‘Sex and the City’ star Willie Garson dead at 57

Actor Willie Garson, best known for his long-running role as Stanford Blatch on “Sex and the City,” died Tuesday afternoon at the age of 57, multiple media outlets reported.

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Photos: Willie Garson through the years Willie Garson, who played Stanford Blatch on TV's "Sex and the City" and its movie sequels, has died, his son announced Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021. He was 57. Here are some memorable photos from his career. (Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP, File)

A family member confirmed the death to Variety, but a cause has not been released.

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According to People magazine, Garson died surrounded by family following a brief illness.

Garson’s Blatch was the best friend of Sarah Jessica Parker’s “Sex and the City” character, Carrie Bradshaw, in both the HBO series and spinoff movies. He is slated to appear in the pending reboot, “And Just Like That… ,” People reported.

Following the show’s 2004 wrap, Garson appeared in TV’s “John from Cincinnati,” “White Collar,” “Whole Way Down” and “Hawaii Five-O,” in addition to several movies.

In a statement issued to Variety, “Sex and the City” Executive Producer Michael Patrick King said that the franchise had “lost one of its own.”

“(Garson’s) spirit and his dedication to his craft was present everyday filming ‘And Just Like That.’ 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,” King stated.

Born William Garson Paszamant in Highland Park, New Jersey, Garson studied theater at Wesleyan University and earned his master of fine arts degree from Yale School of Drama. His early TV credits included stints on “Cheers,” “Family Ties,” “L.A. Law,” as well as later turns on “Boy Meets World,” “The X-Files,” “Friends,” “Twin Peaks,” “Melrose Place,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Ally McBeal,” Variety reported.

Meanwhile, his film credits also included “Kingpin,” “There’s Something About Mary,” “Groundhog Day” and “Being John Malkovich,” among others.

Garson’s son, Nathen Garson, shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute to his father on Tuesday, calling him “the toughest and funniest and smartest person I’ve known.”

“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 you’re love with me. I’ll never forget it or lose it ❤️😘” Nathen Garson added.