Person of the Week: White Collar’s Willie Garson

Willie Garson
USA Network

With the Season Three of USA’s White Collar beginning tomorrow, June 7, 2011, the perfect opportunity has arisen to revisit this talented ensemble of actors. Though Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay may take center stage as “Neal Caffrey” and “Peter Burke” respectively, they’d be quite lost without their quirky sidekick, “Mozzie,” played by Willie Garson.


USA Network uses the tagline, “Characters welcome.” Garson’s “Moz” is just the kind of character that can elevate a show to something much more than its original concept. Sure, Bomer’s got the looks and the playful charm, and DeKay offers the down-to-earth masculinity and authority needed in a crime drama, but without a character like “Mozzie,” it would really just be a program about two handsome guys running around with guns and stolen artwork.

Garson has been acting since 1986, mostly as a character actor in minor parts in films and television. He became quite a popular name during his longtime stint on Sex and the City, playing Stanford Blatch. With training from both Wesleyan and Yale, Garson brings a believability to roles which in the hands of a lesser actor would come off as cartoonish. “Mozzie,” for example, is a con-man with a photographic memory and a total paranoia regarding the government. Such an extreme character could easily become a buffoon, but Garson balances the role with a boyish naiveté and a fierce loyalty. Since Mozzie is Neal’s closest friend and confidant, he’s constantly in the middle of the action. Garson allows Bomer and DeKay to take center stage, all the while supporting their performances, and letting the audience love “Mozzie” in his own right.

Garson, Bomer, Dekay and Tiffani Thiessen
USA Network

Aside from acting, Mr. Garson is also a proud father to his son, Nathen, whom he adopted in 2009. After over a year of paperwork, screenings and interviews, Garson was allowed to adopt Nathen and the two share a wonderful home and family life.

For his understated brilliance as a performer and for appearing to be a very nice fellow, Willie Garson is our “Person of the Week.” For your viewing pleasure, here are some out-takes from White Collar. Warning: Adult Language. And, don’t forget to tune in to USA tomorrow at 9:00 PM Eastern, 8:00 Central for Season Three of White Collar!