Willie Garson’s friends on Sex and the City 'didn’t know' about his illness

Willie Garson's friends on the Sex and the City revival were unaware of his terminal cancer diagnosis, according to numerous cast members. 

Cynthia Nixon, who plays Miranda Hobbes in the highly anticipated And Just Like That..., has confirmed that the stars of the HBO series were totally in the dark about the beloved actor's illness during filming. 

Her comments come just a few days after Chris Noth, a.k.a Mr. Big, revealed that he "kicks himself" over missing the "chance" to properly speak to Willie the last time he saw him. He also said that most of the cast "didn't know" about his poor health, before adding, "It's heartbreaking. It's sad for everyone." 

Willie Garson died aged 57 on 21 September, after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. His final acting gig was the Sex and the City reboot, in which he resumed his role as Carrie Bradshaw's BFF, Stanford Blatch, alongside an exciting lineup of old and new SATC stars. 

The iconic character's return to the small screen in Sunday's premiere was made all the more poignant by Willie's recent death, which has reportedly shattered the Sex and the City family. Several of his costars, including Sarah Jessica Parker, paid tribute to the talented actor in the aftermath of his passing, with many sharing their fond memories of working with him over the years. 

Speaking to Deadline on Friday, Cynthia revealed that the New Jersey actor had kept his illness hidden from the entire cast—bar one person. Willie chose to confide in Sarah Jessica Parker, who also just so happens to be his real-life best friend, about the gravity of his condition. 

"The death of Willie Garson was obviously, completely unlooked for, unknown," Cynthia said. "Sarah Jessica was the only one that knew he was sick when we were filming until things became undeniable and then we were told."

"Thankfully we were able to shoot with him not just before he was sick but after so it could be something we could discuss and listen to him about," she added. 

Willie's son Nathen has also been vocal about the devastating loss, taking to Instagram to express his grief and honor his father's incredible legacy. 

The 20-year-old, who was adopted by the Sex and the City star at the age of seven, regularly shared photos of them spending quality time together on his social media. He also attended the season premiere of And Just Like That... in New York, joining Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, and Chris Noth for an emotional reunion on the red carpet.