‘Sex and the City’ star Willie Garson dies

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Willie Garson, who played Sarah Jessica Parker’s character’s best guy friend on “Sex and the City” has died at 57.

Garson played Stanford Blatch, a character who would eventually marry his on screen “rival” wedding planner Anthony Marentino, played by Mario Cantone (who happened to be the best guy friend of Kristin Davis’ Samatha) in the “Sex and the City 2” movie.

Garson died Sept. 21, 2021.

Garson reportedly was suffering from pancreatic cancer and died surrounded by family.

He had filmed scenes in the upcoming “Sex and the City” spinoff “And Just Like That,” which is set for a fall 2021 debut on HBO Max.

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A post shared by Mario Cantone (@macantone)

Garson is survived by a college-aged adopted son, Nathen, who he adopted in 2009, who confirmed his death. Despite carrying a gay character on “Sex and the City,” Garson said in a 2016 interview that he identifies as straight — and carefully considered how he would portray Blatch.

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A post shared by Nathen Garson (@nathen_garson)

There’s no immediate word on if the show will debut as planned, but HBO paid tribute to Garson on Twitter when the news broke.

Willie Garson was in life, as on screen, a light for everyone in his universe. He created one of HBO's most beloved characters and was a member of our family for nearly 25 years. We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and extend condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/EPU4skdLL3

— HBO (@HBO) September 22, 2021

“Sex and the City” originally aired 94 episodes over six seasons on premium cable channel HBO and was known for its groundbreaking storylines. It was followed by two feature films as well as a prequel “The Carrie Diaries,” named for Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw.