Cast and crew members ofSex and the Cityare remembering Willie Garson, who died on Tuesday after suffering from pancreatic cancer.
Garson, 57, was perhaps best known for his role as Stanford Blatch, the best friend ofSarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw, in the HBO series and its spinoff movies. He hadalready filmed scenesfor the upcoming reboot,And Just Like That….
Sex and the Citycreator Darren Star describes Garson to PEOPLE as “sweet, soulful and hilariously funny.”
“Willie touched all of us with his big heart and generous spirit,” Star says. “The man behind Stanford was a loving father, a mensch to his friends and radiated kindness to all. He is gone much too soon.”
Marcel Thomas/FilmMagic
Executive producer Michael Patrick King tells PEOPLE that Garson’s “spirit” and “dedication” were ever-present on set.
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“TheSex And The Cityfamily has lost one of its own, our amazing Willie Garson,” King says. “His spirit and his dedication to his craft was present every day filmingAnd Just Like That… .”
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In a statement to PEOPLE, Jason Lewis, who played Jerry “Smith” Jerrod inSex and the City, says, “There is a little less joy in the world and it’s a bit grayer with the light that was Willie Garson having gone out. He had a wonderful and playful spirit, and I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to know it.”
Evan Handler, best known as Charlotte York’s husband Harry Goldenblatt on the series, tells PEOPLE he instantly dubbed Garson “The Mayor.” He adds, “It seemed he knew everyone, and was invited everywhere. The weddings of Elvis Costello and Elton John: Willie was there. I never understood why, or how.”
Handler says, “The fact is, Willie was a Prince. Not just my Mayor, but the Mayor to every group he ever existed within. Most importantly, Willie was an adoptive parent to a foster child. My heart grieves for his son, for the entireSex and the CityandAnd Just Like That…universe, and for the world at large. We’ve lost a consummate funny (and family) man, and they were already in short enough supply.”
StarCynthia Nixonalsoshared a tribute to her costar, writing on Twitter that he was “loved” and “adored” on set.
“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.”
Mario Cantone, who played Garson’s on-screen husband Anthony Marentino, posted a photo of the friends on Instagram Tuesday, sharing his grief in the caption.
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Kim Cattrallalso shared a tweet in honor of herSex and the Citycostar.
“Such sad news and aterribly sad loss to the SATC family,” she wrote. “Our condolences and RIP dear Willie xo.”
Chris Noth, who played Mr. Big inSex and the Cityand will reprise his role inAnd Just Like That…, paid tribute to the late actor on Instagram, simply writing, “Willie” alongside heart and broken-heart emojis.
Garson’sWhite Collarcostar Matt Bomer shared his last memory of the prolific actor in an emotional Instagram post.
“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,” he added.
“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.““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.”
White Collar’s Tiffani Thiessen also honored Garson via Instagram. “Willie, my dear sweet friend, I’m utterly heartbroken,” she captioned a collection of pictures. “It’s still hard for me to believe you’re not here. You fought this battle with strength and grace. Heaven got an amazing man today and they are incredibly lucky. I love you so darn much my friend#RIP.”
Other celebrities also shared tributes to Garson on social media after news of his death broke on Tuesday.
Willie Garson on Sex and the City.Craig Blankenhorn/Hbo
SeinfeldstarJason Alexandertweeted, “The wonderful Willie Garson has left us. A dear, funny,kind man and delightful actor. Too soon. Rest well.#ripwilliegarson.”
“Our sweet pal#WillieGarsonhas passed on,” Rob Morrowtweeted. “Dear soul, rest easy.”
“I want to share how funny and marvelous Willie was and how sad I am to hear this news,” Michael Weatherlywrote in a tweet. “My deepest condolences to his family and amazing friends. Big kiss to you, Willie Garson.”
Ben Stillershared a message for Garson’s son Nathen in a tweet.
source: people.com
