Sex and the City’s actor Willie Garson has died at age 57, his son announced on social media yesterday.
“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,” his son Nathen Garson wrote on Instagram.
Subsequently, an HBO/HBO Max spokesperson confirmed the actor’s passing.
Garson was known for his role in the iconic series and movie franchise “Sex and the City.” He played Stanford Blatch, a close friend of Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw, appearing regularly on the show and its two feature films.
Shortly after his death was announced, HBO released a statement to pay tribute to Garson and honor his contributions to what is considered one of its most emblematic projects.
“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,” it added.
Garson was born in New Jersey, United States, and began training as an actor when he was just 13 years old at The Actors Institute In New York before majoring in Psychology and Theater at Wesleyan University.
He first came to Hollywood as a guest on “Cheers” and “Family Ties” TV shows.
Besides being part of the Sex and the City’s cast, Garson had recurring roles on USA Network’s “White Collar,” CBS’s “Hawaii Five-0,” and ABC’s “NYPD Blue,” becoming a well-loved and leading actor in the television industry.
It was recently announced that he would appear in the HBO series reboot, “And Just Like That,” scheduled to premiere later this year.
Other Sex and the City stars and figures in the entertainment industry paid tribute to Garson.
Kim Cattrall, who played Samantha Jone on the series, described Garson’s death as a “terribly sad” loss to the Sex and the City’s family. Moreover, Cattrall’s former co-star Cynthia Nixon wrote on Twitter that the actor was “a source of light, friendship and show business lore.”
“We are bereft without him. He was smarter and funnier than you ever would have imagined,” Kristin Davis, who played Charlotte, posted.
Jason Alexander, Ben Stiller, Mario Cantone, Matt Bomer and Julie Bowen also paid homage to Garson through their social media profiles.
