On September 22, the tragic death of actor Willie Garson was announced, shocking fans and Sex And The City watchers worldwide. Known for his iconic role as Carrie Bradshaw’s best friend, Stanford Blatch, the actor had reportedly lost his long term battle with pancreatic cancer, not long after returning to film the show’s reboot, And Just Like That.
While the entire acting community took to social media to grieve and share their condolences over the loss of such a fantastic actor, father and friend, many looked to the cast of the ’90s cult-classic show for their reactions to the saddening news.
Kim Cattrall, known as Samantha Jones (and who controversially chose to not reprise her role for the reboot), shared a tweet that detailed her remorse over the loss of Garson.
“Such sad news and a terribly sad loss to the SATC family,” her tweet wrote, alongside a photo of herself and Garson. “Our condolences and RIP dear Willie xo.”
Joining her remembrance, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis—who starred as Miranda Hobbs and Charlotte York—reflected on working with Garson, the constant laughter shared, and expressed adoration for his dedication to his work and as a father to his son, Nathen.
“So deeply, deeply sad we have lost @Willie.Garson,” Nixon’s post read. “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. 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.”
As for Davis, she paid a touching tribute to Garson by remembering the first time they met, the podcast plans they had and their shared joy of being single parents through adoption.
“I first met Willie in 1995 on the spooky nighttime set of the X-files,” Davis’ Instagram post read. “He immediately made me laugh. Little did I know that we would have the joy of sharing Sex and the City + And Just Like That together. Willie is beloved by our entire community. He was smarter and funnier than you ever would have imagined. We are bereft without him,” she wrote.
Davis continued: “But I really want to pay tribute to his fearless commitment to single fatherhood. We spoke about being single parents through adoption often. And nothing gave him more joy and pride than his son Nathen. Nathen’s strength and wisdom beyond his years are evident in his beautiful tribute to his dad,”
“The outpouring of love is earned dear Willie.I am thankful for all of the time we had and grateful that so much of your bright light is on film forever. Maybe we can do our podcast the next time around ? We love you forever xoxo.”
Mario Cantone—who starred as Stanford’s husband, Anthony Marantino, from Sex and City 2—shared a photo of himself and Garson, writing, “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.”
Evan Handler, who played Charlotte’s divorce lawyer-turned-husband Harry, shared a sweet photo of the two of them, along with a caption that read, “Willie Garson, or, ‘The Mayor.’ Invitee to the weddings of Sir Elton and Elvis Costello. Friend and/or acquaintance to… well, everyone. Of greatest significance, adoptive father to a foster child. My heart grieves for his son, for the entire #SATC and #AJLT universe, and for the world at large.”
Not long after Handler’s tribute, Chris Noth, known for his role as Mr. Big, shared a photo of Garson and Sarah Jessica Parker, with a caption that merely read “Willie” with a red heart.
While fans were quick to notice that Parker was yet to address the loss, SJP commented on Noth’s post, saying, “Thank you dearest Chris. I’m not ready yet. Xxx”.
And last but far from least, Candace Bushnell, the author of the novel that inspired the Sex And The City TV series, expressed her appreciation for Garson in a tweet, sharing her gratitude for everything he brought to her character of Stanford Blatch.
“Stanford Blatch is so beloved to me and Willie brought him to life so beautifully. What a gift to us all.”
Now that Garson is gone, there’s no doubt that the Sex And The City universe will never be the same. Our thoughts are with the entire cast and crew of And Just Like That, as well as Garson’s family and friends.
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