Willie Garson, who was best known for playing Carrie’s best friend Stanford Blatch in Sex and the City, has passed away at the age of 57 after a battle with cancer.
Garson was currently shooting the Sex and the City revival, And Just Like That…, where he once again took on the role of Blatch, with the character said to be stepping up to fill Samantha Jones’ (Kim Cattrall) spot at the brunch table. While he is perhaps best known for the eclectic and fashion-forward character, his career consisted of many more roles and successes.
Garson appeared in TV shows such as Mr Belvedere, Family Ties, Coach, Quantum Leap, Monk, Ally McBeal, Party of Five, and Friends before landing the role of Henry Coffield in NYPD Blue in 1996. Garson stayed in the role for seven episodes until 1999.
In 2009, he joined the cast of freshman series White Collar playing clever conman Mozzie, who was a close friend of lead protagonist Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer).
He also appeared in film such as Troop Beverly Hills, Soapdish, Groundhog Day, Black Sheep, Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead, Kingpin, Being John Malkovich, Just Like Heaven, There’s Something About Mary, and The Polka King.
Garson’s son Nathan shared the tragic news on Instagram with a post that said, “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. I’m so proud of you.
“I will always love you, but I think it’s time for you to go on an adventure of your own. You’ll always be with me. Love you more than you will ever know and I’m glad you can be at peace now. You always were the toughest and funniest and smartest person I’ve known. I’m glad you shared your love with me. I’ll never forget it or lose it.”
Mario Cantone, who played Garson’s on-screen husband Anthony Marentino on Sex and the City said he is “devastated” by his co-stars death.
“I couldn’t have had a more brilliant TV partner. I’m devastated and just overwhelmed with Sadness,” Cantone wrote. “Taken away from all of us way soon. You were a gift from the gods sweet Willie. Rest …I love you.”
And, in a statement posted to the And Just Like That…Instagram account, a photo of Garson was captioned, “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 twenty-five years. We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”
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