Another bright light has gone out in Hollywood. Actor, Willie Garson passed away yesterday after a short battle with cancer. He was 57. Willie is best known for his role as Stanford Blatch on Sex and the City, the irreverent and loyal confidante to Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw. He also gained further fame for his roles in the show White Collar.
His film and television career began in 1986 and he has one of the lengthiest resumes in all of Hollywood. Willie had bit parts in some of the most iconic shows of the 80s and 90s including Cheers, Twin Peaks, Boy Meets World, The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Friends, along with over sixty other television roles throughout his 35-year career. Most recently, Willie appeared in Scandal (2017), Supergirl (2019-2020), Hawaii 5-0 (2015-2019), and an episode of Magnum P.I in 2019.
Apart from reprising his role as Stanford Blanch in both Sex and the City films in 2008 and 2010, Willie also had roles in Troop Beverly Hills (1989), Groundhog Day (1993), Being John Malkovich (1999), There’s Something About Mary (1999) and, Freaky Friday (2003).
Hollywood honors Willie Garson’s legacy all over social media
Celebrities throughout Hollywood took to Twitter to express their love for Willie with their own heartfelt tributes. Various members of the Sex and the City cast posted their public condolences and warm memories of Willie Garson.
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
Other A-list celebrities who had worked with Willie were also vocal in their sadness at losing a fellow performer, who was undoubtedly loved and revered by everyone with whom he worked in Hollywood.
The wonderful Willie Garson has left us. A dear, funny, kind man and delightful actor. Too soon. Rest well. #ripwilliegarson
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) September 22, 2021
Rest in peace @WillieGarson Thank you for your kind heart. https://t.co/oKuJ6ONHQH
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) September 22, 2021
Willie is survived by his teenage son, Nathen Garson, who was one of the first to acknowledge the death of his father on social media. In another tweet of tribute, A-lister Ben Stiller had a particular message just for 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.”
Willie Garson will appear in the upcoming Sex and the City reboot, And Just Like That…, premiering on HBO Max later this year.
Upon the announcement of Willie’s death yesterday, HBO released this statement to People:
“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.”
Hollywood will never forget you, Willie.
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