'We wanted willie to be alive as Stanford somewhere in the world': A heartfelt tribute to Willie Garson in And Just Like That

The glittering streets of New York are once again bustling with the iconic characters of "Sex and the City" in its sequel series, "And Just Like That." And as we approach the climax of season two, the penultimate episode has delivered an emotional surprise.

A Posthumous Appearance

Late actor Willie Garson, who portrayed the lovable Stanford Blatch, made a poignant posthumous appearance in episode 10 of HBO's "And Just Like That," as reported by Pinkvilla. Though Garson lost his battle to pancreatic cancer in September 2021, his character continued to live on, shining as brightly as Carrie's Manolo Blahniks.

In the latest episode titled "The Last Supper Part One: Appetizer," Stanford is featured through a Photoshopped image, displaying a happy and smiling Garson in Japan. "Good Photoshop!" quips Mario Cantone's character Anthony Marentino as Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie Bradshaw hands over the image. The snapshot was more than just a picture; it was a moment frozen in time, a loving tribute to a cherished character and actor.

Stanford's New Life in Japan

Previously revealed to have traveled to Tokyo with a TikTok star client, Stanford's story took an unexpected turn. Fired by his client after an argument, Stanford made the decision to stay in Japan and become a Shinto monk. In a heartfelt letter to Carrie, Stanford expressed feeling real peace at the Japanese temple, adding a touch of serenity to his journey.

Showrunner Michael King explained the intention behind Stanford's storyline, "We didn't want Stanford to die. We wanted Willie to be alive as Stanford somewhere in the world." King wished to pay tribute to Garson and place Stanford in a place that was golden and filled with light, reflecting his hope for the late actor's own peaceful resting place. He described the moment as poetic and very emotional.

The episode artfully balanced humor, nostalgia, and a graceful tribute to Willie Garson, a beloved figure in the "Sex and the City" universe. With the final episode of season two releasing on August 24, 2023, fans can only speculate what further surprises await.

"And Just Like That," Willie Garson's Stanford Blatch continues to shine, golden and filled with light, a lasting tribute to a character who was so much more than just the "Fifth Lady" of the series. His presence is a poignant reminder that some friendships, like that of Stanford and Carrie, endure beyond life itself.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)