Treat Williams Honored by ‘Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans’ & Castmates

Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans may focus on the falling out between Truman Capote (Tom Hollander) and the women of New York City’s high society, but the FX anthology series is also the late Treat Williams‘ final onscreen role.

The actor, who was killed in a motorcycle accident in June 2023, takes on the part of Bill Paley, husband to Naomi Watts‘ Babe, who was a close confidante of Capote’s until a fateful turn of events puts them on opposing sides in Ryan Murphy‘s series.

Russell Tovey as John O’Shea (Credit: Ray Mickshaw/FX)

Bill Paley is best known for his contributions to media, particularly as the former executive responsible for building CBS from a small radio network into one of the leading radio and television networks in the United States. But he was also known for his extramarital dalliances, an aspect of his life that is incorporated into the show.

When TV Insider caught up with series star Russell Tovey who plays banker John O’Shea, at the red carpet premiere, the actor couldn’t help but commend Williams’ final performance, lauding the performer’s portrayal of Paley.

“Treat Williams, it’s so horrific that he’s not here,” Tovey lamented. “It’s such an absolute tragedy. And what he does with the character is so beautiful.”

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Regarding Bill as a person, Tovey admitted, “I think in real life, Bill Paley wasn’t that nice of a guy from what I’ve read.” But despite the pitfalls of the real-life inspiration behind the character, Tovey says of Williams, “I think he plays him so he’s not a bad person… You have empathy for him.”

Additionally, casting director Alexa L. Fogel revealed to TV Insider that the role of Bill Paley was one of the hardest to cast, but was ultimately a perfect fit for Williams. “It’s heartbreaking that this was his last performance,” Fogel shared, but added, “I’m so thrilled…. I’ve heard from all of the people who worked with him that he loved playing this role.”

Williams’ life and performance were honored during the show’s fourth episode, “It’s Impossible,” as a title card reading, “In Memory of Treat Williams 1951-2023,” flashed across the screen before the credits rolled. In the episode, as Babe endures cancer treatments and upsetting realities about her broken friendship with Capote, she and Bill share a sweet dance despite their differences, making it a perfect place to highlight Williams’ performance.

See his posthumous performance continue as new episodes of Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans airs on FX.

Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans, Premieres Wednesdays, 10pm ET/PT, FX (next day on Hulu)