The Academy mourns the death of talented actor Willie Garson, best known for his roles such as the witty Stanford Blatch on “Sex and the City” and the always cunning Mozzie on “White Collar,” who recently passed away at the age of 57.
William Garson Paszamant was born in Highland Park, N.J. Mr. Garson studied stage theater at Wesleyan University and received a Master of Fine Arts from Yale School of Drama. After graduating, Garson began to book small roles on popular television shows of the time, including “Cheers” (1982), “Family Ties” (1982), and “L.A. Law” (1986). His other early television appearances included “Boy Meets World,” “The X-Files,” “Friends,” “Twin Peaks,” “Melrose Place,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Ally McBeal.” More recently, Garson has held roles on “Two and a Half Men,” “Hot in Cleveland,” “Stargate SG-1” and “Pushing Daisies.” He has earned 170 acting credits since the ’80s.
Mr. Garson also adopted a son, Nathen, in 2009. He was an active voice in the adoption community, serving twice as a spokesperson for National Adoption Day.
His son paid tribute on Instagram, posting: “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.”
Michael Patrick King, the executive producer of “Sex and the City” and “And Just Like That” said his condolences in a recent interview:
“The Sex and the City family has lost one of its own. Our amazing Willie Garson,” King said solemnly. “His spirit and his dedication to his craft were present every day of filming. 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.”
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