Tributes have poured in after news that Willie Garson, who starred in Sex and the City has died aged 57.
The actor, who was best known for his portrayal of Stanford Blatch in the HBO series, has not had his cause of death disclosed but the executive producer of Sex And The City and Just Like That, Michael Patrick King, said Garson had been working “even while he was sick”, without giving details.
Following the news, those who worked with him and family members have been sharing touching memories and messages on social media in tribute to the actor.
Cynthia Nixon, aka Miranda in SATC said Garson “was a source of light, friendship and show business lore”.
So deeply, deeply sad we have lost @WillieGarson. We all loved him and adored working with him. 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. pic.twitter.com/G63EJIj8lG
— Cynthia Nixon (@CynthiaNixon) September 22, 2021
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She added that he was a proud father and sent her condolences to his son Nathen.
My heart goes out to his son, Nathen Garson. Nathen, I hope you know how much he loved you and how proud he was to be your dad.
— Cynthia Nixon (@CynthiaNixon) September 22, 2021
Nathen Garson wrote his own tribute on Instagram in which he said his father was “the toughest and funniest and smartest person I’ve known.”
While SATC co-star Mario Cantone said he was “overwhelmed with sadness”.
I couldn’t have had a more brilliant TV partner. I’m devastated and just overwhelmed with Sadness. Taken away from all of us way soon. You were a gift from the gods. Rest my sweet friend. I love you. pic.twitter.com/Ia4tg1VK1Y
— Mario Cantone (@macantone) September 22, 2021
Other famous faces took to Twitter to react to his passing, including Candace Bushnell who created SATC.
Rest in Peace #WillieGarson 💔 Stanford Blatch is so beloved to me and Willie brought him to life so beautifully. What a gift to us all. pic.twitter.com/w2ubvTcESa
— CANDACE BUSHNELL (@CandaceBushnell) September 22, 2021
In shock over the loss of WILLIE GARSON
— Diedrich Bader (@bader_diedrich) September 22, 2021
A lovely guy&a great actor who’s been part of our small community of character actors here in Los Angeles as long as i can remember
Always warm & supportive &just,i was always happy to see Will &i can’t believe he’s gone
Prayers for his son
I’m stunned, just out of a college lecture to hear of @WillieGarson passing today. I remember when I was in LA years ago and spending a weekend running around town with him in his old 2002tii … I never laughed as much in my life… all love and hugs to family and other friends
— Andrew Zimmern (@andrewzimmern) September 22, 2021
#Heartbroken. @WillieGarson has left the earth. God love him. Mensch to the end. Wish I could have hugged him while we reminisced about the run of this play we did at the Geffen. Such a guy, such a Dad, such a gut punch. He loved being an actor, he loved being a father, he… pic.twitter.com/bCayZZLpNQ
— Sharon Lawrence (@sharonlawrence) September 22, 2021
When @WillieGarson heard we were doing "America Reads The Mueller Report" he contacted me and asked to be a part of the project. I was thrilled to have him! Willie cared about our country and wanted to do all he could to help. Such a wonderful person who will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/LRwE2pscsC
— Cheri Jacobus (@CheriJacobus) September 22, 2021
Sending love to @WillieGarson’s son Nathen. Your dad was strong and respected in his community of fellow actors and his philanthropy was constant and committed. I’m grateful I knew him. He was also really really funny.❤️
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) September 22, 2021
Goodbye my friend. You were the best of us. pic.twitter.com/9t1J9XHk9N
— Jeff Eastin (@jeffeastin) September 22, 2021
Ya get to meet amazing people in my business and Willie Garson was one of them. And it was clear, on the final day of #WhiteCollar, that he was an absolute light to everyone who knew him. pic.twitter.com/p8Gw9ouZ1h
— Damian Holbrook (@damianholbrook) September 22, 2021
A statement from HBO said: “Willie Garson was in life, as on screen, a devoted friend and a bright light for everyone in his universe. He created one of the most beloved characters from the HBO pantheon and was a member of our family for nearly 25 years. We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”
As well as SATC, Garson appeared in a number of high-profile shows throughout his career including Twin Peaks, Friends, The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ally McBeal, Boy Meets World and more. He was also well-known for his role as Mozzie on the US police procedural, White Collar.
He will be missed.
