Willie Garson, the actor best know for playing Carrie Bradshaw’s GBF Stanford Blatch in Sex and the City has died following a ‘short illness’ at the age of 57. He had just finished filming And Just Like That, the new HBO sequel series.
Michael Patrick King, the creator of SATC said in a statement: ‘The Sex and the City family has lost one of its own. Our amazing Willie Garson. His spirit and his dedication to his craft was present every day filming And Just Like That. He was there – giving us his all – even while he was sick. His multitude of gifts as an actor and person will be missed by everyone. In this sad, dark moment we are comforted by our memory of his joy and light.”
Nelson was an advocate for adoption and the proud father of a 20 year-old son, Nathen, who wrote, heartbreakingly: : “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. 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 you’re love with me. I’ll never forget it or lose it ❤️😘”

American Horror Story star Matt Bomer had worked with him on show White Collar and said in a heartfelt statement on Instagram: “Willie. I don’t understand. And it’s not fair. This past year, you taught me so much about courage and resilience, and love. I still haven’t wrapped my head around a world without you in it – where I can’t call you when I need to laugh or be inspired. The last thing you did when we said goodbye was pull down your mask (I hate covid), smile, and wink at me. know that it wasn’t reflective of the pain you were going through, but it was indicative of everything you were and are to me: some one who lifted me up, who made me better, and who always, always made me smile.”
Sex and The City and And Just Like That co-star Cynthia Nixon also paid tribute to her friend saying: “So deeply, deeply sad we have lost Willie Garson. 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.”
Kim Cattrall – who played Samantha Jones – tweeted a pic of the pair from season one captioned: ‘Such sad news and a terribly sad loss to the SATC family. Our condolences and RIP dear Willie xo.’
Such sad news and a terribly sad loss to the SATC family. Our condolences and RIP dear Willie xo pic.twitter.com/yXhPkxRTv3
— Kim Cattrall (@KimCattrall) September 22, 2021
Rest in Peace #WillieGarson 💔 Stanford Blatch is so beloved to me and Willie brought him to life so beautifully. What a gift to us all. pic.twitter.com/w2ubvTcESa
— CANDACE BUSHNELL (@CandaceBushnell) September 22, 2021
Sending love to @WillieGarson’s son 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.❤️
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) September 22, 2021
I love you forever Willie Garson. Rest in peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/MxsBwq5NEa
— Matt Bomer (@MattBomer) September 22, 2021