Treat Williams, known for his role as William Paley in the Ryan Murphy-helmed limited series, passed away unexpectedly in a motorcycle accident shortly after completing the show. The Valentine’s Day episode of “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” paid homage to Williams, who portrayed William Paley in his last project before his tragic death. As the episode concluded, a title card memorialized Williams, acknowledging his contributions to the series.
Williams, who died at 71, immersed himself in his role as co-founder William Paley alongside Naomi Watts, who played Paley’s wife and Truman Capote’s close friend Babe Paley. “Capote vs. The Swans” delves into the fallout among Manhattan socialites following Capote’s controversial story release, with Wednesday’s episode depicting Babe’s acceptance of her cancer diagnosis and her husband’s infidelity.
The series also explores Capote’s struggles with health and sobriety, as well as his shifting relationships with his socialite friends. Ryan Murphy, the co-creator, fondly recalled his last conversation with Williams, highlighting the actor’s enthusiasm for his work on the show.
Williams’s wife, Pam, expressed how delighted her husband was to be part of the project, stating that he thrived while collaborating with the talented team behind “Feud.” Despite the sadness of watching Williams’s final performance, Pam and her family remain supportive, reflecting on his passion for acting.
Tom Hollander, who portrayed Capote in the series, remarked on the difficulty of processing Williams’s death for the cast, emphasizing his positive energy and warmth.
“Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” transports viewers to 1970s high-society New York, chronicling Capote’s fall from grace after exposing his socialite friends’ secrets. The series captures the essence of the era, with Hollander delivering a captivating portrayal of Capote’s charismatic yet self-destructive personality.
Through its intricate storytelling, “Feud” delves into the consequences of Capote’s actions and the dynamics of his relationships with the elite women of New York. The series offers a glimpse into the world of glamour and betrayal, leaving audiences captivated by its compelling narrative and stellar performances.
The casting process for “Feud” involved careful consideration to capture the essence of the characters and the era they inhabited. Casting director Alexa L. Fogel praised Ryan Murphy’s vision and collaborative approach, emphasizing the synergy among the team members working on the project.