Sex and the City actor Willie Garson no more

Willie Garson, known for his work in Sex and the City and White Collar, has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 57.

The news was confirmed by the actor's son, Nathen Garson, and longtime manager John Carrabino.

In an emotional message, Garson wrote, "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. I'm glad you shared your love with me. I'll never forget it or lose it."

Garson's breakout role came as the talent agent Standford Blatch in the hugely popular HBO series, Sex and the City. Apart from starring in the series, he also played the same role in the spinoff films, Sex and the City and Sex and the City 2. In fact, he was also set to appear in the upcoming reboot series, And Just Like That. 

His co-actors from the show shared emotional messages about the actor. Cynthia Nixon, who played Miranda Hobbes in the series, said Garson was "a source of light, friendship and show business lore". 

Mario Cantone, who played Garson's on-screen husband Anthony Marentino in the series, said, "I'm devastated and just overwhelmed with sadness. Taken away from all of us way too soon. You were a gift from the gods."

Michael Patrick King, the executive producer of Sex And The City and Just Like That..., reminisced on how Garson continued to work even while he was sick. "His spirit and his dedication to his craft was present every day. His multitude of gifts as an actor and person will be missed by everyone," King said in a statement.

In a statement, an HBO spokesperson, 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 twenty-five years. We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones."

Also known for his starring role as Mozzie in White Collar, Garson was remembered fondly by his co-actor Matt Bomer, creator Jeff Eastin, and NBC Universal too. 

In a heartfelt tribute on social media, Bomer wrote, "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. Save a place for me, because you know I want to be at your table up there," he added and shared a few pictures of the both of them. 

NBCUniversal, remembered the actor as a "fan favorite", and said, "Nowhere was that more true than on White Collar, where he took the character of Mozzie, an outcast conspiracy theorist, and made him lovable to the core. He will be missed."

Garson, who began his life as a theatre student at Wesleyan University and received a fine arts Masters from Yale Drama School, has played small parts in many hit series like The X-Files, Twin Peaks and Friends. His performance in NYPD Blue as Henry Coffield got him attention, and two years late, he went on to play the career-defining role in Sex and the City. 

Apart from series, he has also been part of interesting films like There's Something About Mary, Groundhog Day and Being John Malkovich.