Willie Garson

Beloved ‘Sex And The City’ Actor Willie Garson Dies At 57

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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.

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.”

“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,” Nathen Garson wrote on Instagram. “I’m so proud of you.”

“You always were the toughest and funniest and smartest person I’ve known,” his son added.

Willie Garson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristian Davis, Kim Cattrall and Cynthia Nixon in "Sex and the City."

No details of his death were released. Messages seeking comment from his representatives weren’t immediately returned.

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.

Cynthia Nixon, who played Miranda Hobbes in the series, expressed her sorrow in a tweet.

“We all loved him and adored working with him. He was endlessly funny on-screen and and in real life,” she wrote. “He was a source of light, friendship and show business lore. He was a consummate professional — always.”

“I couldn’t have had a more brilliant TV partner,” tweeted Mario Cantone, who played Garson’s husband in “Sex and the City.” “I’m devastated and just overwhelmed with sadness.”

He added: “You were a gift from the gods.”

“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,” an HBO Facebook statement said. “We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Born William Garson Paszamant in Highland Park, New Jersey, Garson began studying acting at age 13 at the Actors Institute in New York. He made hundreds of appearances on TV and in motion pictures.

Besides “Sex and the City,” he was perhaps best known as Mozzie, a con man on the TV show “”White Collar,” and also had recurring roles on “NYPD Blue,” “Hawaii Five-0” and “Supergirl.”

Garson, who was an advocate for adoption agencies, adopted his son, Nathen, in 2009 and marked the adoption in a January Instagram posting that read: “Best day of my life. Always.”

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 like “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, his son 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.”

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