Willie Garson who was best known for his iconic portrayal of Stanford Blatch on “Sex and the City” has died.
Reportedly Garson had been suffering from Pancreatic cancer, and was surrounded by his family as he passed away.
A family member confirmed his death to Variety.
Garson’s gay talent agent character played the beloved pal to Sarrah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw in the series. He participated in the six-season run on HBO from 1998 to 2004.
Stanford’s candid conversations with Carrie were highlights in his appearances on “Sex and the City,” as was his lavish wedding to his formal rival turned lover Anthony Marantino (Mario Cantone) which included a performance of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” by Liza Minnelli.
Mario Cantone, who played Garson’s on-screen partner in the hit sequel paid tribute to his friend on Twitter.
“I couldn’t have had a more brilliant TV partner,” he said. “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.”
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
Garson was seen earlier this year with Cantone and Market on the New York set of the upcoming “Sex and the City” sequel entitled; “And Just Like That..,” and he spoke about the show in a June Interview with US Weekly.
Speaking of reading the new scripts for the sequel “my reaction was that they were real and funny and it sounded like us,” Garson said. “The new characters are terrific and they just felt very (much) like home in not a forced way. It had a nice, light touch like, ‘2021, this is who we are.”
Garson’s son, Nathan Garson also shared the news of his father’s death on Instagram.
“I love you so much papa,” he wrote. “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. “
Cynthia Nixon, who plays Miranda Hobbes in “Sex and the City wrote on Twitter.
“So deeply, deeply sad we have lost @WillieGarson. We all loved him and adored working with him. He was endlessly funny on-screen and in real life. he was a source of light, friendship and show business lore. He was a consummate professional – always.”
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
HBO said in a statement that it was “deeply saddened” to learn of Garson’s death.
“Willie Garson was in life, as on screen, a light for everyone in his universe. he created one of HBO’s most beloved characters and was a member of our family for nearly 25 years.”
As well as his beloved role in “Sex and the City” Garson also appeared in many other television shows including; Pushing Daisies, Taken, CSI, Aly McBeal, and Crime Scene Investigation.
The actor’s final, poignant tweet reads: “Be kind to each other…. always. Love to all. Approach kindness.”
BE KIND TO EACH OTHER……ALWAYS. LOVE TO ALL. APRROACH KINDNESS.
— Willie Garson 🇺🇸 (@WillieGarson) September 5, 2021