frequently.

“I just don’t see her enough,” she told the station. “That’s the only thing that’s kind of painful, because they live in Montana.”

On the post she shared on June 16, fans and famous friends celebrated seeing MacDowell’s entire family together for such a special occasion.

Actress Julianne Moore wrote, “Congratulations ❤️ what a beautiful family.”

Comedian Kathy Griffin commented, “Beautiful! Everyone! From you to the baby and back. 💕💕💕”

Actress Sharon Stone added, “Sending HEAPS OF LOVE”

Multiple fans noted that they felt like they’d watched MacDowell’s children grow up over the years. One wrote, “I think I still have a file of old magazine clippings with an old one of you when these 3 were little kids. I remember thinking they all won the gene lottery.”

MacDowell’s next big family event may be the wedding of her daughter Margaret to famed music producer Jack Antonoff, who have been engaged since early 2022, according to People.

After the sudden death of Treat Williams on Monday, June 12, Ovation TV announced that the network would celebrate his life and career by re-airing his “Inside the Actors Studio” episode on Sunday, June 18.

Here’s what you need to know:

Treat Williams Filmed an Episode of ‘Inside the Actors Studio’ in 2019

In 2019, Treat Williams was interviewed by Alec Baldwin, the co-president of The Actors Studio, for an episode of the long-running series “Inside the Actors Studio.” Now after Williams’ death on June 12, the prolific actor will be honored with a re-airing of his episode, according to the Ovation TV press release.

The episode will air Sunday, June 18 at 11 a.m. Eastern, 8 a.m. Pacific time on Ovation TV. The episode is also available free to stream on the Ovation NOW app, which is available on Roku, Android, Apple TV and iOS devices.

Williams has a long and critically-acclaimed acting career. His breakout role was in the 1979 movie adaptation of the Broadway musical “Hair” in which he played Berger, a free-spirited hippie and self-described in the musical as a “psychedelic teddy bear.”

He went on to star in 1980s films “Prince of the City,” “The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper” and the TV movie adaptation of “Streetcar Named Desire” where he played Stanley Kowalski opposite Beverly D’Angelo’s Stella and Ann-Margret’s Blanche. Williams earned Golden Globe nominations for “Streetcar,” “Prince of the City” and “Hair.”

In the 1990s, he appeared in the films “Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead,” “Mulholland Falls,” “The Devil’s Own,” “Deep Rising” and “The Deep End of the Ocean,” plus miniseries “The Late Shift,” for which he earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, before breaking out to critical acclaim on the family drama “Everwood,” where he starred as Dr. Andy Brown for four seasons. He also earned two Screen Actors Guild award nominations for his work on “Everwood.”

In the past 10 years, he became a staple of the Hallmark Channel, appearing in the films “Safe Harbor,” “Rocky Mountain Christmas,” “The Christmas House” and its sequel, and starring on the TV series “Chesapeake Shores.”

In that time, he also played memorable roles on the TV series “White Collar,” “Chicago Fire” and “Blue Bloods.” In fact, he filmed an episode of “Blue Bloods” just a few months ago. It aired a month before he died, on May 12, 2023.

After they wrapped, Williams posted a photo of himself with his arm around “Blue Bloods” star Tom Selleck and wrote, “Finished my ‘Blue Bloods.’ Love this guy.”

Treat Williams Died From Injuries Sustained in a Motorcycle Accident

Williams was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle near his Vermont home. He later died at the hospital from his injuries, according to the Vermont State Police. He was 71 years old and is survived by his wife Pam Van Sant and their two children, Gill, 31, and Ellie, 24, according to People.

After his death, Ellie wrote on her Instagram stories, “This is a pain I have never felt. I am absolutely shattered. Thank you to everyone who has sent messages and kept our family in your hearts during this terrible heartbreak.”

Tributes from throughout Hollywood have been pouring in for Williams, including some heartfelt messages from his “Christmas House” co-stars. The Hallmark Channel also re-aired “The Christmas House” on Friday, June 16 in Williams’ honor.

Beloved Hallmark star Treat Williams tragically died in a motorcycle accident on Monday, June 12, People reported. Hallmark is honoring Williams with a special re-airing of the movie “The Christmas House” on Friday night, June 16. And while fans are glad to be watching Williams in the fan-favorite film, some are asking Hallmark to do even more to honor the star. Here is what Hallmark has shared about the network’s plans, and how fans can watch other shows and movies that Williams starred in.

Hallmark’s Facebook Account Responded to Fans Requesting a Marathon in Addition to an Encore Movie

Hallmark is airing a special encore presentation of “The Christmas House” on Friday, June 16 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central in honor of Treat Williams. A representative from Hallmark confirmed with Heavy that Hallmark will share a message in memory of Treat Williams at the beginning of the movie.

For many Hallmark viewers, Williams was one of their favorite stars. He played Mick O’Brien, the patriarch of the O’Brien family, in Hallmark’s “Chesapeake Shores,” starring in 53 episodes. He also starred in both “The Christmas House” and “The Christmas House 2.” Some of his other credits with Hallmark include “Chasing a Dream,” “Safe Harbor,” and “Rocky Mountain Christmas.”

In response to one of Hallmark’s posts about “The Christmas House” encore, some fans expressed gratitude about the movie, while also asking for a bigger tribute someday in the future. One viewer, Marleen Ocasek, wrote: “Wish Hallmark would celebrate his life all weekend! He is one of our favorites. His family is in our thoughts.❤️”

Another viewer, Debbie Blanchard Swinamer, wrote: “Please show more of his movies, maybe a Marathon?!”

Heather From-Bieber wrote, “A Chesapeake Shores Marathon is a must. This is absolutely heartbreaking.”

Hallmark’s official Facebook page responded to viewer comments by sharing how fans can watch more of his movies and TV episodes for free, if they want. The account replied to From-Bieber by sharing that all of the seasons of “Chesapeake Shores” can be streamed on Hallmark Movies Now, and the service can be accessed for free with a seven-day trial.

FacebookHallmark’s response on Facebook

A representative of Hallmark shared with Heavy that Williams’ movies and episodes will be easy to find on Hallmark Movies Now. The homepage for the streaming service will feature an “In Memory of Treat Williams” banner at the top, and “Chesapeake Shores,” both “The Christmas House” movies, “Beyond the Blackboard,” and “Front of the Class” will be featured on the homepage, too.

Sharon Bryant wrote: “I hope Hallmark will show a lot of Treat Williams movies he star in the future. Cause he was a very much loved talented actor who will be greatly be missed 😢. RIP 🙏 Treat Williams 🕊.”

Hallmark’s Facebook page replied, “Hi Sharon, Thank you for your feedback. We will pass along your feedback to our programming team. You can also find ‘Chesapeake Shores’, ‘The Christmas House’, ‘The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls’, Hallmark Hall of Fame’s ‘Beyond the Blackboard’ and ‘Front of the Class’ available to stream on Hallmark Movies Now. You can get a 7-day free trial and watch here: https://www.hmnow.com/.”

HallmarkHallmark’s response on Facebook

Christine Hendrick wrote, “You should have a Treat Williams Marathon this weekend in his Memory !!”

Hallmark replied, “Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. We will pass along your feedback to our teams.”

HallmarkHallmark’s response on Facebook

Deirdre Mayo asked for a re-airing of all of “Chesapeake Shores.” Her comment received 293 hearts and likes. Hallmark responded by also promising to pass along her feedback, and noting that the series can be streamed on Hallmark Movies Now.

It’s possible Hallmark may plan something else in the future. When Betty White died, Hallmark began with a “Golden Girls” marathon and then participated in “The Betty White Challenge,” donating proceeds to the North Shore Animal League America, Screenrant reported.

The Hallmark Drama Channel Is Airing a Marathon for Williams

While the Hallmark Channel itself has plans to air an encore movie, the Hallmark Drama channel is setting aside significant time to honor the star, a Hallmark representative confirmed with Heavy.

Hallmark Drama shared on Facebook that starting Saturday at 1 p.m. Eastern, the channel will be airing a marathon of the entire first season of “Chesapeake Shores.” The marathon will last until 11 p.m., a representative confirmed.

Mary Ann Lynch wrote, “I loved him. He was an amazing actor. He was great as Mick in Chesapeake Shores. My favorite Hallmark series. My condolences to his family and friends. Such a tragic loss of a wonderful man.”

Williams Died in a Motorcycle Accident

Williams died in a motorcycle accident that one witness said was “traumatic” to see, ET reported. He died at Albany Medical Center after he was airlifted from the scene of the crash in Vermont.

The accident happened around 5 p.m. on Monday on Route 30, near Long Trail Auto, ET reported. The driver had on their turn signal and was turning left into a parking lot when the accident happened. They didn’t see Williams, who was wearing a helmet.

Matt Rapphahn, who owns Long Trail Auto, saw the accident. He told ET Online that Williams landed on the ground after “flying over the hood of the car.” The person who hit Williams was a customer of Long Trail Auto and was dropping off their car.

Rapphahn, who is a friend of Williams, said he began directing traffic away from the scene after calling 911. He said Williams was “verbal” after the accident. He told ET: “He was alert and hearing and he was conscious.”

Rapphahn said he thought Williams would survive, so he was “absolutely gutted” when he found out the actor had died.

READ NEXT: Hallmark’s June 2023 Lineup of New Movies

Actor Jake Epstein has two brand new roles to be excited about. He stars as a soon-to-be-married ad executive in the new Hallmark movie, “The Wedding Contract,” premiering on June 17, 2023. But more importantly, he just announced a role he’ll have for the rest of his life, becoming a first-time dad to baby boy Miles August, born on May 25.

Epstein, who first rose to fame on “Degrassi: The Next Generation” from 2002 to 2009, per IMDb, has been a cast member on multiple TV series including “Designated Survivor” with Kiefer Sutherland, “Suits” with former Hallmark actress-turned-duchess Meghan Markle, and Netflix’s series “The Umbrella Academy.” He also co-starred in 2021’s “Eight Gifts of Hanukkah” on Hallmark Channel.

When Epstein filmed “The Wedding Contract” in Vancouver from March 20 to April 10, per the ACFC West Union website, his wife — fellow Canadian actress Vanessa Smythe — was seven months pregnant with their first child. But they didn’t announce she was expecting until after he was home, in an April 22 post. Once baby Miles arrived, the couple waited over three weeks before announcing the baby’s birth on Instagram. Here’s what you need to know:

Jake Epstein & Vanessa Smythe Introduce Their First-Born to the World

Eighteen days after Miles’ birth, on June 13, Epstein shared a sweet photo of the two of them napping via Instagram, revealing his name and birth date.

“I’m in total awe of his mama and how she is transforming into this amazing new mum before my eyes,” he wrote of Smythe.

Epstein continued, “He’s only been on this planet for 18 days and it feels like I’ve landed in this new alternate reality of life. Being a parent. It’s wild. I’m on no sleep but I couldn’t love this little cuddler, music lover and pooper more. Welcome to the world my guy…”

On the same day, Smythe, best known for playing Michio in Amazon’s original series “The Expanse,” also shared a series of baby photos on her Instagram account. 

“It has been only a couple weeks and yet I swear there is a dimension of time that has wrenched open vertically because it feels like he’s been here for ages,” she wrote. “Holy moly what a trip. Thank your parents if they raised you. This kind of love is so consuming and yet I can’t grasp it with words.”

Epstein and Smythe are about to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary on July 7. On their second anniversary in 2020, Smythe posted a photo from their reception and joked, “I’m so glad I tricked you into marrying me.”

Jake Epstein Already Wants a ‘Baby’ Sequel for ‘The Wedding Contract’

HallmarkBecca Tobin and Jake Epstein in “The Wedding Contract”

A year and a half after appearing in the December 2021 movie “Eight Gifts of Hanukkah,” Epstein returns to Hallmark with his newest movie, “The Wedding Contract.” He and fellow Hallmark alum Becca Tobin play a recently engaged Jewish couple who are starting to think their relationship may be doomed due to their different values and beliefs. Tobin’s character, Rebecca, is “all about home and family” while Epstein’s character, Adam, is “all about work,” per Hallmark’s synopsis.

Epstein told TV Insider that he feels like the storyline is different than many Hallmark movies and “more human.”

“It’s unique,” he said. “Every other Hallmark movie I’ve ever seen is sort of about the love story. In this case it is the love story, but in a way, it’s more human. Yes, romances can happen, but what happens next? What’s the reality of families meeting? Will they get along? Job stuff, does that get in the way of the relationship? It’s kind of a really loving portrayal of a real love story.”

Epstein told TV Insider that he likes doing Hallmark movies because they’re “calming and fun and kind of an escape,” and said he’d “100 percent” like to make a sequel to “The Wedding Contract.”

As for its theme, he brainstormed aloud, “What should be next? Throw in some other holidays. A baby? Throw in the next generation. Being a young parent and navigating everything … I think I nailed it. I think that’s probably next on the list.”

Epstein continued, “In the same way that this movie is kind of showing what happens next after the typical Hallmark romance story, I feel like it would make total sense to show, OK, well, they got married, what would happen next?”

“The Wedding Contract” premieres on June 17 at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

Actor Treat Williams died on June 12 at the age of 71 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident near his home in Vermont, as first reported by People. He was a prolific actor, including starring in many movies and the TV series “Chesapeake Shores” for the Hallmark Channel.

One of his most important roles was that of a father to a gay son in “The Christmas House.” As Decider’s Brett White wrote after Williams died, “As the film’s patriarch, Treat Williams brought so much to the role of Bill Mitchell. He played a father figure who loved his sons — straight and gay — and was equally invested in each of their happiness. … It cannot be overstated how much gay men needed to see a father like Bill Mitchell, one who did not balk at seeing his son being affectionate with another man, one who treated his son-in-law with respect. … Just having Treat Williams in the cast added a heightened level of respect to the whole production. … Having Treat Williams so vocally, so lovingly promote the film on his social media? That mattered too.”

It sounds like the cast became close and as such, they have been sharing emotional tributes to the late actor.

Jonathan Bennett Said Being Around Treat Williams Was Like ‘Lightning in a Bottle’

In a lengthy Instagram post, star Jonathan Bennett wrote about his on-screen dad Treat Williams. The two co-starred in “The Christmas House” and its sequel, the first two movies in Hallmark history to feature an LGBTQ couple among its characters.

Bennett wrote that not only was Williams an amazing man who made everyone on the set laugh all the time, but it meant so much to Bennett that Williams made sure his character hugged his gay son’s husband in “The Christmas House” because it was important to him to represent that on screen.

Bennett’s full post reads:

I have never met someone like Treat, being around him is like lightning in a bottle. All he wanted to do is make you laugh and entertain you, he’s was the definition of a showman. I’ve never laughed or loved harder on a set than with him and our magical Mitchell Family that he was the cornerstone of. Getting to play his TV son in two movies was an honor, and we are all so lucky to have been in his presence.

But something he did that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life is the hug he made sure to give Brad my TV husband as he got out of the car in our first scene. That will always stick with me. He wanted to make sure as a TV father he was on camera giving his gay son’s husband a huge hug and kiss when we showed up for Christmas. He thought it was important for other fathers watching to see the love and support between a dad and his son’s husband, it was so important to him. That’s the kind of love Treat had for all of us. My love goes out to everyone that was lucky enough to have had Treat in your life.

In the comments, actor Brad Harder, who played Bennett’s husband in the movie, said that that moment was one he “will never forget” because it was “so impactful and profound.”

“He was the biggest ally, cheerleader and inspiration of what being a father, actor and person to have in this life. He played a dad to so many people over the years, what an incredible gift we got to get Treat!” added Harder.

Actress Sharon Lawrence, who played Williams’ on-screen wife and Bennett’s on-screen mom, wrote, “Oh dear one, thank you. It’s such a huge and sad shock. We enjoyed each other so much and our cast stays close. His life force was so vibrant and will linger on for us as we pour over videos and chats, clips and condolences. He had so much more to do…. 😢 Truly a loss personally and collectively.”

Lawrence also posted her own tribute to Instagram with photos from behind the scenes of “The Christmas House” and its sequel.

On the post, she wrote, “This how it felt to be with #TreatWilliams. Always a joyful adventure. I’m just stunned. My heart aches for the loss. What a remarkable man. @treat.williams2 enjoyed his life so much. He created a beautiful existence and example of solid love. He was honest and clear and dedicated to his family and passions. I can’t imagine his loved ones’ loss – it’s just shattering. My consolation is all the great memories and that he did what he loved doing until the end. Soar high, dear friend.”

Other actors and famous friends were quick to jump in with their own messages about Williams.

“Such a special guy. Thank you for sharing these memories,” wrote Jacklyn Collier.

News anchor Dayna Roselli wrote, “He seems like something really special. Always enjoyed him on TV. He was great in this movie with you too. Breaks my heart watching that video because I know how much it must hurt. Thinking of you.”

Actor Victor Webster wrote, “So sad. What a great guy.”

The Hallmark Channel is Re-Airing ‘The Christmas House’ in Williams’ Honor

The day after news broke about Williams’ untimely death, the Hallmark Channel announced on its Instagram that they would be re-airing “The Christmas House” in his honor.

“From captivating performances to spreading cheer, @treat.williams2 won our hearts time and time again. In his loving memory, tune in for a special presentation of ‘The Christmas House’ on Friday, June 16 at 8/7c ❤️,” reads the announcement.

In the comments, Hallmark actor Luke Macfarlane wrote, “I had the privilege of working with Treat early in my career on ‘Brothers and Sisters.’ He was the kind actor on set friendly, warm, open and talked to [everyone]. He showed me that this was the kind of actor I wanted to be.”

The Hallmark Channel also posted a tribute immediately following Williams’ death that read, “We are heartbroken over the passing of beloved Treat Williams, star of ‘Chesapeake Shores,’ ‘The Christmas House’ and so much more. We will forever cherish him in our hearts, and extend our condolences to Treat’s family, friends, and loved ones.”

Underneath that post, Bennett wrote that the “earth is a little less bright tonight without him with us.”

“The Christmas House” re-airs on Friday, June 16 at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific times on the Hallmark Channel. Williams is survived by his wife Pam Van Sant and their two children, Gille and Ellie. Ellie wrote a couple of emotional tributes to her father this week.

An ongoing issue with online scammers pretending to be popular celebrities seems to only be worsening for many Hallmark stars whose fans keep reporting that they’ve been tricked into corresponding with and even giving money to fake accounts posing as their favorite actors on social media.

Hallmark actors from Ryan Peavey to Victor Webster have issued warnings to fans in recent weeks, urging them not to fall prey to “scumbag con artists,” as Webster described them in a recent post. Resources are available, including from Hallmark, to help consumers steer clear of fake accounts. Here’s what you need to know:

Multiple Stars Have Issued Warnings About Their Fans Being Duped by Scammers

Celebrity impersonators have been scamming fans online for years, according to AARP, which says one common tactic for celebrity imposters is replying to comments on online fan page posts, especially on Facebook and Instagram, pretending to write a personal message from the star or someone who works for them. The fake account of a famous actor or musician, AARP said, will often write that they’re flattered, “values your fandom and would love to meet you,” but asks that the fan first donate to their charity or fundraiser, or purchase their merchandise.

Ryan Paevey, who sells handmade jewelry through his Fortunate Wanderer website when he’s not filming, has posted many warnings on his social media accounts over the last several years, including two videos shared in his Instagram Stories on June 14, 2023. Paevey said the scammers are growing more clever, and that some have gone so far as to buy merchandise from his online shop and then resell it to fans as a way to make money and try to convince them it’s really him.

Meanwhile, Webster shared in his Instagram Stories on May 9 that he’d heard from multiple fans that people pretending to be him or a member of his team had attempted to interact privately with them.

“I have to make this post every few months,” he wrote, and then assured fans, “I am not reaching out to people to chat privately. On Facebook or Instagram. I don’t have telegram, I don’t even know what telegram is. Please don’t be fooled by scam artists out there.”

Webster added, “I don’t have a manager that speaks on my behalf, I don’t have a private account, please don’t let these scumbag con artists lure you in.”

Back on March 11, actress Alicia Witt also issued a warning to fans in an Instagram post, urging fans to be careful online.

She wrote, “beloved ones, i know most of you do know this, but allow me to say once more: i have one and *only one* verified page on every platform. it’s like whackamole- no matter how many times you alert them to the imposters, five more pop up.”

Hallmark stars often love interacting with fans at official conventions or by replying to and retweeting comments on their official social media accounts, but some fans have been burned by imposters taking it a step further, asking them to send money, “friend” them on their personal feeds or connect privately.

In February 2022, one fan tweeted about falling for an imposter who pretended to be actor Tyler Hynes on multiple sites. And though she didn’t get involved financially, she said the scammer took advantage of her emotionally.

“I’m definitely naive to a lot of things, but this hurt me so deep,” she wrote in one tweet, and then continued, “I didn’t loose any money. The scam was to my heart and soul thinking I was talking to Tyler and it was someone who took what was meant for him. I was naive, but I’m only guilty of loving Tyler Hynes so much.”

Resources Available to Help Fans Navigate Online Scams

GettyFacebook is reflected in the eye of a man looking at the site

With scammers growing more clever all the time, quickly re-emerging even after their other accounts are blocked, organizations are continually looking for ways to stop the madness and offering consumer resources to help fans stay safe.

During ChristmasCon, the fan convention held in Kansas City in mid-June, Hallmark Media issued a list of official social media accounts for all of its stars who were in attendance, urging fans to only interact with those real accounts. Witt was among the stars who shared the link via Instagram.

AARP has created a Fraud Watch Network Helpline for both members and nonmembers to call when they’re not sure whether or not they’re being scammed. The free hotline — at 877-908-3360 — is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.

And the Federal Trade Commission has an online guide to detecting celebrity scams, encouraging fans not to quickly jump into interactions with so-called stars.

Chloe Roche, fraud team leader at CEL Solicitors, a firm that helps victims recoup money lost in online scams, told Birmingham Live that imposters often try to find people who are looking for love and companionship.

“The lure of a celebrity is compelling for someone looking for love online,” she said. “Sadly, manipulative scammers make the impossible seem possible, often playing on people’s vulnerabilities to get their hands on their cash.”

In a cruel twist, she said when people are victims of a scam, they are sometimes re-targeted by the same scammers, who then pose as someone who can help them out of their jam.

She said, “A lot of scammers often re-target their victims, posing as professional advisers, so it’s always important to check the credentials of anyone offering to help you get your money back from a scam.”

Meanwhile, experts say it’s also important not to fall for fake product endorsements. In April, the Better Business Bureau also issued a warning to fans about fake — but incredibly convincing — celebrity endorsements, many of which have been created using artificial intelligence (AI) to make it look like a star is speaking about and endorsing a particular product, event or charity.

“Don’t assume celebrity posts, images, or videos are legitimate until you verify they came from an official source,” the BBB says, citing an example of a video that went viral in the spring that made it look like Pope Francis was wearing a designer jacket.

Longtime actor and prolific Hallmark Channel star Treat Williams died June 12 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Vermont, according to state police.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gill and Ellie, according to People. On June 14, Ellie spoke out about her father’s death on her Instagram account.

Ellie Williams Said She Was ‘Absolutely Shattered’ by Her Father’s Death

In a series of Instagram Stories, Ellie posted first a photo of a satin jacket with her father’s name embroidered on it, then she posted a picture of her parents together where her mom is leaning her head on her dad’s shoulder and she wrote:

This is a pain I have never felt. I am absolutely shattered. Thank you to everyone who has sent messages and kept our family in your hearts during this terrible heartbreak.

She also linked to the New York Times obituary for her dad, writing, “The New York Times wrote a wonderful article about my dad and his incredible life.” And finally, Ellie posted a photo of their home in Vermont and simply wrote, “We’re home, dad.”

Williams and his wife lived near Dorset, Vermont, and Ellie and her dog Nash live in Los Angeles, according to People. Based on her and her father’s Instagram accounts, they appeared to be a tight-knit family.

Just 10 days ago, one of Williams’ last Instagram posts was a photo of his daughter simply captioned, “I miss you, daughter,” to which she replied in the comments, “Thanks dad, I love you.”

And on Mother’s Day in mid-May 2023, Williams posted a photo of their family from when the kids were young and wrote, “Thank you, Pam for raising these wonderful humans into the great people they are today. Happy Mother’s Day.”

Gill Williams is not very active on social media, but on his birthday in 2021, Ellie posted a photo of him to her Instagram and wrote a message celebrating her brother.

“Gill, where do I begin? Growing up, I was constantly in awe of you and never forgot how lucky I am to have you as my brother. You showed and continue to show me what it’s like to live a good and happy life. You are hilarious and always make me laugh until I cry,” wrote Ellie, adding, “There are no amount of words to express the gratitude and absolute love that I have for you. You made me who I am today, and I can’t wait to live next door to each other when we’re old and grey. I love you so much, Gilly! Thanks for being my big brother.”

Gill is 31 and Ellie is 24, according to People.

Williams’ Family Also Released a Statement When He Died

Via multiple news outlets, including Deadline, Williams’ family released a statement after his death, telling his fans that Williams was always so appreciative of them.

The statement reads:

It is with great sadness that we report that our beloved Treat Williams has passed away tonight in Dorset, Vermont after a fatal motorcycle accident. As you can imagine, we are shocked and greatly bereaved at this time.

Treat was full of love for his family, for his life and for his craft, and was truly at the top of his game in all of it. It is all so shocking right now, but please know that Treat was dearly and deeply loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him.

We are beyond devastated and ask that you respect our privacy as we deal with our grief. To all his fans, please know that Treat appreciated all of you and please continue to keep him in your hearts and prayers.

The Williams Family

Tributes from across Hollywood have been pouring in for Williams, from his Hallmark costars to people who only worked with him once, like actor Wendell Pierce.

The two were in the 2016 HBO film “Confirmation” together and Pierce wrote on Twitter when he learned of Williams’ death, “Treat Williams was a passionate, adventurous, creative man. In a short period of time, he quickly befriended me & his adventurous spirit was infectious. We worked on just 1 film together but occasionally connected over the years. Kind and generous with advice and support. RIP.”

Hallmark Channel stars and fans alike are so excited and proud about Jonathan Bennett’s emotional post about his “chosen Christmas Family” from this year’s Christmas Con.

Here’s what Bennett wrote:

Jonathan Bennett Said He is ‘So Grateful’ For His ‘Chosen Christmas Family’

Christmas Con 2023 took place last weekend, June 9-11, in Kansas City, celebrating all things yuletide with a plethora of stars from the OG Christmas TV destination, the Hallmark Channel. Attendees included Jonathan Bennett, Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes, Cameron Mathison, Wes Brown, Erin Cahill, Danica McKellar, Nikki DeLoach, Kristoffer Polaha and more.

After the festivities wrapped, Bennett, who starred in Hallmark’s first LGBTQ-centric Christmas movie, “The Christmas House” and its sequel, took to Instagram to share an emotional post about what the Hallmark Christmas family means to him.

“I can’t even explain how magical this weekend was. This group of people are not just the stars of @hallmarkchannel but they are incredible human beings,” wrote the actor. “They surround you with unconditional love and support and I feel so lucky to be a part of this insanely special family we have created.”

He continued:

My husband and I talk a lot about “chosen family” because we believe whole heartedly in it’s power. Both of my parents have passed, Jaymes lost his dad as well, so we had to figure out what Christmas looked like for us, since there is no “going home for Christmas.” And what I realized this weekend is that THIS is what Christmas looks like for me. YOU are my Chosen Christmas Family. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. So if you’re in these movies, help make these movies, are a part of the convention, or are someone who watches them and supports them, know that you ARE my Christmas, and I am so grateful for that.

He finished by saying that family can “look like whatever you want it to be” and “there are no rules to how it comes to be.”

“If you want an example of Chosen Family you’re looking at one right now. I love you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart,” concluded Bennett.

In The Comments, Bennett’s Hallmark Family & His Fans Are So Touched By His Message

In the comments on the Instagram post, both Bennett’s fellow Hallmark stars and his fans have been leaving the most heartfelt responses to his message about chosen family.

“Love you, my brother. Thank you for the present you gave me on your bday. That sounded sexual… but it wasn’t,” quipped Cameron Mathison, with Danica McKellar adding, “Love you!”

“You’re a magical unicorn!” wrote Cindy Busby, and Allyson Witherspoon added, “I want the ‘Jonathan Bennett is My Favorite’ T-shirt!”, which is referencing a fan at Christmas Con who took a picture with Bennett in her homemade shirt sporting that phrase.

Bennett replied by saying “Someone get this lady a shirt,” but in all seriousness, there are several fans in the comments clamoring for the T-shirt too. They also left some kind messages for Bennett, with one fan writing, “You are such an awesome, beautiful person, it was great meeting you this past weekend!”

Another fan wrote, “I have my birth family and my chosen family and they are both so incredibly important to me!! You being in my home at Christmas is just icing on the Buche de Noel!! It was such an amazing moment meeting you this weekend, one I know my son will never forget!”

“I totally believe in Chosen Family! Even an ‘online’ family. Those people you interact with online or follow are part of your family, your everyday. Like Hallmark movies are part of our everyday. Glad to follow such a great person as you @jonathandbennett! You rock!” wrote a third fan.

“The Christmas House,” which first premiered in 2020, is actually being re-aired this Friday, June 16 at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific times in honor of star Treat Williams, who died from the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on June 12.

As details emerge about actor Treat Williams’ fatal motorcycle accident on June 12, 2023, authorities in Vermont have revealed the Hallmark star was still alive at the scene of the crash. A friend who witnessed the crash ran over to Williams and said the actor was able to answer his questions as they waited for help.

During an update with members of the media on June 13, according to WAMC Public Radio, Lieutenant Steve Coote of the Vermont State Police Department confirmed Williams suffered “critical injuries” in the accident late Monday afternoon, was treated at the scene before being airlifted to a New York hospital, and did not die until later that evening.

Colleagues still coming to grips with Williams’ sudden death, including many of his Hallmark co-stars, continue to share touching tributes to the beloved actor, who was 71 at the time of his death. Here’s what you need to know:

Police Provide New Details About Aftermath of Treat Williams’ Motorcycle Crash

GettyTreat Williams with his wife Pam and son Gill in 2019.

In an updated police report released on June 13, the Vermont State Police Department said Williams’ crash occurred around 4:53 p.m. on Route 30 in the town of Dorset, which is about seven miles from the sprawling farm where Williams lived with his wife, Pam Van Sant.

Police reported that 35-year-old Ryan Koss, who was driving southbound in a 2008 Honda Element, attempted to turn left into a parking lot. The initial investigation indicates he stopped, signaled a left turn, and then turned into the northbound path of Williams’ 1986 Honda VT700c motorcycle.

“Williams was unable to avoid a collision and was thrown from his motorcycle,” the report said, which added that Williams was wearing a helmet.

The accident occurred in front of Long Trail Auto as owner Matt Rapphahn was standing outside with a customer, he told local TV station WCAX. Rapphahn called 911 before running over to the scene, only to discover the motorcycle rider was Williams, who he considered a friend.

“He was responsive to questions,” Rapphahn told the station. “I had my hopes pretty high that he was going to pull through.”

During the police department’s press conference, per WAMC, Coote explained that once authorities arrived, “Williams was being treated by EMS and was life flighted to Albany Medical where, unfortunately, later on that evening he was pronounced deceased.”

Entertainment Tonight reported that authorities are “waiting on further details of Williams’ condition before his death from medical examiners.”

In order to airlift Williams to Albany Medical Center, which is located more than 60 miles from the scene of the accident, Dorset fire chief Jacob Gribble told People that the Manchester Fire Department had to set up a landing zone for the helicopter. According to LifeNet of New York, each of its 10 helicopters are staffed by a “specially qualified” paramedic and nurse capable of providing critical care “assessments, medications, and interventions” that are “well beyond the prescribed protocols for ground-based ambulances.”

According to WAMC, Coote said there’s an ongoing investigation into what caused the accident and who may be at fault. A crash reconstruction team is using technology including a drone flight to calibrate speeds and gather other information, he said.

Williams is survived by his wife and their grown children, 31-year-old son Gill and 24-year-old daughter Ellie, per People. 

Hallmark Co-Stars Continue to Pay Tribute to Treat Williams as Network Plans Special Movie Night in His Honor

HallmarkBrad Harder, Treat Williams, Jonathan Bennett, and Robert Buckley in “The Christmas House.”

Rapphahn, who stayed with Williams until help arrived, told WCAX that losing him is “just a huge tragedy for the community.”

“He was just like another guy, you know, and every experience I had with him was great,” he continued. “(We’d) just talk about movies, cars, motorcycles, music.”

That has been the consensus among Williams’ most famous friends, too, who have repeatedly noted how down-to-earth, gifted and kind the actor was in their tributes to him.

On June 13, Jonathan Bennett wrote a lengthy and emotional Instagram post about what a profound impact Williams had on him and the cast of Hallmark’s “The Christmas House” in 2020, when Bennett played Williams’ son in the network’s first holiday film to feature a gay couple, per the Los Angeles Times.

“I’ve never laughed or loved harder on a set than with him and our magical Mitchell Family that he was the cornerstone of,” Bennett recalled. “But something he did that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life is the hug he made sure to give Brad my TV husband as he got out of the car in our first scene. That will always stick with me.”

Bennett continued, “He wanted to make sure as a TV father he was on camera giving his gay son’s husband a huge hug and kiss when we showed up for Christmas. He thought it was important for other fathers watching to see the love and support between a dad and his son’s husband, it was so important to him. That’s the kind of love Treat had for all of us.”

Hallmark Channel has announced that it will air a special presentation of the movie in honor of Williams on Friday, June 16 at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

Meanwhile, “Aurora Teagarden” star Marilu Henner spoke to People about her decades-long bond with Williams, who she co-starred with in her first Broadway show, “Over Here,” which premiered in 1974.

“We never lost touch,” Henner told the magazine. “We supported each other and we always checked in. He was an extraordinary person. He was so talented. We were a staple in each other’s lives and we were in the Hallmark family. He had great energy and he loved being an actor and he loved his family most of all. And loved his life. This is so painful to all of us who loved him.”

Barbara Niven, who co-starred with Williams on the Hallmark series “Chesapeake Shores,” wrote an Instagram tribute on June 13, recalling how much fun he was on set throughout their six seasons together. She also shared a touching anecdote about him.

“Treat was a pilot and loved flying,” she shared. “He often texted me photos from the window of his airplane, looking out at the sky. He knew that one of my favorite poems is ‘High Flight,’ written by John Gillespie Magee. It talks about ‘touching the face of God’ while you’re flying. I always asked Treat, is that what it feels like? Did you touch God today? I think that’s what he is doing right now. Fly high, Treat. Thank you for letting us fly with you for a little while. We will miss you dearly. ❤️”

In what might very well qualify for its own Hallmark movie, two Hallmark stars recently revealed that they’re dating after meeting on the set of a new Hallmark movie. Katie Cassidy and Stephen Huszar are an item after portraying characters who were falling in love.

They Met While Filming the Christmas in July Movie, ‘A Royal Christmas Crush’

Cassidy, 36, and Huszar, 39, are dating after meeting on the set of Hallmark’s “A Royal Christmas Crush,” People reported. An unnamed source first confirmed the news to People, noting: “They’re very much in love and just got back from a European trip in which they joined her family in Portugal, then headed to Spain and France, before hitting Monaco for the Grand Prix.”

The People story included exclusive photos of the couple, whom the source said had also attended a luxury yacht event hosted by Italian music artists.

Cassidy spoke with People in 2021 after her divorce to ex-husband Matthew Rodgers was finalized nearly a year after they had filed. They filed for divorce 18 months after their December 2018 wedding. She told People that the pandemic lockdown gave her a much-needed pause to heal after everything that had happened.

“I think if I’m supposed to meet someone, I’ll meet them naturally, organically,” she said before meeting Huszar.

When the news of their relationship came out, she posted a photo on Instagram with Huszar and wrote, “Welp, cats out of the bag… Happy Monday! 😂❤️😍.”

Fans flooded her with congratulations.

One fan replied, “🙊 You two look so stunning and pretty😻💖😻 Enjoy your cozy day Katie🌟😻🌟 Happy Monday to you too💙☀️💙 Love you😘🇨🇭💖💖💖💖.”

Another wrote, “😍😍😍😍 yayyy. Congrats Queen. I’m sooo happy for you. A real life fairytale is just the absolute cutest🥰🥰🥰.”

Another commented, “Awww you guys look sooo cute 😍 . Congrats Queen and Prince Charming @stephenhuszar You deserve ALL the happiness in world Queen. Happy Monday💚🖤.”

On June 1, she posted a photo with him tagged in Lisbon, Portugal, and wrote, “#PrinceCharming.”

On May 19, she shared a behind-the-scenes moment from filming their movie.

She also shared a picture on March 10 while they were filming.

Their Movie Premieres July 8

Huszar and Cassidy’s movie, “A Royal Christmas Crush,” premieres on Hallmark on July 8 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. The movie will include scenes at the famed ice hotel, Hotel de Glace, featured in Hallmark’s previous two ice hotel movies, “Winter Castle” and “Baby It’s Cold Inside.”

The synopsis for the movie reads: “Ava accepts the opportunity of a lifetime to work at the Royal Ice Hotel which leads her to a surprise whirlwind romance with the most important guest of all, the Royal Prince himself.”

Huszar recently starred in Hallmark’s “Love in Glacier National,” along with “Undercover Holiday,” “Chesapeake Shores,” and more. Huszar also recently starred on “The Jane Mysteries.”

Cassidy is known for playing Black Canary on “Arrow,” along wtih credits that include “When a Stranger Calls,” “Black Christmas,” “Supernatural,” “Taken,” “Melrose Place,” “Gossip Girl,” and more.

READ NEXT: Watch Deleted Scenes from ‘Three Wise Men & a Baby’

Fans of Hallmark‘s popular “Curious Caterer” mystery franchise starring Andrew Walker and Nikki DeLoach have reason to rejoice today. Not only have the stars already wrapped filming the series’ third installment, but in an interview on June 13, 2023, Walker told Heavy that the network has just greenlit two more “Curious Caterer” movies.

The news, Walker said, is just the latest example of Hallmark continuing to support its core stable of actors and listen to its fans in ways that other networks often fail to do, for which he feels grateful every day. Here’s what you need to know:

Andrew Walker Received Word of ‘Curious Caterer’ Continuation on His Birthday

HallmarkAndrew Walker and Nikki DeLoach in “Curious Caterer: Grilling Season”

After co-starring in multiple Hallmark movies together including 2016’s “A Dream of Christmas,” 2017’s “The Perfect Catch,” and 2020’s “Sweet Autumn,” real-life friends Walker and DeLoach got to pair up again for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ “Curious Caterer: Dying for Chocolate” in April 2022. Based on a series of books called “A Culinary Mystery” by Diane Mott Davidson, the movie featured DeLoach as Colorado caterer Goldy Berry, who teamed up with Walker’s Detective Tom Schultz to get to the bottom of her friend’s mysterious death.

The first mystery movie was so well-received that the duo then filmed “Curious Caterer: Grilling Season,” which debuted in February 2023. This spring, they filmed a third installment, called “Curious Caterer: Last Suppers.” Walker told Heavy that movie will likely premiere in August or September.

Word that Hallmark wants to continue the series came while Walker and DeLoach were appearing at the fan convention ChristmasCon in Kansas City over the weekend, during a call on June 9 — Walker’s 44th birthday.

“We were together, it was amazing,” Walker told Heavy. “Nikki and I are, you know, seven movies deep now and people still want to see us. We got approved for another — we actually got approved for two more ‘Curious Caterers.’ The executive producer called us and it was a nice little birthday gift.”

Andrew Walker Says He’s Grateful for Stability of Being a Hallmark Actor

Walker’s already had a jam-packed 2023 between promoting and filming the latest “Curious Caterer” movies and traveling to South Africa to shoot “A Safari Romance” with Brittany Bristow, due to premiere on August 12. And though he doesn’t have any details yet, he said, he’ll likely be filming a Hallmark Christmas movie by late summer.

It’s not lost on Walker how rare it is for a network to give so many starring roles to a rotating roster of actors, particularly those in their 40s and beyond. In fact, he said he pointed this out to fellow Hallmark actor Autumn Reeser on June 8 as they were among nearly 20 network stars taken by chartered bus on a field trip to Hallmark Cards’ headquarters before ChristmasCon.

“We were on the bus ride to Hallmark and I said, ‘Autumn, we’re all 40 … 40-plus year old actors at our prime at Hallmark. It’s not like we’re on the downtrend. We’re actually on this, like, uptrend.’ What other network (is that the case for)?”

Pointing out all the layoffs and programming changes at networks like Paramount+, Netflix and Disney, Walker said, “You know, there’s no stability anywhere out there. And here are all of these actors in our 40s, where in the general landscape of our industry we would be kind of at the tail end, which is sad to say. But here we are now (at Hallmark) and this is the fans’ (doing). They watch the movies and give us that ability to continue to thrive and to bring them new stories with the same faces, just different combinations and storylines.”

“It’s amazing,” he continued, “being able to have some sort of stability in our work, to be thriving, and really to be, you know, supported by the network.”

Walker said that level of support from both fans and Hallmark executives has inspired lots of conversations among him and his colleagues, including DeLoach and his “3 Wise Men and a Baby” co-stars Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes and Kimberley Sustad about their desire to keep raising the bar with each movie they make.

“It’s made me want to elevate my storytelling,” he told Heavy. “You know, Nikki and I talk about that a lot, and Tyler and Paul, Kimberley. We all want to take this up a notch and bring the best quality movies to people. I think that (means) going deeper in our preparation and our understanding of the script and the characters.”

To help that process, Walker said Hallmark has made a concerted effort to give its actors more time than it used to for studying lines and preparing for their roles, which helps the actors deliver better performances.

“A bunch of years ago, we didn’t get the time,” he said. “I would book a job on a Wednesday to leave on a Thursday or Friday to start shooting on a Monday, and we just didn’t have the time (to prep). But now at Hallmark we get two, three weeks, maybe even a month to prepare. It’s huge. It’s changed everything for us. And I think you can really see it in the quality of work that’s happening right now with the actors and directors.”

Prolific actor Treat Williams was killed in a motorcycle accident on Monday, June 12, as first reported by People. Among his many credits and award nominations, he also appeared in many Hallmark films over the years and starred on family drama series “Chesapeake Shores” for five seasons.

After news broke of his untimely death, tributes from his Hallmark family and other co-stars started pouring in on social media.

Treat Williams Hallmark Co-Stars Are ‘Stunned’: ‘It’s Just Shattering’

On Instagram, several of Williams’ Hallmark co-stars wrote tributes talking about what a wonderful man he was and how shocked and saddened they are by his death.

Sharon Lawrence, who co-starred with Williams in “The Christmas House” and “The Christmas House 2,” wrote a caption over a series of photos of herself and Williams smiling and having fun on set that Williams’ death is “shattering.”

Lawrence’s tribute reads:

This how it felt to be with #TreatWilliams. Always an joyful adventure. I’m just stunned. My heart aches for the loss. What a remarkable man. @treat.williams2 enjoyed his life so much. He created a beautiful existence and example of solid love. He was honest and clear and dedicated to his family and passions. I can’t imagine his loved ones’ loss — it’s just shattering. My consolation is all the great memories and that he did what he loved doing until the end. Soar high, dear friend.

Meghan Ory, who starred on “Chesapeake Shores” with the late actor, shared a video of them goofing around on set and called Williams “a monstrous talent.”

“There are no words. @treat.williams2 was a monstrous talent. A beautiful human and a wonderful friend. If you didn’t have the pleasure of knowing him here is a little glimpse. He was always laughing. Always always singing. He will always be the only Danny Zuko in my eyes #treatwilliams #rip💔” wrote Ory.

“Heartbroken,” wrote Williams’ “Rocky Mountain Christmas” co-star Lindy Booth. “He really was everything you’d want him to be and so much more. Rest well, you wild, adventurous soul.”

“Rocky Mountain Christmas” co-star Kristoffer Polaha added in his own tribute, “RIP Treat. Your stories will stick with me for the rest of my life. I will tell them often and pass them along. Godspeed, brother.”

Williams is survived by his wife Pam Van Sant and their two children, Gille and Ellie. The family released a statement (via Deadline) about his death, asking fans to keep him in their hearts and prayers.

A statement on the Passing of Treat Williams

It is with great sadness that we report that our beloved Treat Williams has passed away tonight in Dorset, Vermont after a fatal motorcycle accident. As you can imagine, we are shocked and greatly bereaved at this time.

Treat was full of love for his family, for his life and for his craft, and was truly at the top of his game in all of it. It is all so shocking right now, but please know that Treat was dearly and deeply loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him.

We are beyond devastated and ask that you respect our privacy as we deal with our grief. To all his fans, please know that Treat appreciated all of you and please continue to keep him in your hearts and prayers.

The Williams Family

Tribute From Other Co-Stars Are Pouring in As Well

On the USA heist comedy “White Collar,” Williams had a short-but-memorable arc as star Matt Bomer’s mysterious father. Bomer wrote a lengthy and emotional tribute to his on-screen dad, saying that he doesn’t typically post things like this to social media, but he wants everyone to know what “an absolute treasure” Williams was.

Bomer wrote:

This is a tough one, and I don’t like doing this on social media, but I want to share what an absolute treasure Treat Williams was — both as an actor and a person. 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. 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.

Emily VanCamp, who co-starred with Williams on the critically-acclaimed family drama “Everwood,” wrote on Instagram, “💔 The many times we worked together- always wonderful and I was always excited for the next time. Sending all my love to your family Treat. Fly high my friend ✨.”

She also added in her Instagram stories, “Beyond heartbreaking to hear of this. Love you Treat and all my love to his family in this difficult time.”

Rachael Carpani, who played Williams’ daughter on the show “Against the Wall,” wrote something similar to Bomer, saying that Williams was “the best on-screen dad.”

“RIP Treat Williams 💔. You were my first real mentor and an amazing friend when I moved to the U.S. , the best on-screen Dad, talented , so kind and utterly hilarious. 🥹💔 You will be missed by so many. My heart and prayers go out to your beloved family …who are feeling this loss harder than any of us. To my “cool Dad” …you have left us too soon …but am grateful for the time I spent with you, the jokes you made about my Aussie accent, hearing about your planes ✈️ and all the lives you touched and every day you made better … You will be missed, mate.”

Actress Justin Bateman starred on stage with Williams back in 1991 and posted a tribute to him on Twitter along with a photo of them together in the play, writing, “Working with Treat Williams in Mamet’s ‘Speed the Plow’ at Williamstown in ‘91 was the start of great friendship. Damn it, damn it. Treat, you were the best. Love you.”

“Treat Williams was a passionate, adventurous, creative man. In a short period of time, he quickly befriended me & his adventurous spirit was infectious. We worked on just 1 film together but occasionally connected over the years. Kind and generous with advice and support. RIP,” wrote actor Wendell Pierce on Twitter, who co-starred with Williams in the TV movie “Confirmation.”

Actress Rebecca Staab, who starred in “The Substitute 3” with Williams 24 years ago, wrote on Twitter that they had just spoken the night before he died.

“My dear dear dear friend. We just spoke last night.
LAST NIGHT. I can not believe this. We talked about how he missed his friend John Beasley. I can not believe this. Beyond heartbroken. Heartbroken for his family.
I can not believe this,” wrote Staab.