SEX and the City stars paid tribute to Willie Garson after the shock news of his passing on Tuesday.
After a secret battle with breast cancer, the actor, who played Stanford Blatch, on HBO, has died.
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Cynthia Nixon, 55, who plays Miranda Hobbes on the show was one of the first of Willie’s costars to pay tribute.
Nixon shared a picture of herself with Willie at a celebration with a heartfelt message that read: “So deeply and deeply sad we have lost @Willie.Garson. We loved him all and loved 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. My heart goes out to his son, @Nathen_Garson. Nathen, I hope you know how much he loved you and how proud he was to be your dad.”
Kim Cattrall, who played Samantha Jones in the HBO series, wrote: “Such sad news and a terribly sad loss to the SATC family. Our condolences and RIP dear Willie xo”
Mario Cantone, who stars as Anthony Maranthino on the show, also shared a sweet message on social media.
Mario wrote: “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 sweet Willie. Rest …I love you.”
Willie’s White Collar costar Matt Bomer praised the actor for his courage and remembered him for “lifting him up.”
The 43-year-old wrote: “Willie. I don’t understand. And it’s not fair. Your lessons in love, courage, resilience and perseverance have been invaluable to me over the past year. 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. When we parted ways, the last thing you did was to take off your mask (I hate covid), smile at me and laugh.
‘LOVE YOU FOREVER’
“I 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.
“This also reminded me how strong our White Collar family is. We were all there for Willie, and for each other. I love you forever Willie Garson. You live on in our hearts and minds always: and your White Collar family is always here for Nathen. Save a place for me, because you know I want to be at your table up there.”
Another White Collar star, Tim DeKay, wrote: “Godspeed, Wilhelm. You know I love you and always will.”
Willie had been filming scenes for the SATC reboot, And Just Like That… in recent months.
‘BIG HEART’
Sex and the City creator Darren Star told PEOPLE: “Willie touched all of us with his big heart and generous spirit. The man behind Stanford was a loving father, a mensch to his friends and radiated kindness to all. He is gone much too soon.”
Executive producer Michael Patrick King said: “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… .”
King continued, “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.”
Willie’s son Nathen, who he adopted in 2009, took to Instagram with a heartbreaking message for his beloved dad.
‘LOVE YOU SO MUCH PAPA’
“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.”
Actor Ben Stiller sent Nathen a sweet tweet in tribute.
“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.”
Seinfeld star Jason Alexander took to Twitter to pay tribute to Willie.
“The wonderful Willie Garson has left us. A dear, funny, kind man and delightful actor. Too soon. Rest well. #ripwilliegarson” he wrote.
‘FUNNY TALENTED FRIEND’
Modern Family star Julie Bowen tweeted: “This breaks my heart. Willie Garson, a friend who loved me at my worst, (and always let me know it) is gone. Goodbye, Fatty. I love you always.”
Actress Mary McCormack also mourned her pal, writing: “Really gonna miss this sweet funny talented friend. Rest in peace @WillieGarson“
Willie starred on SATC on 27 episodes throughout the six seasons from 1998 until its series finale in 2004.
His character Stanford Blatch was a close friend of Carrie Bradshaw’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) who often struggled to overcome insecurities around dating in the big city.
As well as the TV show, Willie also appeared in the first Sex And The City feature film in 2008 and its sequel, titled Sex and the City 2, in 2010.
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