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.