Willie Garson, Sex and the City and White Collar actor, dies at 57

Willie Garson, the actor best known for his role as Stanford Blatch in the original series of Sex and the City, has died at the age of 57.

Garson won the hearts of fans of the popular HBO series, which first aired in 1998 and ran for six seasons, playing Carrie Bradshaw’s closest male friend, the talent agent Stanford. Garson also appeared in the follow-up films, Sex and the City, and Sex and the City 2. He was recently reprising the role in a reboot of the TV series, And Just Like That, which is currently in production.

Information about the cause of Garson’s death has not been officially released, but Michael Patrick King, the executive producer of Sex and the City and And Just Like That said in a statement on Tuesday that Garson had been sick.

“The Sex and the City family has lost one of its own. Our amazing Willie Garson,” King said. “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.”

A statement from HBO said: “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 25 years. We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Born William Garson Paszamant in New Jersey in 1964, Garson had a prolific screen career which began in the late 80s.

Garson’s television career has included parts on some of the most high-profile shows from the 90s and 2000s, including Twin Peaks, Friends, The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ally McBeal, Boy Meets World and more. He was also well-known for his role as Mozzie on the US police procedural, White Collar.

His film credits include There’s Something About Mary, Being John Malkovich, Fever Pitch and Groundhog Day.

Garson was a vocal advocate for adoption. His son Nathen, whom he adopted in 2009, wrote on Instagram on Tuesday: “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 [your] love with me. I’ll never forget it or lose it.”

Tributes began to flow on social media as news of Garson’s death broke.

Seinfeld star Jason Alexander called him “a dear, funny, kind man and delightful actor”.

“This breaks my heart,” wrote Julie Bowen on Instagram. In a separate post, the Modern Family actor said: “He came to my wedding – begrudgingly. ‘Who gets married on Emmy weekend?’ I loved this guy.”

“I’m in a state of shock,” actor Josh Charles wrote. “This is horribly sad news and I am heartbroken for his son and family.”