Willie Garson, ‘Sex and the City’ actor, dead at 57

By Sandra Gonzalez, CNN

Actor Willie Garson, known for his role on the “Sex and the City” series and films, has died, according to his son, Nathen Garson. He was 57.

“I love you so much papa. Rest In Peace and I’m so glad you got to share all your adventures with me and were able to accomplish so much,” his son wrote on Instagram. “I’m so proud of you.”

A HBO/HBO Max spokesperson also confirmed Garson’s passing, and the network honored his contributions to one of its most iconic shows in a statement.

“Willie Garson was in life, as on screen, a devoted friend and a bright light for everyone in his universe,” the statement read. “He created one of the most beloved characters from the HBO pantheon and was a member of our family for nearly twenty-five years. We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”

On “Sex and the City,” Garson played Stanford Blatch, friend and confidant of protagonist Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker). He appeared regularly in the series throughout its run and in both films.

Garson, who was born in New Jersey, started training as an actor at age 13 and went on to study at Wesleyan University, according to a bio posted on the university’s website.

His first break in Hollywood was in guest roles on TV shows such as “Cheers” and “Family Ties.”

It was on television that Garson would go on to make a reputation for himself as a beloved character actor. In addition to his role in “Sex and the City,” he had recurring memorable parts on USA Network’s “White Collar,” ABC’s “NYPD Blue,” and CBS’s “Hawaii Five-0.”

He was most recently slated to appear in the reboot of the series, “And Just Like That,” which is set to premiere on HBO Max later this year.

Garson was a proud parent of one child, Nathen. He was also an advocate for organizations that help children find homes through adoption.

In January, Garson marked his son’s Adoption Day in an Instagram post, saying, “Best day of my life. Always. It’s an honor @nathen_garson, today and every day.”

In the wake of his passing, Garson’s many friends and former colleagues expressed their love for the actor.

Mario Cantone, who played Garson’s on-screen husband in “Sex and the City,” called Garson a “brilliant TV partner” in a heartfelt post.

“I’m devastated and just overwhelmed with Sadness. Taken away from all of us way soon. You were a gift from the gods,” he wrote. “Rest my sweet friend. I love you.”

Cynthia Nixon wrote that Garson was “adored” by his colleagues.

“So deeply, deeply sad we have lost @WillieGarson. We all loved him and adored working with him,” Nixon wrote. “He was endlessly funny on-screen and and in real life. He was a source of light, friendship and show business lore. He was a consummate professional — always.”

Matt Bomer, Garson’s co-star on “White Collar,” which ran for six seasons, remembered his friend by saying Garson “taught me so much about courage and resilience and love.”

“I still haven’t wrapped my head around a world without you in it – where I can’t call you when I need to laugh, or be inspired. The last thing you did when we said goodbye was pull down your mask (I hate covid), smile, and wink at me,” he wrote. “I know that it wasn’t reflective of the pain you were going through, but it was indicative of everything you were and are to me: some one who lifted me up, who made me better, and who always, always made me smile.”

He added: “You live on in our hearts and minds always: and your White Collar family is always here for Nathen. Save a place for me, because you know I want to be at your table up there.”

Garson’s friend, “Modern Family” actress Julie Bowen, wrote: “This breaks my heart. Willie Garson, a friend who loved me at my worst, (and always let me know it) is gone. Goodbye, Fatty. I love you always.”

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