Treat Williams, actor on the cult series Everwood, has died at the age of 71 in a motorcycle accident.

The star was driving on his bike in Vermont at around 5pm on Monday when he collided with a car. He was airlifted to hospital in Albany, New York and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

In Everwood, which ran from 2002 to 2006, Williams played the patriarch Dr Andy Brown but he was known for scores of other TV shows, films and stage productions, most recently filming for Ryan Murphy's upcoming show Feud: Capote's Women.

His family said in a statement: "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.

"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."

Everwood co-star Chris Pratt wrote on social media: "It's an incredibly sad season for the cast and crew of Everwood. We're still reeling from the loss of John Beasley and yesterday we lost Treat Williams as well.

"Both men were exceptional actors, wonderful husbands, fathers and friends. They will be missed tremendously."

Williams is survived by wife Pam and their two children.