Stars React to Willie Garson’s Death: Ben Stiller, Matt Bomer, Julie Bowen Pay Tribute to Late Actor

Credit: Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Stars React to Willie Garson’s Death: Ben Stiller, Matt Bomer, Julie Bowen Pay Tribute to Late Actor

Honoring their friend. The news of actor Willie Garson's death at age 57 has left Hollywood in mourning. Many actors took to social media to honor their late friend. Ben Stiller, who worked with Garson on 1998's There's Something About Mary and 1999's The Suburbans, posted a message for Garson's son, Nathen. "Sending love to @WillieGarson’s son Nathen," Stiller, 55, tweeted after Garson's death was announced on Tuesday, September 21. "Your dad was strong and respected in his community of fellow actors and his philanthropy was constant and committed. I’m grateful I knew him. He was also really really funny.❤️" Garson's 20-year-old son confirmed the actor's death in an Instagram post on Tuesday. A cause of death has not been confirmed. "I love you so much papa," Nathen wrote alongside a slideshow of photos of his dad. "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." While the New Jersey native’s role as Stanford Blatch on Sex and the City was his longest arc — starting with the 1999 pilot and continuing in the And Just Like That sequel series due out next year — the actor had plenty of other memorable characters. He spent six seasons on White Collar as Mozzie from 2009 to 2014, and the cast shared heartbroken messages after his passing. [jwplayer cA4nxuwQ-zhNYySv2] Matt Bomer, who played Mozzie's best friend Neal Caffrey, shared a carousel of personal photos with the actor along with a long tribute. "Willie. I don’t understand. And it’s not fair," the leading man, 43, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday. "This past year, you taught me so much about courage and resilience and love. 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." The American Horror Story alum continued, "I 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: some one who lifted me up, who made me better, and who always, always made me smile." White Collar creator Jeff Eastin suggested fans donate to adoption organizations, a cause close to Garson's heart. He adopted Nathen in 2009. "Willie was the funniest person I’ve ever known. He was also a great father through adoption," Eastin, 54, shared via Twitter. "If you’d like to do something nice, donate a few bucks to the adoption agency of your choice in his honor. #WillieGarson, you will live forever in our hearts." Scroll down to see more heartfelt tributes shared to Twitter and Instagram after Garson's death: [podcast_block]

Credit: Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Stars React to Willie Garson’s Death: Ben Stiller, Matt Bomer, Julie Bowen Pay Tribute to Late Actor

Honoring their friend. The news of actor Willie Garson's death at age 57 has left Hollywood in mourning. Many actors took to social media to honor their late friend. Ben Stiller, who worked with Garson on 1998's There's Something About Mary and 1999's The Suburbans, posted a message for Garson's son, Nathen. "Sending love to @WillieGarson’s son Nathen," Stiller, 55, tweeted after Garson's death was announced on Tuesday, September 21. "Your dad was strong and respected in his community of fellow actors and his philanthropy was constant and committed. I’m grateful I knew him. He was also really really funny.❤️" Garson's 20-year-old son confirmed the actor's death in an Instagram post on Tuesday. A cause of death has not been confirmed. "I love you so much papa," Nathen wrote alongside a slideshow of photos of his dad. "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." While the New Jersey native’s role as Stanford Blatch on Sex and the City was his longest arc — starting with the 1999 pilot and continuing in the And Just Like That sequel series due out next year — the actor had plenty of other memorable characters. He spent six seasons on White Collar as Mozzie from 2009 to 2014, and the cast shared heartbroken messages after his passing. [jwplayer cA4nxuwQ-zhNYySv2] Matt Bomer, who played Mozzie's best friend Neal Caffrey, shared a carousel of personal photos with the actor along with a long tribute. "Willie. I don’t understand. And it’s not fair," the leading man, 43, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday. "This past year, you taught me so much about courage and resilience and love. 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." The American Horror Story alum continued, "I 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: some one who lifted me up, who made me better, and who always, always made me smile." White Collar creator Jeff Eastin suggested fans donate to adoption organizations, a cause close to Garson's heart. He adopted Nathen in 2009. "Willie was the funniest person I’ve ever known. He was also a great father through adoption," Eastin, 54, shared via Twitter. "If you’d like to do something nice, donate a few bucks to the adoption agency of your choice in his honor. #WillieGarson, you will live forever in our hearts." Scroll down to see more heartfelt tributes shared to Twitter and Instagram after Garson's death: [podcast_block]

Credit: John Photography/Shutterstock

Hilarie Burton

The One Tree Hill star revealed she got a tattoo of Garson's handwriting with one of his iconic phrases, "calm down." She also revealed that she'll help get his memoir published posthumously. 

"Recently he asked if I’d help his family get it published for his son Nathen," she shared via Instagram. "It is a love letter to our industry, to storytelling and to the hundreds of people he worked with and made better over the decades. To Willie’s family, especially @nathen_garson, … on my honor I will see it through. You have been so generous in sharing him with the rest of us. Love you." 

Credit: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

Troian Bellisario

"I got to meet @willie.garson when he was kind enough to do a day of work on @feedthemovie … he was funny, he was supportive, he was considerate and above all, he was kind to everyone," the Pretty Little Liars alum shared via Instagram. "I was so scared and I couldn’t believe a talent like his was speaking some random words I had thought up in my head and written for him as dialogue. Consistently, for years later, he would text me or reach out in some little way to say hello, check in or stay connected. I am so grateful I got to meet him in this world. 57 years is too short. I’m so sorry to his family and friends for this immense loss. I hope wherever you are Willie, you are smiling. You deserve only happiness and love." 

Credit: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Jordan Fisher

"Rest easy, you gifted, lovely man," the Work It actor shared via Instagram Story.

Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Diedrich Bader

"In shock over the loss of WILLIE GARSON," the American Housewife star wrote. "A lovely guy & a great actor who’s been part of our small community of character actors here in Los Angeles as long as I can remember. Always warm & supportive & just, I was always happy to see Will &i can’t believe he’s gone. Prayers for his son."

Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock

Jeffrey Dean Morgan

"It’s been a day, still can’t process. We lost one of the best in @WillieGarson," the Walking Dead cast member shared. "I just know wherever he is, he’s drawn a crowd, and folks are laughing. A big hole for those of us here. We miss and love you. But we are so much better off having known you. Much love brother."

Credit: Frank Micelotta/FX/Picturegroup/Shutterstock

Billy Eichner

"RIP Willie Garson," the Billy on the Street host tweeted with a broken heart emoji. "Such a lovely, encouraging, supportive person."

Credit: MJ Photos/Shutterstock

Andy Cohen

The Watch What Happens Live host dedicated his "Mazel of the Day" segment to the late actor the night his death was announced. 

"Like the rest of the world, I adored Stanford's relationship with Carrie," Cohen said. "Willie Garson was a really nice guy. He was a great guy and he was a loving and devoted father. And he was a great advocate for adoption. He leaves behind a 20-year-old son Nathan. We will miss you Willie Garson. Rest in peace."

Credit: MediaPunch/Shutterstock

Thomas Lennon

"I am thankful for the time I got with @WillieGarson," the Reno 911! comic tweeted. "Also check in with your friends. Don’t be me tonight, texting Willie in hopes that it was all a mistake."

Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock

Ben Stiller

"I’m grateful I knew him. He was also really really funny.❤️," Stiller concluded.

Credit: Eric Charbonneau/Shutterstock

Julie Bowen

"This breaks my heart," the Modern Family alum shared via Instagram. "Willie Garson, a friend who loved me at my worst, (and always let me know it) is gone. Goodbye, Fatty. I love you always."

Credit: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

Matt Bomer

The Doom Patrol actor added that Garson's passing "also reminded me how strong our White Collar family is. We were all there for Willie, and for each other. I love you forever Willie Garson. You live on in our hearts and minds always: and your White Collar family is always here for Nathen. Save a place for me, because you know I want to be at your table up there."

Credit: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Tiffani Thiessen

"Willie, my dear sweet friend, I’m utterly heartbroken," the White Collar alum wrote via social media. "It’s still hard for me to believe you’re not here. You fought this battle with strength and grace. Heaven got an amazing man today and they are incredibly lucky. I love you so darn much my friend #RIP 💔"

Credit: Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Jason Alexander

“The wonderful Willie Garson has left us. A dear, funny, kind man and delightful actor. Too soon. Rest well. #ripwilliegarson,” the Seinfeld actor wrote.

Credit: Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Dulé Hill

"This is heartbreaking. Love you @WillieGarson. You will be sorely missed 💔💔💔 #RIP #WillieGarson," Hill tweeted.

Credit: MediaPunch/Shutterstock

Joely Fisher

"Rest easy sweet @WillieGarson … I am so glad I told you I adored you before you left #rip," Fisher shared.

Credit: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock

Bradley Whitford

The Handmaid's Tale actor had very fond memories of Garson. "No. No. No. Terrific actor. The sweetest man. A great dad. I had a long talk with him before he went back to shoot [And Just Like That]," Whitford wrote via Twitter. "He was so excited about what was to come. And so proud of what his son Nathen had become. No. No. No. Love to you Nathen and all who loved sweet Willie...."

Credit: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Mia Farrow

"Rest in peace @WillieGarson," Farrow wrote. "Thank you for your kind heart."

Her message was delivered along with a quote of Garson's last tweet: "BE KIND TO EACH OTHER......ALWAYS. LOVE TO ALL. APRROACH KINDNESS."