'Sex and the City' Star Willie Garson Dead at 57

The actor was best known for his role as Stanford Blatch, Carrie Bradshaw's gay best friend

Photo: Lisa Franchot

BY Allie GregoryPublished Sep 22, 2021

Willie Garson — star of Sex and the City and White Collar — has died. He was 57 years old.

Garson's son Nathen Garson confirmed his passing yesterday via Instagram, writing, "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."

The actor reportedly passed following a short illness, surrounded by family. As confirmed by People, Garson had been suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Garson was best known for his roles as Mozzie on White Collar and HBO's Sex and the City. Most recently, Garson reprised his SATC role as Stanford Blatch — Carrie Bradshaw's gay best friend — for the series' reboot, And Just Like That... Garson is set to appear in the forthcoming 10-episode project, which is due to arrive via HBO later this year.

A spokesperson for HBO said of Garson in a statement [via TVLine]:

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.

An NBCUniversal spokesperson added:

No matter what project he was on, Willie was always a fan favourite. Nowhere was that more true than on White Collar, where he took the character of Mozzie, an outcast conspiracy theorist, and made him lovable to the core. He will be missed.

Beyond his roles on SATC and White Collar, Garson also had roles in Little Manhattan, Hawaii Five-O, NYPD Blue and more. 

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