Many co-stars and fans used this last post to pay their respects to the artist.
Willie Garson, who won over the hearts of many with his memorable performance in HBO's series Sex and the City, tragically passed away on Tuesday afternoon after battling a short illness. According to PEOPLE, the 57-year-old had been suffering from pancreatic cancer and was surrounded by his loved ones when he drew his last breath. "The Sex and the City family has lost one of its own. Our amazing Willie Garson," shared the executive producer of Sex and the City and And Just Like That Michael Patrick King in a statement. "His spirit and his dedication to his craft was present every day 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."
An HBO spokesperson confirmed the late actor passing via a statement, which as per CNN read: "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 25 years. We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones." While most might remember the actor for his incredible performance in shows like White Collar, NYPD Blue, and Hawaii Five-0, not many are aware that he was an even better father to his son Nathen. The boy was just 7 when Garson first met him while attending a Los Angeles adoption fair in October 2008. "He was balancing himself on a curb, and I was like, 'That's my kid.' I knew it right then," he told PEOPLE.
While "most people want infants, but I fell in love with Nathen," he continued. Garson, who was a vocal advocate for adoption, spent the following year welcoming the boy into his home and filing paperwork, as well as going through screenings until he finally adopted Nathen in 2010 officially. Understandably, the 20-year-old is left devastated by the loss of his father now. Taking to Instagram, Nathen shared an emotional tribute for his beloved Papa. "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 ❤️😘," it read.
As news of his death broke out, fellow actors began posting tributes and remembering him for the brilliant person that he was. Former co-star Matt Bomer began by explaining that Garson "taught me so much about courage and resilience and love." He continued, "The last thing you did when we said goodbye was pull down your mask (I hate covid), smile, and wink at me. know that it wasn't reflective of the pain you were going through, but it was indicative of everything you were and are to me: someone who lifted me up, who made me better, and who always, always made me smile." In no time, fans started sharing the actor's final tweet which beautifully summed up the philosophy Garson lived by.
I love you forever Willie Garson. Rest in peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/MxsBwq5NEa
— Matt Bomer (@MattBomer) September 22, 2021
"BE KIND TO EACH OTHER......ALWAYS. LOVE TO ALL. APRROACH [sic] KINDNESS," read the poignant tweet, which was has been reshared and liked by thousands. Many used this post to pay their respects to the artist, with one noting, "His final tweet was about kindness [broken heart emoji]." According to The Independent, another user suggested, "We should set a date for a "Be Kind For a Day" type event. If everyone did this just once, we would see a lot of differences disappear. Can we make this a thing?" We hope Garson's kind soul is in a better place and that he rests in peace.
References:
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/21/entertainment/willie-garson-dead/index.html
https://people.com/parents/willie-garson-tough-and-powerful-journey-to-becoming-the-best-dad-ever/
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/willie-garson-death-be-kind-b1924615.html
