Super Mario (Mario Cantone Is Here!)...

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Are You A Charlotte?" – Episode: Super Mario (Mario Cantone Is Here!)

Release Date: April 11, 2025

In this engaging episode of "Are You A Charlotte?" hosted by Kristen Davis, actor Mario Cantone joins to share his memorable experiences and behind-the-scenes insights from his time on the iconic series "Sex and the City." The conversation delves deep into Mario's journey, the evolution of his character, the impact of the show on society, and personal anecdotes that highlight the camaraderie among the cast.

---

Welcome and Introduction

Kristen Davis opens the podcast with enthusiasm, introducing Mario Cantone as a special guest. The excitement is palpable as Kristen shares her anticipation for Mario's participation.

• [00:31] Kristen Davis: "Hi, I'm Kristen Davis, and I want to know, are you a Charlotte? You guys, Mario Cantone is here."

Mario Cantone reciprocates the excitement, expressing his eagerness to be part of the podcast.

• [00:43] Mario Cantone: "Oh, my. I've been waiting."

---

Casting and Early Days on "Sex and the City"

The discussion shifts to Mario's casting in "Sex and the City" and his initial experiences on the show.

• [02:06] Mario Cantone: "I started in the 80s doing stand-up with Michael Patrick King at the Improv. Fast forward to the late '90s or early 2000s, when I was doing an off-Broadway show called 'The Crumple Song,' and Michael wrote me something for the show."

Mario recounts how juggling his off-Broadway commitments with the opportunity to join "Sex and the City" was both challenging and exhilarating.

• [02:55] Kristen Davis: "What year is it and how did you get the part? You knew Michael."

---

Behind the Scenes: Memorable Moments and Challenges

Mario shares behind-the-scenes stories, including a particularly memorable day at Vera Wang regarding the wedding dress scene.

• [05:00] Mario Cantone: "There was another scene where I was fitting you, and the dress got ripped. We just looked at each other. That scene got cut, which was probably for the best because it might not have gone well."

Kristen reflects on the hectic schedule and the pressure from HBO executives to stay within budget, adding context to the challenging environment.

• [06:11] Kristen Davis: "We got out at 4 in the morning that night."

Mario also discusses his initial anxieties about performing and his constant worry about meeting expectations.

• [10:47] Mario Cantone: "Every episode I did, I left the set thinking I didn't hit it. I didn't get it."

---

Character Development and Personal Growth

The conversation explores how the characters, especially Charlotte, evolved over the series and the personal growth Kristen experienced in portraying her.

• [08:44] Kristen Davis: "We have the most amazing cast... you have been a huge, huge, huge part of that success."

Mario acknowledges the chemistry among the cast and his own learning curve in developing his character.

• [09:44] Kristen Davis: "I think the success we've had... is because we have the most amazing cast."

---

Navigating Sensitive Topics and Personal Loss

A poignant moment arises as Mario discusses the sudden departure of his character's on-screen husband, Willie Garson, due to his real-life passing from cancer. Both Kristen and Mario reflect on the emotional impact this had on the cast and crew.

• [23:28] Mario Cantone: "He told me, and I thought he was laughing because I thought it's a joke. And then he wasn't. We both were crying, and he said he has to leave the show."

Kristen adds her perspective on the shock and the need to adapt the storyline swiftly.

• [24:07] Kristen Davis: "It is really shocking, though. It's shocking, isn't it? Still shocking."

They discuss the broader issue of cancer, sharing personal sentiments and frustrations over the lack of a cure.

• [25:37] Kristen Davis: "Cancer's horrible. It sucks."

---

Reflections on Legacy and Impact

Kristen and Mario reflect on the enduring legacy of "Sex and the City," acknowledging its role in shaping conversations around women's relationships, sexuality, and friendships.

• [17:54] Kristen Davis: "Television is a reflection of society... some things were a stretch."

Mario emphasizes the show's influence on New York City's development, particularly the Meatpacking District.

• [17:57] Mario Cantone: "I live down the street from the Meatpacking District. This show accelerated the development of that area."

---

Personal Anecdotes and Light-Hearted Moments

The duo shares lighter moments, including stories about their on-set friendships and humorous mishaps, such as Mario's experience with a wedding dress and interactions with co-stars.

• [30:53] Kristen Davis: "My real sister was... she died of cancer, but she got to walk me down the aisle."

• [31:24] Kristen Davis: "We were all out in our trailers, and you guys were in there for days."

---

Character Traits and Personal Identification

Towards the episode's end, Kristen poses the titular question, "Are you a Charlotte?" prompting Mario to reflect on his character traits and how they align with his own personality.

• [32:34] Mario Cantone: "I think a lot of me is in Charlotte and I never thought that."

They discuss the nuances of embodying a character that resonates with both actors' personal experiences and growth.

---

Closing Thoughts

Kristen wraps up the conversation by highlighting the importance of the show's success and the collective effort of the cast, writers, and fans in making "Sex and the City" a lasting phenomenon.

• [34:03] Kristen Davis: "And that includes every element of the cast and the incredible writers and the incredible fans. So you have been a huge, huge, huge part of that success."

Mario expresses his gratitude and reflects on the personal and professional growth that came from being part of such a groundbreaking series.

• [34:20] Mario Cantone: "Thank you so much, Chris."

---

Conclusion

This episode of "Are You A Charlotte?" offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of Mario Cantone's journey on "Sex and the City." Through candid conversations and nostalgic recollections, listeners gain a deeper appreciation of the show's behind-the-scenes dynamics, the personal stories of its cast members, and its enduring impact on popular culture.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Mario Cantone [00:43]: "Oh, my. I've been waiting."
• Kristen Davis [05:00]: "Right. So you learned. You learned as you went."
• Mario Cantone [09:44]: "You have been a huge, huge, huge part of that success."
• Mario Cantone [24:07]: "It is really shocking, though. It's shocking, isn't it? Still shocking."
• Kristen Davis [34:03]: "Thank you so much, Chris."

---

Note: Timestamps are based on the provided transcript sections and may not correspond to exact moments in the original podcast.

Transcript

[Hyundai Voiceover]

Catchy tune, right? But don't let the urge to sing along distract you from the truck drifting towards your lane or that lane splitting biker creeping up the sidewalk. Fortunately, every Hyundai offers advanced safety features that can alert you to potential dangers around you. And Hyundai has over 120 IIHS top safety awards since 2006. Because Hyundai is always working to ensure the road doesn't getcha getcha, getcha getcha one way. Hyundai vehicles have won over 120 IIHS top safety awards from 2006 to 2024.

[Kristen Davis]

Hi, I'm Kristen Davis, and I want to know, are you a Charlotte? You guys, Mario Cantone is here.

[Mario Cantone]

Oh, my. I've been waiting.

[Kristen Davis]

It's so exciting. I know. That's what he said when I texted him. Hey, do you want to be on the podcast?

[Mario Cantone]

Oh, I hope so. I've been waiting for you to ask me.

[Kristen Davis]

But my feeling was in my mind when I agreed to do the podcast to rewatch, which I hadn't rewatched, you know, since it originally came on. I thought, I'm going to go chronologically and in order, but it's too hard to wait. Okay.

[Mario Cantone]

It is too hard to wait. And so funny. I. I caught myself because I. I saw that we were going to recap this episode, and I was like, why aren't we doing an episode? I'm in that we. And she was. And I went, oh, wait a minute. Okay, you're doing one at a time. You're doing a chronological correct. I said, so great. And, well, you're just like you just.

[Kristen Davis]

Such a joy that I have to have you now.

[Mario Cantone]

I needed to be here now.

[Kristen Davis]

I know he was. He was not messing around. He was like, well, I was waiting.

[Mario Cantone]

I've been waiting.

[Kristen Davis]

I know we came the way to lovely San Francisco.

[Mario Cantone]

I know to talk to you. And we're in beautiful Marin County.

[Kristen Davis]

It's very beautiful.

[Mario Cantone]

Is beautiful.

[Kristen Davis]

I mean, wow.

[Mario Cantone]

There's. There's a lovely little town that I stay at once in a while called Bolinus, which is like, hidden.

[Kristen Davis]

Okay?

[Mario Cantone]

The. The locals ripped the signs down, so you don't know how to get there.

[Kristen Davis]

Unless you know how to get a secret. You guys.

[Mario Cantone]

Beautiful.

[Kristen Davis]

So here is Mario the fantastic Mario Canton. Now, what I want to do with you, let's go back to the beginning.

[Mario Cantone]

Okay.

[Kristen Davis]

I want to ask you, okay. What year did you get cast and how did it come about on Sex and the City?

[Mario Cantone]

Okay. So I started I. In the 80s. I was doing stand up with Michael Patrick King at the Improv. No way. At the 44th Street 9th Avenue. The original improv that Bud Friedman and Silver Friedman owned. And then they divorced and Bud got the one in LA and Silver got the one in New York. She passed me. I met Michael. He was in a comedy team at the time.

[Kristen Davis]

Wow.

[Mario Cantone]

King and Mende. And then he ended up stand up on his own. Right. I remember one time, Joan Rivers husband had just passed away. And so he said. Michael said to me, okay, your Joan Rivers, who also knew that I did her and loved me.

[Kristen Davis]

Okay.

[Mario Cantone]

She goes, I have to preface it. So she goes, you're Joan Rivers, you're on a cruise. Edgar just died, you're grieving, you're getting over it. Go. I would have to like improv like, Melissa, how are you? Come on, sit down. Let's have some breakfast.

[Kristen Davis]

We're done.

[Mario Cantone]

We're doing better today. Waitress, could I get some eggs? Eggs, egg, egg. We would. And it went on and on. And then I ended up doing that on stage a week later. And it was too soon. But it was very. But it was fun. Michael.

[Kristen Davis]

Since the 80s.

[Mario Cantone]

Since the 80s. So I was doing it off Broadway show at the time. It was. It was the end of 1999, I think, or 2000.

[Kristen Davis]

Okay.

[Mario Cantone]

I think it was early 2000. And I. He said, I wrote you something.

[Kristen Davis]

So he wrote it for you.

[Mario Cantone]

Oh, yeah, he wrote.

[Kristen Davis]

That's amazing.

[Mario Cantone]

But I was doing an off Broadway show at the time and. But I went in to read just to make it official. And, you know, so I. I was doing the show called the Crumple Song, which did very well, ran for six months off Broadway. And I. I remember it. We are night. Our. The day we filmed it was a tech day. And oh, no, the director, who I.

[Kristen Davis]

Love, was not pleased.

[Mario Cantone]

No, he didn't want to let me out. I'm like, it's a tech day. People stand there and you light it, right? And I went like this. I'm going to do this episode. Because it was an issue of maybe. Oh, no. I was like, I'm going to do my. This episode.

[Kristen Davis]

So sweet.

[Mario Cantone]

And I went, oh, no, it wasn't sweet.

[Kristen Davis]

It was desperation episode. Like, what was.

[Mario Cantone]

It was one. It was one episode that was my.

[Kristen Davis]

Wedding planner as your wedding plays. Anthony, my wedding player.

[Mario Cantone]

And do you remember we had two scenes. We had a second scene.

[Kristen Davis]

No, I don't remember what.

[Mario Cantone]

Okay, see, I love. I love see you do every episode. I don't. I was recurring. I did. People go, how many episodes did I do? I did 12. Only 12. I did one season three. Yeah, ours. Two season four, three season five. And six. Season six. And then both movies.

[Kristen Davis]

And luckily, now I'm a regular.

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah, the movies really kind of solidified it, which was nice, you know? Yes.

[Kristen Davis]

Got it.

[Mario Cantone]

So there were two scenes in that first episode we did.

[Kristen Davis]

Okay.

[Mario Cantone]

There was the one hates it. The very famous hates it.

[Kristen Davis]

With the wedding dress.

[Mario Cantone]

With the wedding dress. She hates it. Yeah. Vera Wang.

[Kristen Davis]

Don't use the F word in Vera Wang.

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah.

[Kristen Davis]

Okay.

[Mario Cantone]

All that stuff. Okay. You're dragging and I'm yelling at the girl.

[Kristen Davis]

Right.

[Mario Cantone]

And then there was another scene in the back of the Vera Wang in this kind of little area.

[Kristen Davis]

Like the dressing room.

[Mario Cantone]

Yep. And I was fitting you, and you were getting very anxious as Charlotte and I had his scissors and it ripped the dress and you were furious. And we just kind of looked at each other. That scene got cut. Cause it was at three in the morning, four in the morning. There wasn't enough coverage, and they cut it. Luckily they cut it because it was almost like an argument between us. I ripped your dress.

[Kristen Davis]

Oh. So it might not have gone well.

[Mario Cantone]

So if I.

[Kristen Davis]

Well, they probably wanted to keep you. They probably knew already.

[Mario Cantone]

I don't know.

[Kristen Davis]

No.

[Mario Cantone]

Well, I remember running into Michael and he said, do you know how much great feedback we got on you? I said, I. I don't know. I said, and I don't care. I just want to know, am I coming back? And he said, yes.

[Kristen Davis]

So that' that's adorable. I vaguely remember. They'll tell you what I remember most about the Vera Wang. So we're in Vera Wang, which I think was a big deal.

[Mario Cantone]

Yes.

[Kristen Davis]

And we're, you know, I had already tried on like, 35 actual Vera Wang dresses to see what Sharla would wear. It was a whole drama. And we're there and it's going very late, as was our just general mo. And I'm so sorry if I'm repeating myself, you know, all the time.

[Mario Cantone]

It was very late.

[Kristen Davis]

Very late.

[Mario Cantone]

We got out at 4 in the morning that night.

[Kristen Davis]

Exactly. And so the executive from hbo, Michael Hill, came. Do you remember? And I remember. The reason I remember is that it's not very big in Vera Wang. It's like a very boutique. So he's sitting over, over, across the room, like, just glaring at everyone. Because he wants us to hurry up because we're over budget. Right. And he's just glaring at everyone. Which doesn't help any.

[Mario Cantone]

No, it doesn't.

[Kristen Davis]

You know what I'm saying? And so I'm sure that that Also influenced the scene that we. The other scene that got cut, which is actually a good thing that it got cut, as you're saying. But I don't remember that other scene because I really. I mean, when I'm rewatching, I don't remember any. Anything. I'm. I'm. It's like, you know what, the first.

[Mario Cantone]

Time, I just started watching a bunch of them because they're just playing them on HBO a lot now, right. And I'm seeing the uncut version of it. Usually. Usually I'm used to seeing them quickly on. I also don't like seeing myself that long ago because.

[Kristen Davis]

Oh, come on.

[Mario Cantone]

I just go, boy, was I pretty.

[Kristen Davis]

So adorable. Yeah, baby, you're still.

[Mario Cantone]

I was pretty.

[Kristen Davis]

What happened?

[Mario Cantone]

But, you know, I. I remember. It's so funny because I didn't remember Michael Hill. I don't. I don't remember him coming. If I had known, I probably would have been like, oh, God, I. Good thing I didn't know.

[Kristen Davis]

I tried to protect you from such things.

[Mario Cantone]

You did. And the other thing was, like, when you do. When you were. When we were rehearsing it, and I remember Betty Ann and all the crew, they were laughing hysterically, right? And then, of course, they can't laugh while you're filming. So when my comedian's sick mind, you think, well, I'm not funny anymore. I've lost it. You know, there's that issue.

[Kristen Davis]

Oh, no.

[Mario Cantone]

But I just, I. I remember that night like it was yesterday. And also that night, my husband's was opening in an off Broadway show at Playwrights Horizon that night.

[Kristen Davis]

Oh, my God.

[Mario Cantone]

And I couldn't go. But he was so. Look, this changed my life. I'm glad it changed my life. It's a. And, and the fact that it's come back and it's this successful and it's come back. No, no reboot runs.

[Kristen Davis]

We don't call it a reboot.

[Mario Cantone]

I know. You know what I'm saying? No reissue. No whatever. It doesn't. It doesn't happen like this.

[Kristen Davis]

Well, I think it also just doesn't happen that you get to revisit the characters for 30 years or whatever, 28, whatever it is. So that's alone shocking. And then the other thing that I mention a lot, but is really, I think, important to remember is that there's not. I can't think of any other female driven, you know, franchise, which is what we are at this point, that is as successful and ongoing. So we're just incredibly lucky.

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah. From the series to the Movies to this.

[Kristen Davis]

Exactly.

[Mario Cantone]

And also, you know, with. Within. Just like that, there's been big changes made in characters all the way around. And.

[Kristen Davis]

And except for Charlotte.

[Mario Cantone]

Well, you know what's interesting? Yeah, Except. But watching in a good way. Watching that early episode. It was. It was interesting.

[Kristen Davis]

Well, first season. What?

[Mario Cantone]

But no.

[Kristen Davis]

Oh, you're crazy different. You're so sweet. I mean, thank you. But you know what? Unformed.

[Mario Cantone]

Well, you know, when Charlotte did get formed. Yeah, it's interesting what happens, especially. Let me talk about the sequel here. And just like that, what I think has happened to you is that your confidence level, and I think this happened when you formed the character, too, but it has kind of heightened. Your confidence level is stronger and your anxiety level is higher, which makes for magnificent comedy that you Listen. That you.

[Kristen Davis]

But I gotta tell you something, Mario. There is no way that my anxiety level is higher than it was first season. That's all I can think of when I watch is how anxious I'm talking about the character, though. I know. I know.

[Mario Cantone]

Not you.

[Kristen Davis]

I can't suffer anything. You know what I'm saying?

[Mario Cantone]

I know. But of course you're anxious. It's a new thing.

[Kristen Davis]

And I don't know what the heck. Like this.

[Mario Cantone]

You didn't know where this was going.

[Kristen Davis]

But also, I wasn't even worried about where it was going. I was more just trying to pull off Charlotte, and Charlotte was so underdeveloped. Like, Michael told me when he came on the podcast that he was like, I don't know how to write for that one. And I was like, I'd love to hear that, because definitely I could tell that I was not fully fleshed out. And then Jenny Bakes came on, which was so great because Jenny grew up on the Upper east side, so she was actually an authority who could write me, knowing what that was. You know, what that was about? Do you know what I'm saying? Thank God. So it came together. But what I want to say about you, and then we're going to talk about you, because we're here to talk about you, my friend. So what I want to say is that the success that we've had for all these many years in all these different forms is because we have the most amazing cast, and that includes every element of the cast and the incredible writers and the incredible fans. So you have been a huge, huge, huge part of that success.

[Mario Cantone]

Thank you. Our chemistry is so good, and I love working with you. And on the note of anxiety, every episode I did of Sex and the City, I left that set, thinking I didn't hit it. I didn't get.

[Kristen Davis]

I know. I would call him.

[Mario Cantone]

He'd be like, you think I'd let you. You know, Michael, I'd let you go if. I know I didn't get it.

[Kristen Davis]

I know. You were always so worried. Oh, always Sweet.

[Mario Cantone]

And then I would watch it and be like, all right.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah.

[Mario Cantone]

All right.

[Kristen Davis]

So you learned. You learned as you went. That's great. Because I was all. I always knew that you had five times what you thought you had. You know what I'm trying to say? Like. And you just needed to take a breath.

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah.

[Kristen Davis]

You know, just take a breath. And now look at you now.

[Mario Cantone]

And look at me now.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah. Unless there's a lot of bread involved, I'm in.

[Mario Cantone]

No kidding. Oh, well, here's. This is a lovely story.

[Kristen Davis]

Props. I'm talking about props, you guys, just in case you're not sure. Well, he has a bread business.

[Mario Cantone]

I have a bread business. Well, you know what's so funny? Tell me secretly.

[Kristen Davis]

Yes.

[Mario Cantone]

And everyone knows this. Cause I've said it in interviews. When that first scene that we did together where I'm picking out your wedding dress and I am saying, oh, the placket. The lace applique. I had no idea what I was saying. I didn't get that gay gene. I couldn't pick up your dress or your shoes. I'm not that kind of a. Yeah. Homosexual. I don't know. I don't. I don't care. And not that I don't care. I know it looks good, but I just.

[Kristen Davis]

I don't think Michael Patrick King cares either.

[Mario Cantone]

No, no. It's about. It's about, you know, so I didn't like being a wedding planner, even though that wasn't. No, but I was.

[Kristen Davis]

No, you pulled it off. You didn't complain.

[Mario Cantone]

No, no, no. No complain. Just say the lines and hit your mark and shut up.

[Kristen Davis]

But we never said that.

[Mario Cantone]

No, but I said that to my head. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And not that I hated it. It's just like, this wouldn't be my choice to play.

[Kristen Davis]

Got it.

[Mario Cantone]

But when the. This came on and just like that came along, because I've known Michael for years, so I just thought he said. I know. I knew I wanted to do something culinary with you.

[Kristen Davis]

Oh.

[Mario Cantone]

And I. I bake. I sell a banana bread to a coffee shop in my neighborhood. No. Yeah. I bake. I bake. I cook. I'm a big baker.

[Kristen Davis]

I didn't know you cook, but I didn't know you baked.

[Mario Cantone]

Oh, I Bake.

[Kristen Davis]

I love it.

[Mario Cantone]

I bake a lot of stuff.

[Kristen Davis]

Wow. We've got to get your banana bread at Hot fellas.

[Mario Cantone]

Oh, I know. Well, you know what the other interesting thing is my. One of my favorite bakeries is Sullivan Street Bakery, which is right across the street from me. All the bread that we use in the bakery is from there. And I know Jim Wahy really well. It's a great place.

[Hyundai Voiceover]

Catchy tune, right? But don't let the urge to sing along distract you from the truck drifting towards your lane or that lane splitting biker creeping up the sidewalk. Fortunately, every Hyundai offers advanced safety features that can alert you to potential dangers around you. And Hyundai has over 120 IIHS top safety awards since 2006 because Hyundai is always working to ensure the road doesn't. Hyundai vehicles have won over 120 IIHS Top Safety Awards from 2006 to 2024.

[Kristen Davis]

What year is it and how did you get the part? You knew Michael.

[Mario Cantone]

Oh, that's right. We go in, I just read it and he. And he cast me.

[Kristen Davis]

Got it.

[Mario Cantone]

That was it.

[Kristen Davis]

And you thought it was one.

[Mario Cantone]

I thought it was one.

[Kristen Davis]

So then you run into him and you're like, I don't care about the feedback. Are you going to put me back in?

[Mario Cantone]

He said yes.

[Kristen Davis]

And did he say yes?

[Mario Cantone]

He said, you're definitely coming back.

[Kristen Davis]

Oh, great.

[Mario Cantone]

So I was on the second episode in season four, Right. And then I did one other episode in season four, Right? Yeah. And then I did like three in season five and six and season six.

[Kristen Davis]

And were you just like calmly hoping or were you calling him, Calling your agents? What were you doing?

[Mario Cantone]

No, I didn't. I just prayed and I was coming back because I didn't. I honestly. Look, I can't call them and make them like, where's my. Why are.

[Kristen Davis]

I don't do that. No, look.

[Mario Cantone]

And there are people that are the opposite with recurring people. There are people that, that are on. That have recurring roles sometimes in not just our series. I'm talking about anywhere.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah.

[Mario Cantone]

Where they have to work around them and they're not available.

[Kristen Davis]

Right.

[Mario Cantone]

I was always on call because I always afraid I would get fired if I couldn't make. It's stressful, you know. And then you hear other stories. Well, they had to write them out of this episode. Well, they had a right. They. He, you know, this one couldn't do that. And this.

[Kristen Davis]

Right.

[Mario Cantone]

I couldn't be that way.

[Kristen Davis]

But I think that's great. I also would never have been that way if I had Been in that situation.

[Mario Cantone]

I know you would.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah, I'm always available.

[Mario Cantone]

I knew you wanted to stand it.

[Kristen Davis]

100, but also, I think, you know, I also feel like. And tell me, tell me if you feel this way. You know, you might be different with different projects, right? But, like, if you feel that this is for you, like if it clicks, if you are thrilled with it and you like the working environment, you like the part and the, the finished product or whatever, you know, that's your priority. And I think that people know that. And look, our business is crazy and sometimes you can't control it. Right?

[Mario Cantone]

You cannot.

[Kristen Davis]

But you can tell what the priorities are. And I know Michael Patrick really cares that you also care.

[Mario Cantone]

Oh, yeah, I do.

[Kristen Davis]

All of us care. I do.

[Mario Cantone]

You know, I mean, I never even asked for, like, oh, I can't make it that day. Could you possibly. I mean, there's a few times I was like, I want to go to LA and just do this game show for a day. Can. Can you find a day for me? You know, that's how I am. I don't think that's. I don't push. I don't push it, you know, but this. Look, this. I also knew when I did my first episode that this was a. By the third season, it was a big show.

[Kristen Davis]

Got it. So you didn't come before the third season because in my mind, you were there earlier, but no, because you were my wedding planner. I didn't get married till the third season.

[Mario Cantone]

That's right.

[Kristen Davis]

That makes sense.

[Mario Cantone]

That is true.

[Kristen Davis]

And third season is when we really hit. I would say.

[Mario Cantone]

I would say so, too. Yeah. And. And, and then it just kept going. And also back then, to have. I didn't. I didn't know I was going to come back. Especially you already, may he rest in peace, the great Willie Garson. You had already had one gay male character on the show, and back then, one was enough for the public. You know what I mean?

[Kristen Davis]

I do know what you mean. It was a different time.

[Mario Cantone]

It was a different time.

[Kristen Davis]

It's a different time.

[Mario Cantone]

So the fact that I got to become a recurring character on it and you know, and then eventually have my relationship with Stanford, with Willie, so, you know, it was.

[Kristen Davis]

So you didn't have super high expectations based on the fact that we already had one gay character and this was the 90s and. Or early 2000s, and that was a lot. But luckily we were on HBO and they pretty much let us do what we wanted to do, but we still were. And it's part of the reason that I wanted to do the podcast, because if you think about how things were in the society in 97, some things were really different. And television as a reflection of the society. And then some things weren't really different. Right. Like there are things now that are really different that we would not have seen coming. And then there are some things where it's still very relevant. The things that were in the show, you know, like the themes, the kind of ideas, but also I think the reality of New York City, we were trying our best to reflect that then. And some of that was a stretch. Like having more than one gay character is a stretch, which is crazy to think about.

[Mario Cantone]

Speaking of New York City.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah.

[Mario Cantone]

The. The influence. The influence. Influence.

[Kristen Davis]

I know what you mean.

[Mario Cantone]

The influence that this show had on fashion. And also, look, I live down the street from the Meatpacking district. This show accelerated. It accelerated.

[Kristen Davis]

Was it our fault?

[Mario Cantone]

It accelerated the development of that area. I can't walk.

[Kristen Davis]

I can't walk in there.

[Mario Cantone]

Drunk women chase.

[Kristen Davis]

I know, babe, I know.

[Mario Cantone]

And you see those four girls in the ship. I'm sorry.

[Kristen Davis]

For a second.

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah.

[Kristen Davis]

You know what's so funny is that still. Cause I live in LA when we're not working as you know. And part of the reason I live in LA is because it's very chill compared to us in New York. And people are like, no, New Yorkers don't care. I'm like, well, yeah, they do.

[Mario Cantone]

They do.

[Kristen Davis]

And it's nice, you know, I mean, it's great. Because they consider us theirs, I think.

[Mario Cantone]

Yes.

[Hyundai Voiceover]

Catchy tune, right? But don't let the urge to sing along distract you from the truck drifting towards your lane or that lane splitting biker creeping up beside you. Fortunately, every Hyundai offers advanced safety features that can alert you to potential dangers around you. And Hyundai has over 120 IIHS top safety awards since 2006. Because Hyundai is always working to ensure the road doesn't. Hyundai vehicles have won over 120 IIHS Top Safety Awards from 2006 to 2024.

[Mario Cantone]

I took my shirt off once on Sex in the City. It was in that episode there was.

[Kristen Davis]

A lot of stress.

[Mario Cantone]

So. Yeah. And I was like, oh, God. And I looked, all right. I look back go, okay.

[Kristen Davis]

I'm sure you look.

[Mario Cantone]

This was two years ago.

[Kristen Davis]

Yes.

[Mario Cantone]

When we're going into the second season and Michael Patrick King called me up and said, hey, just so you know, you're going to be getting a storyline. You're going to be going to be getting a boyfriend. So guess What? I remember your trainer and I started working out and, and, and, and. But the. When I have a backside shot, I'm in bed with Sebastiano.

[Kristen Davis]

Who?

[Mario Cantone]

Sebastiano, who plays who I just adore.

[Kristen Davis]

Yes.

[Mario Cantone]

I'm the luckiest man in the world with that. He sent in one audition tape and got it. We had no chemistry test, and it is a godsend.

[Kristen Davis]

This is how my.

[Mario Cantone]

And he's like my brother now, you know, which is a little weird, kissing him. First season, I was like, I get to kiss this beautiful young man. Now I'm like, you like my brother. And it's. I'm over here when it's a little weird, but I love it. He's just a good guy. So I look, I looked at it and I went, well, the night before it dropped, I didn't sleep. I was like, these homosexuals are going to come after me, baby. And then I saw it, I went, you know what? I look okay, and I'm old and I'm next to him. I was like, okay, it's not as bad as I thought it was going to be.

[Kristen Davis]

You were very stressed. I remember you were very stressed, because how could you not be? It's a very real thing.

[Mario Cantone]

And, you know, even with, like, the intimacy coordinators, because Sebastiano is a guy and I'm a guy, we're both like, whatever. We're not, like, choreographing every move. And we had a. Which is fine. Look, it's different for women. It's a different thing.

[Kristen Davis]

The other thing is, I don't think anyone wants to choreograph every move. It's about feeling safe. And so you don't know the intimacy coordinator is there because you don't know the situation. And you don't know how the other actors can be. I mean, we do in our situation, but normally you don't know. And you don't know what the directors are doing.

[Mario Cantone]

Early on, you were working with different men all the time. It's a different.

[Kristen Davis]

Definitely. And that was a different time.

[Mario Cantone]

I'm totally. I felt so safe with him. He said, I'll stay with me. Yeah, good.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah.

[Mario Cantone]

But. And it's, you know, for man from guy, all these guys, the crew. I love my crew. They're all straight guys. You know, when you're a woman, it's a different thing. I mean, it's a whole other thing. Yeah. But anyway, so before season three started filming, I said to Michael, I want more nudity. I said, My DMs blew up the next day. I want more Nudity. I said, I like being sexualized at 65 years old. It's good.

[Kristen Davis]

Well, God bless you. God bless you. And you know what I mean, we're lucky that we even get the chance to do anything. You know what I mean?

[Mario Cantone]

Exactly.

[Kristen Davis]

Right. Let's pause. Let's back up in time. Do you remember meeting Willie?

[Mario Cantone]

Yes. It was that first day.

[Kristen Davis]

The first day.

[Mario Cantone]

I'm sorry, not the first day. It was my second episode when we're.

[Kristen Davis]

At the fashion show.

[Mario Cantone]

The fashion show, which was really fun. Oh, it's a blast.

[Kristen Davis]

I remember being really fun.

[Mario Cantone]

I remember that day. I remember because I remember walking into that. The aisle of the fashion show.

[Kristen Davis]

It was big, too. It was big. Remember how big it was? And remember, we weren't the main story. Sarah Jessica Walking and Falling was Heidi Klum and Kevin Aquan was there. So we were just having fun. Yeah, we were just having a good time. You, me and Willie.

[Mario Cantone]

I remember.

[Kristen Davis]

Really, really fun.

[Mario Cantone]

Right away, I got who he was. I adored him. He's hilarious. His storytelling is phenomenal.

[Kristen Davis]

I know.

[Mario Cantone]

He's just a great. It's just a great person to be around. He was so. It was just so much fun. And I. Yeah, we. We hung out and here and there and, you know, I remember when he first adopted his son. Yeah. Nathan. So it's. Yeah, I. It's fascinating because who knew we were going to get married eventually?

[Kristen Davis]

I know.

[Mario Cantone]

And what do you think of that? I thought. I thought it was good. I think.

[Kristen Davis]

I think it was great.

[Mario Cantone]

Think things happen. You. I mean, I've met people I'm totally not attracted to that I don't. And then all of a sudden it flips. Yeah, that's. That. That happens all the time in life.

[Kristen Davis]

I still. And I can't really separate this from actual life, you know, because we didn't. You know, we didn't know that he was sick. And then obviously we really didn't think it was going to be as bad as it was. As quickly as it was then. We had to really shift gears with your storyline. I mean, how'd you feel?

[Mario Cantone]

Oh, I was. Well, first of all, he told me while we were filming Big's funeral. I didn't know. That's when we all kind of found out.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah, I already knew.

[Mario Cantone]

But you knew. I didn't know.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah. And that was a hard, hard, hard. Oh, Jesus.

[Mario Cantone]

John Melfi was running around and he was.

[Kristen Davis]

You could tell something was going on. Yeah.

[Mario Cantone]

And I sat down on. On the bench with Willie and he told me, and he turned his head. And I thought he was laughing because I thought, it's a joke. And then he wasn't. And so we both were crying and he said he has to leave the show. And I don't know what's going to happen. And I'm sorry. I'm like, why? It was. It was mind blowing. It really was horrible.

[Kristen Davis]

Horrible.

[Mario Cantone]

And, you know, I was like, well, whatever happens for me, I. I was like, whatever. You know, I mean. And so Michael came to me and said, look, because he had a right on the fly for me, because all that stuff. I remember you had a whole bunch of scenes all of a sudden, which he did brilliantly.

[Kristen Davis]

Of course he did.

[Mario Cantone]

He just did. But, you know, I remember him saying to me, you know, I'm gonna need you now more than ever. And, you know, I started crying. It was just. It was a lot. And then Willie was gone. And I always. This story about when we were going in to see Lily's recital, that first. That first episode. And we filmed the argument out in the front when you were coming in. And we went in and then we filmed the interior like three weeks later. And he couldn't make it. And that scene was rewritten that morning by Michael. And. And I remember that day. So I was, you know, the court jester and trying to be funny and keep it all light. You know, Michael would always throw out. What would Bette Davis say? So I. You know, but it was. It was. We all just kind of held on and kept moving forward. But it was. It was rough. But, you know, here we are.

[Kristen Davis]

I know. What can you do? It is really shocking, though. It's shocking, isn't it? Still shocking.

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah. And cancer. My whole family's. There's so many of my people. My mother, my father. A lot of, you know, a lot of people have gone from cancer in my family.

[Kristen Davis]

Cancer's horrible. It sucks.

[Mario Cantone]

It sucks. And I just feel like, why isn't it cured yet? Where's the fix?

[Kristen Davis]

I agree, I agree, I agree.

[Mario Cantone]

This money making thing. Where's the fix? At least? What. I don't. I mean, look, I know it's. There's things that have gotten better. There's also treatments that aren't available, and we don't know about that. Are available in Germany or something.

[Kristen Davis]

Germany, for some reason, is the place to go. It's interesting.

[Mario Cantone]

There's supposedly a cancer vaccination there that they make for you according to your cancer. That really, supposedly helps.

[Kristen Davis]

Well, listen up, everyone.

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah, exactly. Yeah. Peter Gabriel is doing it.

[Kristen Davis]

Wow.

[Mario Cantone]

Yes. Okay, so you know, let's go.

[Kristen Davis]

We're not doctors. No doctors.

[Mario Cantone]

We're not.

[Kristen Davis]

Not medical advice.

[Mario Cantone]

No.

[Kristen Davis]

But interesting.

[Mario Cantone]

Interesting, right? Yeah. Yeah.

[Kristen Davis]

I mean, I wish we could go back in time. I wish we could go back in time. It is strange. When I first started the podcast, I had to go back and rewatch the pilot. Right. And I haven't seen any of these things since, you know, the beginning. Right.

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah.

[Kristen Davis]

I used to really hate to rewatch because I just felt, I don't know, weird about it. Like I didn't want to spend my time in the past, I guess.

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah.

[Kristen Davis]

But because we're here together and talking about it as a. Connecting. The podcast is a way to connect, you know, and because so many people. I'm sure you experienced this. Talk to me about it throughout the day. You know, you're moving through the world and different things strike different people differently. Right. And they'll come up and say, oh, I remember, blah, blah, blah. And I remember, blah, blah, blah. And, you know, it's so, so amazing, like, the way that you can touch. Touch people or be a part of something that touches people and how they.

[Mario Cantone]

Know the material better than we do.

[Kristen Davis]

100%.

[Mario Cantone]

We forget it.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah, 100%. I mean, I remember the big storylines, but so many things I didn't remember.

[Mario Cantone]

Or a line.

[Kristen Davis]

Right.

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah. I said that.

[Kristen Davis]

Isn't that crazy that people remember the lines? Yes.

[Mario Cantone]

Oh, yeah.

[Kristen Davis]

But I think, you know, to go back when I first watched the pilot, I had always remembered the pilot being bad. In my mind, it was bad because we didn't really know what we were doing. We didn't really know. There was so much talking to the camera.

[Mario Cantone]

Yes.

[Kristen Davis]

You know, it was very dark, which in my mind had been bad. But when you look back on it, it's kind of bold and amazing and interesting and dark like, not like television at the time at all. Right.

[Mario Cantone]

And the tone of the first season is very. A little different.

[Kristen Davis]

Oh, the tone of the first season?

[Hes Yu Jo]

Yeah.

[Kristen Davis]

We didn't know. We didn't know nothing in terms of what we're doing. The overlap of talking sometimes, which is fantastic. Last night, there was a lot of.

[Mario Cantone]

Oh, yes, there was. And I've never seen that.

[Kristen Davis]

I know, because Michael does not.

[Mario Cantone]

No, he doesn't do that. No, no, no, no, no, he doesn't.

[Kristen Davis]

No, no.

[Mario Cantone]

It's that sometimes it's a clif. Clip stuff.

[Kristen Davis]

It's his. It's his pattern that he writes. But back when I first watched the pilot, you know, I'm just in my bed, you Know the night before the first podcast recording, watching it and when they introduced Stanford. It's just this super closeup of Willy, who I already knew. I knew Willie because I met him on the Expel set in, like, Vancouver in a abandoned insane asylum. Oh, my God, like, super spooky. But of course, Willie makes any place fun, right? So it was just a really good time. He's telling stories, he's doing the whole thing. So I already knew him, which was great. And it just smash cut to Willie's face, his young face. And. Oh, it hit me so hard. It hit me so hard. But this is the joy of film. That it lasts forever.

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah, that it lasts forever.

[Kristen Davis]

Right. And he made his mark in so many different shows and so many different movies.

[Mario Cantone]

He worked a lot.

[Kristen Davis]

So much. Everyone knew him.

[Mario Cantone]

Everyone knew him.

[Kristen Davis]

Everyone.

[Mario Cantone]

He. Everyone knew him. And he worked with a lot of people. He did a lot of work, a lot of stories. Like, he did many things.

[Kristen Davis]

Let me ask you this. Do you feel, when you think back, is it something where you can think about, oh, I remember when Willie and I were doing this and I was observing him and I learned this. Or are you all just like soaking it up wherever you go?

[Mario Cantone]

Well, just, it's day to day. Yeah. It's a different experience every time you're on that set, which is what I.

[Kristen Davis]

Love about acting in general.

[Mario Cantone]

Me too. It's absolutely. It's a different experience. You're feeling different things.

[Kristen Davis]

Right.

[Mario Cantone]

And you're, you know, you're more anxious one day and a little less anxious another day and care too much one day. And then one day you're like, I don't have this today. I'm tired.

[Kristen Davis]

You don't have those days either.

[Mario Cantone]

No, I don't. I don't. I actually.

[Kristen Davis]

I know you better than that.

[Mario Cantone]

No, I don't. I don't. I don't. Never. You know what I mean? I do know you feel different things.

[Kristen Davis]

Well, you have. You have to. I think the interesting thing is you have to manage where you. Your personal self are that day. But then you also have to manage yourself into where your character is that day. Right, Absolutely. Like, take some work sometimes. Yeah, yeah. And you have to figure that out as you go.

[Mario Cantone]

Because sometimes when. Not. Not that. I mean, I don't give a shit. One day it's like, I'm. I care a little less, which relaxes me more. The same person going through the day in the same way.

[Kristen Davis]

Right.

[Mario Cantone]

But I'm a little bit more relax. Right. Happened later and. Right.

[Kristen Davis]

But it's a great thing because you. You don't need to be as. As anxious as you are. Yeah, well, they make jokes about Charlotte's wedding. Your wedding was long.

[Mario Cantone]

It was huge.

[Kristen Davis]

Oh, my gosh.

[Mario Cantone]

My sister's. My real sister was. You don't really see as close up of them, but you see two women walking.

[Kristen Davis]

I remember this.

[Mario Cantone]

Down the island.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Mario Cantone]

Both my sisters, and one of them passed away in 2019. She died of cancer.

[Kristen Davis]

I'm so.

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah. But she got to walk me down the aisle.

[Kristen Davis]

That's so pretty great. So nice with the swans and Liza with the swans.

[Mario Cantone]

And I always say I always go like this. I. I always say I go when lies Liz. Like, I danced. Sang the single ladies, and I danced so hard that I stepped on a swan and broke its neck.

[Kristen Davis]

It was an accident.

[Mario Cantone]

I didn't mean it. And I was like, who said. Who has swans at their weddings? I didn't have swans at my real wedding. My real wedding was very. I'm sure eight people on my rooftop. That was it. And then we went to dinner afterwards.

[Kristen Davis]

But you were in, like, a wedding by Michael Patrick King, which is a different situation. It was like a musical from the 40s.

[Mario Cantone]

Oh, yeah. That set.

[Kristen Davis]

I know.

[Mario Cantone]

Was insane.

[Kristen Davis]

Huge with the water and the swans. We were all out in our trailers, and you guys were in there for days. And we'd all be like, hey, hey. Does anyone know what's going on in there? Does anyone know what's going on in there? And then we would walk in like, hey, you guys, what are you doing? And it was like, Liza, it was. Eliza show was amazing. So we would stand in the back and watch the Liza show. And then it was the swans, and it was the gay men's health chorus. And then it was you guys. We were like, well, some someday they'll need us. And the four of us would shop back out to our trailers. Yeah, I know. I don't think the studio was very happy with us, though. They were a little annoyed.

[Mario Cantone]

Well, the show did well.

[Kristen Davis]

It did well.

[Mario Cantone]

The movie did well. Both movies did well.

[Kristen Davis]

It's true.

[Mario Cantone]

Financially, both movies did well.

[Kristen Davis]

The first movie did super great.

[Mario Cantone]

Super great.

[Kristen Davis]

Second movie, we cost too much. But that's okay. We're not here to talk about that. It's okay. It's not our fault.

[Mario Cantone]

Globally, they all do well.

[Kristen Davis]

I know. That's right. And we're lucky. We are so lucky, because theoretically, comedy and women are not supposed to travel. Ha ha ha.

[Mario Cantone]

Oh, no. It's huge. Globally.

[Kristen Davis]

I know, baby Mario. What Are you a Charlotte?

[Mario Cantone]

I think part of me is.

[Kristen Davis]

Yay.

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah. I think I like things in their place. I like lovely things.

[Kristen Davis]

Yes.

[Mario Cantone]

I definitely have high anxiety. I definitely.

[Kristen Davis]

Is that on the list?

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. And I definitely have to, like, you know, control things.

[Kristen Davis]

Right.

[Mario Cantone]

That should be on that list. That's definitely.

[Kristen Davis]

Do you believe in love?

[Mario Cantone]

Oh, yeah, I do believe in love. I'm in it.

[Kristen Davis]

So you're happily married?

[Mario Cantone]

I'm happily married. And I'm a lucky, lucky man.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah.

[Mario Cantone]

Because I wouldn't marry me. But yeah. Yeah, I, I, I'm, I'm definitely.

[Kristen Davis]

So it's your part Charlotte, the other part.

[Mario Cantone]

I never thought.

[Kristen Davis]

No.

[Mario Cantone]

Of that, but I think if I had to say which one I was.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah.

[Mario Cantone]

Because I'm not a Carrie.

[Kristen Davis]

Okay.

[Mario Cantone]

Because, you know, Carrie goes through a lot of things and she's had a handful of relationships during this show. Right.

[Kristen Davis]

Really only two important ones.

[Mario Cantone]

Really only two important.

[Kristen Davis]

One.

[Mario Cantone]

True. But go ahead.

[Kristen Davis]

But, yeah, I mean, listen, Charlotte has had a bunch of.

[Mario Cantone]

Yeah, she has. Because I'm always, I always think about the.

[Kristen Davis]

Of course.

[Mario Cantone]

No, because she's, you know, single now, and I guess I, I, I, you know, I, I'm partly Samantha because I'm a smart ass and I say stuff for sure. And I don't think I, I don't think I'm a Miranda. No.

[Kristen Davis]

Miranda. But you kind of do tell things like, like it is. Yeah, that's a Miranda quality.

[Mario Cantone]

I do. That's true.

[Kristen Davis]

You're right. Tell it like it is.

[Mario Cantone]

I just think she's so, there's such an intelligence about her too, so.

[Kristen Davis]

But you're intelligent sometimes.

[Mario Cantone]

But. Yeah, I think there's a lot of me in Charlotte and I never thought that.

[Kristen Davis]

Yay.

[Mario Cantone]

That's very interesting.

[Kristen Davis]

I keep forgetting to ask people the question.

[Mario Cantone]

Oh, it's a good question.

[Kristen Davis]

Why?

[Mario Cantone]

I know it's psychologically, it's a great question.

[Kristen Davis]

You're a joy. Thanks for being here.

[Mario Cantone]

Thank you so much, Chris.

[Kristen Davis]

Bye, everybody.

[Mario Cantone]

Bye.

[Kristen Davis]

This podcast is supported by BetterHelp, offering licensed therapists you can connect with via video phone or chat. Here's BetterHelp, Head of Clinical Operations, Hes Yu Jo discussing who can benefit from therapy.

[Hes Yu Jo]

I think a lot of people think that you're supposed to be going to therapy once you're, like, having panic attacks every day. But before you get to that point, I think once you start even noticing that you feel a little bit off and you can't maintain this harmony that you once had in relationships, that could be a sign that maybe you want to go talk to somebody. There's always a benefit in talking to someone because we can all benefit from improved insight about ourselves and who we are and how we behave with other people. So if you're human, that's like a good indicator that you could benefit from talking to somebody.

[Kristen Davis]

Find out if therapy is right for you. Visit betterhelp.com today. That's betterhelp.com According to Saltus Wealth, 41%.

[Saltus Wealth Representative]

Of high net worth individuals report having been victims of financial crime. Are you next? High profile individuals like you need more than off the shelf solutions. You need concierge digital security from Reputation Defender. It's not just another app, it's a team of experts using best in class tools to protect you and your family, covering virtually every aspect of your digital life. Visit reputationdefender.com success to learn more. That's reputationdefender. Com success.