Sarah Jessica Parker: How Carrie Bradshaw Changed Me

Summary

Call Her Daddy Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Sarah Jessica Parker: How Carrie Bradshaw Changed Me
Host: Alex Cooper
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Guest: Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP)

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Introduction

In this special episode of Call Her Daddy, host Alex Cooper sits down with acclaimed actress Sarah Jessica Parker to delve into the profound impact of her iconic character, Carrie Bradshaw, from the groundbreaking series Sex and the City. The conversation navigates through SJP's personal experiences, the cultural significance of the show, and the lasting legacy of its characters.

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First Impressions of Carrie Bradshaw

[39:40] Sarah Jessica Parker: "I really liked her. I found it very compelling... the way she was speaking, her choice of language... there was a kind of darkness to the pilot script that I thought was very exciting to imagine."

Sarah Jessica Parker shares her initial attraction to the character of Carrie Bradshaw, emphasizing Carrie's unique dialogue and depth. She recalls the pilot script's portrayal of Carrie as a woman who was both introspective and boldly expressive, setting the stage for a multifaceted character.

Notable Quote:
SJP [39:40]: "She just has a much more fevered relationship to fashion than I have."

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Fashion and Style: Behind the Seams

One of the standout elements of Sex and the City was its fashion, and SJP provides an insider’s perspective on the meticulous process behind Carrie Bradshaw's iconic looks.

[15:00] SJP: "This outfit was also loosely inspired by the green jersey... I knew the minute I saw it."

She explains how fashion was a collaborative effort between her and the costume department, often involving lengthy fittings and creative negotiations with designers. SJP highlights the significance of specific pieces, like the studded leather belt she affectionately named "Roger," which became a staple in Carrie’s wardrobe.

Notable Quote:
SJP [21:55]: "None of the credit is mine because... from the beginning of our relationship, he said, you should always keep your clothing, no matter what it is."

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The Cultural Impact of Sex and the City

Sex and the City was not just a television show but a cultural phenomenon that redefined conversations around female friendships, sexuality, and personal agency. SJP reflects on how the show empowered women to embrace their sexual desires and fostered a sense of community.

[60:07] SJP: "Probably about a year into the show airing, I could see evidence of its impact... all the women that just came up to me and said all these years, I was allowed to be me."

She observes tangible changes in women's behavior and self-expression, attributing this shift to the open discussions portrayed in the series. SJP believes the show played a pivotal role in normalizing conversations about female sexuality and personal relationships.

Notable Quote:
SJP [60:07]: "It's all intimacy, it's all sharing, it's all needing, it's all helping, it's all truth, it's all hurting each other."

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Friendships and Personal Growth

A core theme of the conversation revolves around the importance of friendships, both on-screen with Carrie’s quartet and off-screen among the cast and crew. SJP underscores how portraying deep, supportive friendships influenced her own approach to relationships.

[25:37] SJP: "It's still something to aim for."

She discusses the challenges and rewards of maintaining strong friendships amidst the demands of a high-profile career, drawing parallels between her real-life experiences and those of her character Carrie.

Notable Quote:
SJP [46:15]: "A plus in that category."

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Navigating Fame and Public Criticism

SJP candidly addresses the pressures of fame and the scrutiny that comes with being a beloved character. She shares personal anecdotes about dealing with public criticism of her appearance and the struggle to maintain confidence amidst external judgments.

[49:48] SJP: "It was like a kick in the rubber parts. I was just like, why? Why is this a problem?"

She reflects on the disparity in societal expectations between male and female celebrities, noting how Carrie Bradshaw's flaws were often magnified in the public eye. SJP emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-acceptance in the face of criticism.

Notable Quote:
SJP [36:22]: "It's almost like once you get to that top, don't. If you're going for the fame, you're not going to actually feel fulfilled because there's nothing within fame."

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Advice for Women Balancing Career and Family

Towards the end of the episode, SJP offers heartfelt advice to women grappling with the decision to have children while pursuing demanding careers. She advocates for self-compassion and encourages women to listen to their own needs rather than societal pressures.

[67:22] SJP: "Take your time. I don't think there's ever a perfect time, but listen to yourself and don't allow exterior factors to impact you."

She stresses the importance of honest self-reflection and finding supportive networks to navigate the complexities of balancing personal and professional aspirations.

Notable Quote:
SJP [67:24]: "There's no right time. So you have to kind of keep looking at your life with honesty."

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Legacy and Reflections on Sex and the City

In concluding the conversation, SJP contemplates the enduring legacy of Sex and the City and her role as Carrie Bradshaw. She expresses gratitude towards the audience and acknowledges the show’s impact on her personal growth and the lives of millions.

[76:02] SJP: "I made a commitment that I would care about every little detail. And some people make fun of me on the set for the kind of vigilance around detail, but I think it all adds up and the audience sees and knows it all better than I do."

SJP hopes that the themes of friendship, personal authenticity, and female empowerment continue to resonate and inspire future generations.

Notable Quote:
SJP [77:57]: "I learned very early that Carrie is a rule breaker... It made me want to be a better friend."

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Conclusion

This episode of Call Her Daddy offers a comprehensive and intimate look into Sarah Jessica Parker's experiences portraying Carrie Bradshaw. Through thoughtful discussions and personal anecdotes, SJP articulates how the character and the show have shaped her life and influenced societal norms. The conversation underscores the importance of authenticity, resilience, and the power of meaningful friendships, leaving listeners with valuable insights and inspiration.

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Notable Quotes Recap:

• SJP [39:40]: "She just has a much more fevered relationship to fashion than I have."
• SJP [21:55]: "None of the credit is mine because... from the beginning of our relationship, he said, you should always keep your clothing, no matter what it is."
• SJP [60:07]: "It's all intimacy, it's all sharing, it's all needing, it's all helping, it's all truth, it's all hurting each other."
• SJP [46:15]: "A plus in that category."
• SJP [49:48]: "It was like a kick in the rubber parts. I was just like, why? Why is this a problem?"
• SJP [36:22]: "It's almost like once you get to that top, don't. If you're going for the fame, you're not going to actually feel fulfilled because there's nothing within fame."
• SJP [67:22]: "Take your time. I don't think there's ever a perfect time, but listen to yourself and don't allow exterior factors to impact you."
• SJP [67:24]: "There's no right time. So you have to kind of keep looking at your life with honesty."
• SJP [76:02]: "I made a commitment that I would care about every little detail. And some people make fun of me on the set for the kind of vigilance around detail, but I think it all adds up and the audience sees and knows it all better than I do."
• SJP [77:57]: "I learned very early that Carrie is a rule breaker... It made me want to be a better friend."

This episode serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Sex and the City and Sarah Jessica Parker's profound connection to her most famous role, offering listeners both nostalgia and meaningful reflections on life, love, and personal growth.

Transcript

[Alex Cooper]

Hi Daddy Gang, it is your father. I am so excited that CallerDaddy has officially joined the SiriusXM family. I cannot wait to talk to new guests and continue to share my crazy personal stories and experiences with you every single week. If you want to hear new episodes ad free, subscribe to Sirius XM Podcasts on Apple Podcasts to start your free trial today. Call Her Daddy is brought to you by Tinder. We know that your person doesn't just fall out of the sky, unfortunately, Daddy Gang, I know we all wish that, but saying yes to things and being open and putting yourself out there, I truly believe that is going to get you closer to finding them. And Tinder makes that part easier. Here's the thing Daddy Gang, I get it. We are all trying to find our person. Let Tinder do the work for you. Maybe it turns into a great story when you go on a date with someone that you match with on Tinder. Okay, maybe it turns into something even better. You'll never know until you match. Explore all the possibilities for yourself. Tinder. It starts with a swipe. Download the app today. Call Her Daddy is brought to you by Neutrogena. Summer is here and the sun is shining. You need powerful sun protection that feels light on your skin. Meet Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen daddy gang. This SPF 70 lotion absorbs fast with a smooth, dry touch finish so you'll forget that you are even wearing it. It blocks 97% of burning UV rays and is water resistance for up to 80 minutes. Lightweight, effective and perfect for sunny days. It is just what your summer needs. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen you can't feel. Shop now at Target. Call Her Daddy is brought to you by Uber Eats.

[Sarah Jessica Parker]

Okay, Daddy Gang, we all know Uber Eats has the best best selection of local restaurants, but did you know they also eat when it comes to a whole range of delivery services? Now that might be a lot to take in, so let's break it down. Okay, Uber Eats isn't just for locked in salad bowl lunches or pregaming with Tai. When you can't make it to the store, you can just get about anything you need delivered straight to your door. With Uber Eats, right? Right now you could be checking off your whole shopping list. Okay, of course I'm locked in on UberEats when it comes to getting my lunchtime sandwiches or a good delicious meal after work. But say I need a little cocktail at the end of the day. UberEats is my go to spot to get all of the ingredients I need sent to my door. I also use Uber Eats for pretty much everything. Paper towels, groceries, snacks. I even order a pair of flip flops. The nail salon. Okay, They've got my back no matter where I am. When you can't make it to the store, Uber Eats brings you the store essentially. Okay.

[Alex Cooper]

There is nothing better than putting on a good show, getting cozy on the.

[Sarah Jessica Parker]

Couch, and having the perfect meal delivered right to me. Along with five other things that I forgot to pick up that day. Uber Eats makes it easy to have it all. Get grocery, alcohol and everyday essentials in addition to the restaurant food you love. So in other words, get almost, almost anything. With Uber Eats. Order now for alcohol, you must be legal drinking age. Please enjoy responsibly. Product availability varies by region. See app for details. What is up Daddy gang? It is your founding father, Alex Cooper.

[Alex Cooper]

With Call Her Daddy.

[Sarah Jessica Parker]

Sarah Jessica Parker. Welcome to Call Her Daddy.

Thank you for having me.

No, thank you for being here. You don't even know. I. When I started Call Her Daddy, you were beyond, beyond, beyond. Obviously the inspiration. And then when I started interviewing people, you have been at the top, top, top of the list to sit down with. So thank you for being here.

Oh my gosh, thank you. Thank you for having me. And especially in New York City, because I know it's not your home home.

But it was at one point and you're.

Is it true that you're maybe coming back or is just, just some wishful, hopeful rumor?

No, you know what? I, every time I get here, I feel like I'm alive again. Not that I'm like dead in la.

No, but it has a certain kind of, it's a very dynamic city and it sort of, it does that to people when they step off the plane. Which is really curious because I think Los Angeles actually actively does the opposite. It's sort of, it's just a quieter, less intrusive city on a person.

Completely. I feel like I'm like entering my spa era when I go to la and then I come here and I'm like, where are we going to dinner? What's going on? The night starts at midnight. That's why you earlier were like, oh, did you have a late night?

Well, didn't your, did your documentary? So how did it go and what was the experience and how was it to. I'm sure you've seen, seen it already.

Yes. It was so nerve wracking.

Was it really?

I'm sure, you know, like, even as you've been in media for so long, when you put out a piece of work that's just a little bit different than you're used to or even coming back. Right. Like you're like. It just feels. You're anxious because you want people to like it.

Yes.

But I feel really hopeful that people will perceive it in a positive way. And so it was great. But I'm going to be honest, I was like, okay, now I'm going to interview Sarah Jessica Parker. So everybody, I'm going to bed. I'm putting my face mask on. Don't talk to me. So. So I'm happy to be here with you.

Well, you're no worse for wear. You look great.

You look amazing, too.

And I'm glad the night was. Felt good and felt the way you hoped.

Thank you.

It would feel. Yeah, it's a big deal, us talking.

About LA versus New York. You obviously live here. You're a tried and true New Yorker. What is your favorite part of living here?

I really feel like when I walk out the door, anything can happen. And there are degrees of that being good and potentially awful. Yes, you're bumping into neighbors and you're bumping into the familiar, but every single day I'm having exchange with or physically touching somebody who might never be on that street again. You know, and I, I really, really love that. And I always have. There were these two young fellas. I came out of our house yesterday, and stoops are a thing in New York. And just because you own one doesn't mean it's yours. It's everybody's stoop. And I spent decades sitting on other people's stoops. And in my head I dreamed one day I hope I can have a stoop. And so every time we come home and there's people on our stoop, people always move their stuff really quickly because they realize they're in the path. And I'm always like, no, no, no, stay, stay, stay. But yesterday I came out and there were two boys standing at the, at the foot of the stoop. And there was a penny heads up on the last step of the stoop. And I said, fellas, there's a penny heads up. Why are you not taking. Grabbing this penny? I guess my point of the story is I would have had no other reason to talk to these guys on the street smoking pot, you know what I mean? Like, they were just there and having a, like they were in between something and chatting and, you know, I like imposed, but it was definitely a friendly exchange. And they were sort of like, I think they felt Like a friendly reprimand or something. But that would never happen if I had gotten out of. If I got out of my house. I walked outta my house and I walked into a garage and I got into a car and I drove down the street. I just wouldn't have. I don't know if that's something that other people might like, but I do.

You're like, I love people just like, loitering in front of my house. It's fabulous. Hold on. Did they know who you are?

Yes. They. They did. They. It was like a slow burn. But our initial. Our initial exchange was just three. Three people, two of whom were not strangers. What? I was the stranger to them. And I said to them, fellas, look down. Like, don't walk around just here or here. Look down for your penny.

They're like, sarah Jessica, we're high. Like, babe, I'm too high. I'm not even looking at the goddamn penny.

So did you pick it up? I picked it up. And I felt like maybe if they saw my enthusiasm for it, they would pick up and next time they'd be all the wiser for it.

I think they will. I think they will.

I don't.

[Alex Cooper]

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[Sarah Jessica Parker]

They.

[Alex Cooper]

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[Sarah Jessica Parker]

You and public transportation. Let's pause for seconds because you have quite literally been seen on subways walking around the city. You're one with the people in New York City. Like, everyone knows that. How, like, how are you just, like, walking to your local deli and not getting attacked?

I mean, people always say hello and they talk or they nod. I have headphones. I'm not convinced that really does anything. I have sunglasses, but I always have worn sunglasses. It doesn't really. There's still activity on the subway. People chat and talk. But I will say, people are so much more on their phones now.

Not looking at you.

You're not quite as on the subway. If I talk, people hear my voice.

That's similar to me where my voice is more recognizable that I am always. Like, I'll be in an elevator with my husband and he'll be like, what do you want to do? And I'm like, matt, later. Later, honey, later. Wait, when you have your headphones on, are you actually listening to something?

Always.

What are you listening to?

Oh, my gosh.

Putting you on the spot.

Everything. Podcasts, lots of music. Mostly podcasts. I don't listen to books. On audio, it'd be podcasts or music. Yeah.

And are you faking phone calls?

I've almost never done that. I think I've done it more with my children when I was outside recently and I knew that they wanted to talk to me and I needed to do something. But then I thought, oh, you know, there's a right and wrong way to do this. Because the phone, if you're actually on a call, the phone looks one way, the screen looks one way, and if you're not, I think it's all just visible. Yes, I do have a privacy screen on my phone.

Okay, that helps. And pro tip, you need to put it on do not disturb, and you need to angle it towards your chin. I fake phone calls all the time.

All the time.

You just tilt it so no one can see that you're like fully on your photo album and there's no phone call.

Okay, great.

I got you.

So it's always on do not disturb. And do not disturb just doesn't allow for like a. A lighting situation. Got it. Okay.

Can we talk about fashion?

Sure.

Because I talk about your shoes. I was about to say we need to talk about my shoes. I have. I don't usually dress up for interviews.

You look so beautiful.

Thank you.

Really? And your hair is down and your hair is not in a pony or a clip or. I know. I'm so touched.

I love that you walked in, you're like, wait, I'm dressed down and you're dressed. I know.

I felt like I went through three outfits before I came here, trying to telepathically guess what would be appropriate. And then ultimately I realized, oh, the more I'm trying to be something else. I'm. I. I look like an idiot.

You dress down as me dressed up. Unless you showed up in sweats, I'd be like, okay, you got it. So these shoes, I have never worn open toed heels on. Call her daddy ever, Ever in the history of ever. And I probably never will.

She's so lovely on you.

Well, thank you. But it's just an ode to Ms. Carrie Bradshaw. They are the shoes that you wore in the show running to the ferry.

Yes. Yes.

This outfit was also loosely inspired by the green jersey.

I remember it with the cargo.

I was like, I have to recreate it.

I knew the minute I saw it. And I don't actually remember a lot, but I remember outfits and cross streets.

Outfits and cross streets.

Yeah.

I didn't know if you would know the Jimmy Choos. And the minute. For everyone that didn't see this moment, she literally walks in the door, she goes, hi, I'm Sarah Jessica. Oh, my Gosh, I love the shoes. I can't believe you're wearing the shoes. Like, thank God she noticed.

And it was such a clever thing that Jimmy Choo just reissued. Was it 2007, 2008. I can't remember the year of that line of.

Yeah, I got you, girl.

Those are really pretty shoes. And my original pair, we had two pairs for that episode because I lost one and I was running so much in them that they were getting trashed. So they had a backup pair. The pair that I wore has the glue under the feather has yellowed. We pull them out all the time to have them on the show now because they're always like, in the closet, moving around. And we have a new pair, but the new pairs of, like, we have the unused pair, but it's of little interest to me because it has, like, no sentimental value, so. But when I saw fresh pears, I was like, wow, they do look good. That's what it's like with a fresh pair.

But I bet the yellow glue is even sexier.

It's pretty touching.

Yeah, I think so too. I'm gonna add that to mine later. Okay, Pretend I was there. Feel something. The iconic looks that you've had. How involved were you in Carrie's style?

I think Pat and Molly would probably characterize this the same way. It was always a real conversation. And I'll try to paint a picture. I'd come to a fitting. It would be 11 o' clock at night at wrap, or it could be 2 in the afternoon and the fittings could be anywhere from two to five hours. And that wouldn't always cover an episode. So I would walk in. There were racks of clothes, and the quantity of racks grew and grew over the years. Initially, nobody loaned us anything. We couldn't get our hands on anything. We had, I think $10,000 originally per episode, as a budget. So I'd walk in and there would be racks of clothing and there would be ideas set per scene, per episode. And we would talk about it. They'd show it to me. And I always tried everything on. I don't. I didn't care how ridiculous or whimsical or even hideous it was. That the joy it would bring the costume department to just see something on as, you know, could be some crazy jumpsuit that they pulled out of someone's bin or a basement from 1971. And it was like, ill shaped and sort of unattractive, but there was something great about it. Lot of Polaroid. So we work. So. But then once we kind of Figured out what we liked per scene, and we knew that it fit with perhaps other people's fittings. If someone else had fit before me, we knew their colors, we would talk about it, and then we would show the pictures to Michael or Darren, the showrunner. Initially, it was Darren, and then they'd have feelings, they'd come back and we'd talk about it, and we'd plead our case in some instances where they didn't want us to wear something, and we had to sort of, you know, our case before the court. But more and more so was is the case that it's just big conversations. And it usually starts about three months before we're shooting, even two months prior to prep. Molly and I are already figuring out. So I started my fittings in February for this season, and we started shooting in April.

And your whole life, were you a big fashion girl, or did this happen because of the show?

I. I wasn't somebody that my mother really loved beautiful clothing, and we didn't have money to have beautiful clothing. But she was very industrious, and we lived in a wealthy neighborhood. We were like the least wealthy people. The affordable house and, you know, in those days, church tag sales. And she was really smart about getting her hands on beautiful things for little or no money. So in our home, she liked beauty and she made some of her clothes she could sew. So I grew up understanding that things were worthy, things were beautiful, things were well made, things were good quality fabric. Things were hard to find that, you know, that hafeta or that file would be very expensive by the yard. And so I understood it, but I didn't have my hands on a lot of it. And then when I started living on my own, I would still see things in New York City that I understood to be good, but I didn't. Or even important, But I didn't necessarily have the financial opportunity to get my hands on them. And I was pretty strict about sort of what I thought would have a life.

I was thinking about it because I saw recently online it was a part of an interview you did, and you talked about how you negotiated in your contract that you got to keep every single one of Carrie's outfits and you have it archived. I'm like, Sarah Jessica. How the hell did you pull that off? And it's from episode one.

It's from episode one. Yeah, it's. You know, I will. None of the credit is mine because previous to Sex and the City, I started working with a new attorney before I even met my husband. So about 35 years ago. And one of the most important things he said to me, outside of the fact that I think he's a terrific businessman and a great and fair attorney, is that from the beginning of our relationship, he said, you should always keep your clothing, no matter what it is. And he said some studios are going to be harder to negotiate with about that. Cause they like to have their own archive. And that makes sense. And he was totally right. There are studios that really want to hang on to stuff. So it's a very complicated dance to get your pieces. But. So by the time I was doing Sex and the City, it was just in my contract that I have everything. I mean, with the exception of something that a designer loaned us that needed to go back or a consignment piece from a vintage shop. But often those same designers would end up saying, just keep it. Have it be part of that archive. So, yeah, it's a huge amount.

How often do your daughters ask to borrow clothes?

You know what? So many people rightfully ask that. They just don't.

They don't.

No, they. They're not girls. They like clothing. And I'll get a text a couple times a month asking, can they purchase something? They're. But they mostly. They mostly buy their clothes used almost entirely, which I think is pretty common now with girls. Young women their age, they'll be 16 later this month, so they're pretty steady. They don't tend to be trend. They don't move toward that. They know they don't have a budget. They don't have money with the exception of what they've earned. And one of them is a little bit better at earning than another. Who's pretty. She saves pretty well. They both had jobs last summer.

Do they ask for fashion advice?

They'll ask me. They'll ask me, you know, what do you think of that? Or what about this dress for this occasion? Maybe they'll ask about shoes. My shoes don't fit them. It's really a tragedy. I'm actually not kidding. I find it really tragic that.

Wait, that's actually the worst.

They can't. One of them can sort of squeeze. But their taste is different than mine right now, too. Like, what I have is not necessarily of interest. They've never seen the show, so they haven't an idea about what is available to them yet. But I do give. I give them stuff of mine all the time. All the time.

I think that makes sense, though. Cause I think back to my own mother and. And well, also, my mom is not you. So Love you, Lori, if you're watching this, but my mom was like, way more like polo and Bermuda shorts. And, like, that's not going to cut it for me. I want something glamorous. But as I got a little older, I started to really appreciate, like, her vintage Levi.

Yeah.

So maybe eventually, who knows, they will eventually, like, tap into the Carrie Bradshaw archive and be like, I need a.

Not.

Maybe a dress for prom. Still not that age, but maybe in their 20s, they're going to hit it.

I would. Yeah. And I would loan. I think I would be happy to loan them anything out of my closet right now. I don't really have as many clothes as people think.

What is a piece from Carrie's closet that you still wear today?

Nothing. I keep. I keep in my personal closet, which everything else is an archive. I keep this belt that I named Roger and I don't know why. It's a belt from later years episodes. It's a studded leather belt that Carrie wore a lot. A lot, a lot. And it was, I think, in the movie. And it's reappeared Carrie. You know what? I think Carrie first wore it when she was shopping in DVF store in the meatpacking. And she had on a pink linen shift. And around her waist was a hard leather belt, a vintage belt that's, you know, about this wide and it's studded and it's really old and hardy. It's like a muscle. And for some reason I have that. I never. I never sent that to archive. Yeah.

You don't know why you called it Roger.

I think we were reaching for it so much, which happens in fittings where something becomes like a favorite and it just kept being right for everything. And so I don't know why I named it Roger. I just. It just seemed easier and more efficient to everyone know, instead of saying the black leather with the studs and just. Roger.

Roger. Yeah, grab Roger. How is your personal style different from Carrie's?

Very. Not nearly as brave, not as kind of, not as conscious about body and what clothes, how clothes lay on a body, which I guess has to do more with, like I said, being brave and just access to way more like a much more. I always say it's like she has a much more fevered relationship to fashion than I have. So she just has so much more. It's so decadent, the amount of things, you know, pieces and layers and hats and belts, shoes, obviously, coats, gloves. And I. I just don't have that.

You know, when you were referencing earlier that your kids don't really lean into trends. This is a very pressing question.

Oh, my God. I hope I'm capable of answering.

You've got this.

Okay?

You've got this. There is no right or wrong answer.

Okay.

Okay. Sarah Jessica Parker, would you put a labubu on your designer bag?

What is that? Oh, my God. You guys are laughing at me.

No, no, no.

Wait, hold on a second. What is. Wait.

I just want you to know I don't own one of these, so don't judge me. Someone put this on my bag earlier.

[Alex Cooper]

Oh.

[Sarah Jessica Parker]

So this is.

Are these, like, dolls? They look like kewpie dolls.

So people are buying these things? Again, clarifying. I've never bought one.

Okay. Did someone send them to you?

Someone in this room owns them. We're not going to judge.

No, no, no. I'm not judging at all. It's a curiosity. It's like. It's like an archaeology. Like a dig.

So people are buying these for extremely high price. People are waiting in line for hours to get these things.

Do you think. Do you feel comfortable telling me what you think? One of them costs? Like, is that a product?

For now, it's going higher because there's so few that people are trying to get these.

Wow.

Would you ever put this on your bag? You can be honest. Because I wouldn't.

I think I wouldn't. But not because I'm better than that and not because I'm above it. I just.

It's not your style.

I don't think I ever hung a lot from a bag. Even when scarves started being tied around bags. Oh, yes.

People are adding things to bags and chains a lot. But you've never been a chain adding bag girl.

No.

Okay, so SJP's not putting a labubu on her purse.

But once again, not because I don't care for it or think it's silly. Everybody do what you want.

Yes. 100% clarification.

I like that. Do what you want. Yes. And now how long has this been happening, this labubu thing?

It's a new trend for sure. I would say this past month it's really popped off. People have had it for a little bit, but it's really.

But you just said something. Did you say popped off?

Popped off, yes. So that means like, really big became big.

Like a thing.

Yeah.

Okay. Viral. Did it go? Did laboon like.

Yes. Mom pop off queen. Oh, my God. Okay, let's go back for a second. You mentioned, obviously your mom and where you guys lived. Everyone obviously knows you as a New York Girl. But you're from Ohio.

Yes, I moved to New York. When? On January 1st of 1977. So I was 11 or 12. Yes.

What was your hometown like?

Cincinnati. Wonderful. We go back to Cincinnati all the time. It is a very impressive, exciting city.

Okay, I'm gonna take your word for it.

It's beautiful. It's beautiful.

Done.

Yeah.

Seven siblings?

Yes. I'm one of eight.

What was the dynamic like in your house like? Was it chaotic ever?

Yeah, it was chaos all the time. It was. My mother, amazingly, survived. My mother just. It was a military operation without any of the infrastructure. So she was really strict and scary and had very high standards. And I'm going to use the phrase that she yelled. But as a parent, I can now recognize it wasn't yelling. It's the level you need to speak at when you're trying to organize packs of people and get people wrangled. But it was, you know, a messy house, a loud house. It was really funny. And there was always a record on or music or the news and. Yeah, like, always something. Yeah, always noise. Always.

Can you describe yourself as a kid?

Very curious. I would probably say that I was nosy as well. Like, I wanted to. I wanted to hear and know everything. I stared a lot of people. Like, I was always looking at everybody. I. I liked any new thing. I liked any chance to get out of the house. I loved going to the theater. Cincinnati has a really incredible theater called the Playhouse in the park. And my father was a stage manager there, so we went to a lot of theater. And University of Cincinnati, their conservatory has an incredible theater department. We went to the ballet all the time. Like, there was a lot of opportunities to be outside, like, literally and psychically.

Eventually you get to New York City. Can you tell me, though, like, once you really start working and acting in your early days, what was the hardest lesson you had to learn in those, like, kind of beginning, big days of acting?

You just don't get the job. You don't get the job. You just audition and audition and audition and audition, and you don't get the job. And it's. There's something about it that's very bleak, sincerely. But it's the very best thing that can happen to you. And I know people kind of frame all conversations about building a career that way, and it's probably true across industries. There's a lot of virtue that we put on failure. And I'm not quite talking about failure. I'm talking about getting better at trying, getting better at auditioning, plain and simple. In my case, just being better at it, maybe being more prepared, maybe being more comfortable, better certainly at not getting the job and having it not like crater you. So the biggest lesson I got from those early days is, yeah, you pick yourself up and you move on. And in my case, you know, I didn't have like, I needed to support myself. By the time I was really on my own, which I moved out when I turned 18, I had a little money in the bank from square pegs, but not a big amount. I knew exactly how much money I had in the bank and I took it out like very judiciously. I tried to get by on $40, like for three days because I just didn't know for sure. I knew I would work, but the investment, the 10 auditions for the one job or the 20, but I just simply think it's really good for us. And I feel like you're so much more equipped even to have this conversation because you're constantly talking to people your age and younger about how to pursue something and have it be meaningful and the difference between that and. And pursuing success. And there's this big chasm that exists between creating a career and having that be your destination and having your destination being success or fame or wealth. And I think they're at odds.

Yes, I agree. There's a lot of times where, when you're talking about getting rejected essentially in these moments, which is so hard when you love something and something is your true passion. And yes, of course, everyone has an ego and it's going to sting, but a lot of times you can turn it around and self motivate again to be like, I'm going to just keep going because this is the thing I want so badly, which I know in your case, like with Broadway and all of it, like, this is who you are to the core. You've wanted this. You want to be performing, right.

In some capacity, but not famous performing, but not rich performing, but not wealthy performing, but not powerful. Like none of that used to exist as, as something you work toward now. I'm not speaking for everybody, but I don't recall any conversation ever for the majority of my youthful career when I was building one that I heard anybody talk about fame or any of the collateral stuff that accompanies that. And I just feel like it was healthier for all of us, you know, and. And I don't Not. I'm not entirely sure I understand what all the other stuff really adds. I mean, there's security and financial gain. There is so much. And it's such a relief to be able to pay your bills. But I don't know.

No. I will add to that. I think a lot of people won. It is way there is more ability to get fame nowadays. It's. It's almost like it's quite accessible, especially with the Internet.

Yeah.

And I think yes. It's almost like take finances out of it. Of course money can help in so many ways. Like that isn't obvious. But fame as a concept, I actually think it's the rise and people getting to it that they think it's going to solve something within themselves. And if you probably ask anyone with fame, how do you feel about the fame? Everyone's gonna be like, well, I love my job, but I hate that part of it. So it's almost like once you get to that top, don't. If you're going for the fame, you're not going to actually feel fulfilled because there's actually nothing within fame.

Yeah. And it's too elusive. You can't. It's unreliable. It's fickle. But I feel like we both have to be so careful. Like there's nothing wrong with wanting to have people know who you are. And I, I. And I think it. All the water. All the water is like very muddied.

Yes. You then eventually got fame. Let's talk about Sex and the City.

[Alex Cooper]

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[Sarah Jessica Parker]

Okay?

[Alex Cooper]

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[Sarah Jessica Parker]

Benefits let's talk about Sex and the City. What was your first impression of Carrie Bradshaw?

I really liked her. I mean, I was, I would say more than even liking her. I. I just found it very compelling. All I had was the pilot script. I did know who Candace was because I was a New Yorker and I knew about her column in the Observer. We all knew that paper because it was pink, which was unusual for. That's a broadsheet, I think. And somebody had sent me the book and I don't know why. So I was familiar with her work. The script was pretty slight, like it wasn't a long pilot. But first of all, the way she was speaking, like her choice of language. I never seen or heard a woman talk like that. And there was a kind of darkness to the pilot script that I thought was very exciting to imagine. And there is the last moment, as described almost entirely in stage direction is she meets this fellow, big. He gives her a Ride. He says, hey, can I give you a ride? They have a sort of flirty, slightly withholding conversation in the back of a town car. I miss a town car. And do you know what a town car is?

I do. I do.

You guys don't know what a town car is, do you? If you saw it, you two would be town car.

It's cute.

And he. He asks Carrie, you know, have you ever been in love? And she says something flippant to him about. I don't remember what she says. And he drops her off at her apartment. And she gets out, and the camera's as described. I think in the pilot script. The camera stays on Carrie, and she walks toward her apartment door and she quickly turns around and she goes up to the window and she knocks on the window, like, with her knuckles. And he. He rolls it down. And she says, have you ever been in love? And he says, can I curse? Okay. He says absolute lutely. But he doesn't say it like that. He says it beautifully. He says, absolutely. And she turns around and walks back to her door, her door. And his car, I think, pulls away in the background and the camera just freezes on her. And I was like, well, now we got a story. And I just was like, well, where could this. Where could it possibly end? You can just. Whether these two together separately, there's so much. It felt to me that there was a huge amount there.

I have chills you just describing that. I'm like, okay. Like, it was perfect. What did you admire the most about her?

Her kind of candor, her curiosity about sex and sexual politics, which is not like me. I don't talk about that at all, even with friends. I'll talk about it globally, but not. I don't sit and share intimate details of my life that way. I liked that she was sort of circumspect about when she wrote that. She had a kind of thing about this was what happened and how. Well, how does it relate to the world? How does it relate to other women? And I. I admired that she was scrappy, you know, she was like a little survivor. She had, like, instincts to, like, keep her head not always making smart choices and falling short of being the best friend or the best girlfriend or her best self. But I also was very happy that they were writing her that way.

Was there anything that frustrated you about Carrie?

So, no. And yeah. And I say that like slightly chagrined because I know as much as I don't read anything, you can glean that people. There's a Sentiment sometimes that she's frustrating or she's selfish or she makes poor decisions or she doesn't manage her money. Well, yeah, all of that has been true over the course of the last 25 years. But she's also been, like, hugely loyal, decent, reliable, a really good friend. Generous, available, present, comforting. Given of herself in, you know, in big and small ways that are private and public to her and among her friends. And she loves, like, so frustrated. If I were watching her and if I were her friend and I would see a misstep or see her keep repeating something, you know, whatever. However she was choosing to deal with big, I'm sure I would feel frustration or I would feel like. But as an actor playing it, I want all of it. I want all of it. And also, I think we forgive our male characters, our male leads. We have no problem if they're, you know, murderers. You know, like, we have. Honestly, like, so true. My favorite show in that period is Sopranos. Like, it's my. And I love Tony Soprano. Like, I don't know if you guys watch Sopranos, but it's one of the great television shows in the history of American television. But Tony Soprano was a deeply flawed man. But we didn't talk as much about that as we did Carrie having an affair with a married man. You know, it was just very curious to me. Or they'd say, she's selfish. And I was like, I can give you 10 reasons and ways in which she wasn't. And you're, like, hyper fixated on this. So frustrated. No, but I can. I can absolutely understand. If you're along for the ride, you can be like, lady girl.

It's such a good point. I think it's so fair. And I think that's also. A lot of. Even criticism also comes from women. And I think it's just because we criticize ourselves so much.

Yeah, we're very good at that.

Beyond.

Yeah.

A plus in that category. But I think when people are watching, a lot of times I even felt like you really become so obsessed with these women that maybe a lot of the critique is because these. We actually, as viewers are like, no, you're my best friend, Carrie. Like, I'm with you. But, like, we gotta get it together. Yeah.

Gotta get it together here.

You, as an actress, being like, oh, I loved her. And I. But I so get where you're coming from. Like, doesn't bother me.

And I. I think that the way you characterize that. That kind of voice frustration is so wonderful. Even if they're mad Even I feel like, gosh, to be part of something that is. That people have such strong feelings for and against. And those feelings can change and they think they're made. They've made decisions about people, and then the people surprise them. And Carrie matures too. But there wouldn't really be a show if she had been a more stellar, consistently stellar human being. There's no. There's. That's. That's it. The end.

Done. Yeah, done at the pilot.

Yeah.

See you all. Bye.

Yeah.

The show really celebrated female confidence behind the scenes. At that time in your life, how did you feel about yourself?

Probably the same level of confidence one feels on their best day and the lack of it that one feels on a middling or your worst day. And I do think that being on a television show in particular that grabs people's attention was probably a real test of coping, like my coping mechanisms, because I wasn't prepared. And this was before social media, so I really wasn't prepared for public commentary. And I think that is. That was really unpleasant at times where people would have opinions, not about the work. You. Everyone's allowed to. Everyone's a critic. But at the time there were fewer of them and they had their feelings about the show. And sometimes I felt like. We all felt like, well, you're not really. You're misunderstanding, but that's a separate thing. That's like an academic conversation. It was the personal stuff that I was really not prepared for. So at that time, I thought I was a fairly confident person. Not boastful, not. It wouldn't be a confidence you could detect. It was just the way you get up every day and try to get on with your life and take care of yourself and the people you care about and love. But I think it really comes into question and is tested when. When you're kind of filleted in a way, when you're opened up. And I know you know this, we're better for those kinds of experiences, but not all of us are good at it right away.

And it doesn't mean it doesn't hurt.

Yes. And I think that was the thing, is that up to that point, I would just. I just never had people have. And there was no chatter about me. There was no chatter about me. There was just my work.

What were some of the comments that would be the hardest that got you?

I think just discussions of my physical person, like stuff that I couldn't change and wouldn't change and had never considered changing or even still after hearing something that was like what somebody would say that even still no interest in changing it. And also. And I think, once again, you can appreciate this. And you. I feel like you found a better way. I didn't feel like it was actually a conversation. I didn't feel like I could sit in a room and someone would say to me, you're really unattractive. And then I could say, wow. Well, first of all, that's, like, hard to hear. But second of all, why are you. Why do you seem angry about it? Or why do you feel it's necessary to comment? Say it. To comment. And I think it was really only one time, and I don't really remember specifically the occasion, except it was brought to my attention that a magazine said something really, really mean about, you know, who I am, how I look. And I was like. I was like someone. It was like a kick in the rubber parts. I was just like, why? Why is this a problem? Why is this deserving of your time? And why do you seem to delight in saying it? And I called my friends, two of my friends who happened to be male, because I knew that they might know about it. And I was just like. I was sobbing because it felt so purposeful. And I think that's the only time I really cried about it. And I think it was just like an accumulation of maybe a season of that kind of commentary, which nobody was trying to make me aware of it. But it gets. But, you know, it gets back. It gets in.

It's interesting, though, because like you said how maybe there it is a little different now. Like, in my position, yes, I can, like, come on and speak like this, but, like, back then, I. The analogy you use was so interesting, where you're like. I feel like I'm, like, being put out basically, like a filet almost. And it's just like, I'm getting seared and I. And then. And you're an actress, so you're not. You're playing this character. People are commenting on you. You're going to the grocery store, you're seeing your face on magazines. They're giving commentary on your list.

In the day of magazines, oh, my God.

And then you just have to go back to work. Whereas now, yes, we can go online and I can make a whole episode about it of, why do we feel so comfortable commenting on women's bodies? Why do we feel like women have to actually look like a statue where we celebrate men and a beer belly? And it's like, everyone's like, he's hot. And it's. Yeah, it's just the Double standards are insane.

Yeah.

And talking more about it. I appreciate you sharing that, because I think, like, so many women watching this would be like, wait, what? You're literally one of the most beautiful men in the world. Like, what does that. And yet here we are. We can never be good enough for the standard. So at what point do we actually just be like, you have to just let it go.

But it's so hard. I think maybe you. There's, like, a threshold where maybe, you know, crying about it because it just seemed so cruel was, like, done. I do wonder, like. And I'm sure you've said this, and anyone who's been criticized, you can't help but wonder. I couldn't help but wonder. Sorry, would you say it to my face? Would you?

[Alex Cooper]

They will never.

[Sarah Jessica Parker]

I don't know. Anyway.

Mic drop. You were already married by the time you started filming Sex and the City.

I just got married the night before. Like, we were married. I told Darren we were supposed to start sooner. And I said, I'm gonna tell you a secret, Darren, but I'm getting married on May 19. But we don't really want to share that publicly, so can we start shooting? And I was doing a musical on Broadway at the time also. So the show closed, and the next day I started shooting. So the show closed, I think June 1st, and the next morning, Monday morning, I started shooting the show. So I was 10 days married.

Before that period of your life, how did your dating Life compare to Ms. Carrie Bradshaw?

It didn't compare. It doesn't compare at all. It was much less colorful, less busy. I dated, but I would be. I would meet someone and date, and then that would be a relationship, you know, it lasted seven years, you know.

You were a relationship girl.

Yes.

Did you have a type?

No. No.

You were?

No. I don't really think I have had it. I don't think I have a type.

Do you think you and Carrie would have ever dated the same man?

Yes, I do.

Big was always sending Carrie mixed messages, obviously, eye roll. But I. I feel like we all have that one guy that we gave too many chances to. What was a moment in your dating life where you realized, like, okay, I actually, like, have to cut this off. Like, I've given this person too many chances.

The first person that I really had a really lovely boyfriend at the end of high school. Like, really spectacular human being. And then I met somebody else who was also really interesting and exciting and a dazzler and had no interest in being in a relationship. And I was really, really really young and so that, like, I was like, what do you mean? What? How? Well, I was so I just couldn't believe it. So that was an appropriate heartbreak. Like, that was a good old fashioned sitting by the phone. Today's gonna be different. This is today's day and. But after that, I met a fella.

And.

You know, he was handsome, but he. He was not the best choice for me. And I think it was too many conversations that were not fruitful. Like, they didn't. They were a waste of time. And I actually, I appreciated that he was a beautiful, handsome man that people said, my God, he's handsome. But I discovered I don't. I didn't care. I don't care if we cannot speak, if we can't. Right.

You're like, what are we doing? What are we doing now? You're beautiful. But, like, at what point am I now going to bed like, I'm lonely.

Yeah. We haven't spoken when there was nothing. Yeah.

There's just nothing there. Yeah, I know. Ladies, like, looks only go so far. You need the depth, you need the connection. I think that's so relatable.

Humor and intelligence and complexity and surprise.

Him being interested in you.

Yes.

Asking follow up questions.

Yes. Follow up questions. The simple thing was there were just. Anyway. Not a bad person.

Just not right for you.

Yeah.

If you needed relationship advice, who from the core four would you want to call in the show?

I suppose if you just want someone to comfort you, you reach. You'd call Charlotte.

Yes.

You know, because she's so naturally comfortable. I'm going to say she's maternal in the. Because she is. She is actually maternal. The character is. And it's a. But it's like a source of pride that she can soothe. I think if you want, like, sound harsh. Not. Not harsh. Sound firm. Miranda. And then if you want some nuance and like, you want to open it up to a larger conversation. Carrie.

[Alex Cooper]

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[Sarah Jessica Parker]

Like, oh, my God, what's that?

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[Sarah Jessica Parker]

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[Sarah Jessica Parker]

Yes.

[Alex Cooper]

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[Sarah Jessica Parker]

Sex in the City was essentially, I feel like the first time on television that women talked about sex and pleasure in a really open way. How do you think the conversations on the show actually allowed women to have more sexual agency in real life?

I mean, I, I guess what I could tell you is that probably about a year into the show airing, I could see evidence of its, the way it was impacting New York City. Say you'd see groups of women all of a sudden in tables leaning into each other, not leaning in, which I can't stand the phrase, but I mean physically like clustered. And you'd see them in fours walking down a sidewalk like lined up like, almost like a piece of equipment, which I'd never really now maybe I was like hyper vigilant because of what we were doing all day long. So, and then just the anecdotal stuff of all the women that just came up to me and said all these years, you know, I, I was allowed to be me. I have different relationships because what I saw, I wanted, I wanted to talk. Or perhaps more so importantly, the multiples, the thousands who have said to me over the years, that's me. That Was me. I never heard somebody say on television or in cinema, talking with my friends, like, the way we talk, the way the truth of the way we. We conduct our relationships, which is all intimacy, it's all sharing, it's all needing, it's all helping, it's all truth, it's all hurting each other. So I think like, that combination I'm aware of, but I think the larger, like, where does it sit? How has it. I think I'm just like, I'm not able to see it.

And I think that's so fair. I also think, like, it's probably also easy to digest in those moments when you meet a woman on the street and she shares that with you. Like, that's amazing. That's beautiful. I'm so happy a piece of work and art that I've put together with a group of people has impacted that way. Like, I think for me, I remember the way that comedy was used to lighten the conversation for women around something that historically has been so taboo.

Yeah, it was.

It almost makes you think when you're in your room at night watching it, if you're alone or with your friends, you're like, why do I feel so awkward to talk about something that should be liberating if I want it to be right? Like, if you want to engage in that capacity.

Yeah.

And I felt like for me, even at the genesis of starting, call her daddy. Like, I remember that in the back of my head, even of like feeling empowered to just go for it because I knew that had impacted the way that I felt comfortable. So if I now do a new iteration on my show, other women hopefully will continue to feel more liberated. And so I also think the lack of shame, I think the debriefs with women was such a beautiful element of freedom it gave to women to be like, they're. Why can men just so casually talk about sex? Like, for women, if you want, you can also be celebrated and enjoy it. So there was so many nuances to it, which I completely understand. It's like, where do we begin? You could do a million part series on it. But I just wanted to tell you, like, it changed my life. So thank you.

Well, it's good writing and it's great that they stuck. Not stuck with it, but it's great that they, the writers, like felt convinced of the idea and, you know, then you, you do with it what you want.

Yes. Obviously the show is really based in these beautiful friendships. And I have to bring up because I've obviously hung out with him. He Came on my tour. Mr. Andy Cohen. You guys are close friends, and I feel like people are obsessed with your guys friendship.

It's quite funny.

What is his best quality as a friend?

There's multiple. And Andy has talked about this both in his books and on the air. Andy has said yes to everything. He has, like, gobbled up life. He's tireless. He wants to taste it, experience it, see it, hear it, know it, travel to it. He has a, A, a very attractive joie de vivre. And he is very proud of his friends. He's very always noting people's accomplishments. Always. We had a club years and years ago of everybody downtown. It sort of fell apart because people moved and stuff. But it was called the Nitwits. And we would meet and there was the deputy, there was the vice president, there was a president, there was a secretary, there's a treasurer. And then Andy would write the letter to the group like once a month. It was the Nitwit's newsletter. And the entire beginning or the majority of the text of the body of the work was everybody's accomplishment over the last month. Everybody's success story didn't have to be a big deal, you know, to the wider world. So that's just his nature. And I think that's why he loves parenting so much and why it felt so necessary for him to be a parent was to be involved in somebody else's life. Because he, you know, as much as his reputation and his public profile is wrapped around, you know, women that sometimes, you know, fight or behave poorly or whatever, and he's a good shitster and he knows how to do it on the show. His nature is to be, you know, up here and uplifting. Yeah.

Okay. This is a little bit of a pivot, but I do want to just quickly ask you, because I know a lot of women are listening, do you have any advice for women who want kids but are also afraid that they may fall behind in their career?

What do you say to them?

I mean, I just recently talked about this. I think it's like being really in tune with yourself because I think the reality is, as a woman, I. It is going to be different, but hopefully in a beautiful way, different. Right. And I had spoken about with my husband that we thought we wanted to try this past year, and now I realize I'm not ready and that's okay. And I felt shame and weird about it and I was upset with myself just because I was like, how was I so sure about something? But really, I want to. I have so much more. I want to be selfish with. And I think as women, it's hard to be selfish.

Yeah.

And it goes against our being. So I want to be selfish a little bit longer, and I think that's okay. So my advice is take your time. I don't think there's ever a perfect time, but listen to yourself and don't allow exterior factors to impact you.

Just in general, that's just. Oh, that's outside of fertility issues or thinking about planning a family. That's really good, in my opinion. It's really good. I couldn't agree more. And I think the most important thing that I think you said, well, no, it's equally important to other things is there's no right time. Because that's what makes it so confusing for yourself and for so many women. You think, okay, I'll just accomplish this, and then it'll be a better time. And then maybe you are. You do it. You accomplish that, and you think, but wait a second. But because of those accomplishments, now this opportunity exists, and I'm not quite ready because I know I won't be able to be the same professional person. So I would say, first of all, there's not a right time. So you have to kind of keep looking at your life with honesty. And also, it's really nice to have somebody to talk about it, too, with whom you can speak about it doesn't have to be partner, because a lot of people are choosing to have families without having somebody to talk to. I think that because we. I think we spend a lot of time with fear and anything that's complicated in our heads, and the minute we can talk about it, oh, my gosh, it feels so much better. So I think finding somebody to talk to who you trust and, you know, like you said, just beating yourself up is. Is. It really isn't like you're spending so much time trying to make good decisions and right decisions for you and for potentially have a baby, you know? So be decent to yourself about it.

[Alex Cooper]

Be decent.

[Sarah Jessica Parker]

Let's talk about. And just like that, we're back.

We're back.

What was it like returning and playing Carrie? Cause, like, I was thinking about it, you've been. You were gone, obviously, for a while on the show, and now you guys have been back. But, like, is it weird? Does it feel the same? Like, how. How do you feel?

Well, when I first started talking to Michael Patrick about it, it was March of 2020 or April of 2020, and I started talking to him about potentially doing a podcast because we had. He and I had never talked about what it took to make the show. And I thought it was a nice idea to kind of do, like, or could be potentially interesting to do, like, an all access backstage pass to, like, really what. How do you produce this show? And in the course of those conversations, he said, why aren't we just doing the show again? And I said, wow, I can't believe you said that. Because every time I had to come up prior to that, it just never felt like the right time. But when we were all at home, I felt like everybody was looking for home in a way that they weren't experiencing in their home. And that meant their friends, like, what people really missed outside of, like, being with family, which for some people was a really great experience, but they missed their friendships outside of their family. And. And we thought, well, that's why it's right now, because everybody's looking for home. And Carrie's always been looking for home. And the way she tries to find that is with her friends. Like, how do they guide you home? And so in theory, it felt really good. It was terrifying. I mean, the table read was so happy. We were all so happy to be together again. Like, it was a perfect day. But I was really nervous for the first two weeks, three weeks of our first season. And I am typically, anyway, at the top of every project. Doesn't matter how many times I've played a part. You just are constantly like, is this how I walk? Is this how I talk? Is this. No. Is this how she walks? Is this how she talks? Does she run this way? What's. What feels right and correct now. So that's just the way I examine everything anyway.

But did you watch any of the old Sex in the City to remember anything?

No, I've never seen most of it. I've never watched the show. I watched it in the beginning, and there was a period in which I was getting dailies and rough cuts from the studio. But I finally begged off because, A. I wasn't keeping up. Michael Patrick wanted. He's like, you've got to watch. You've got to give me notes. You've got to watch it. And then I realized that I wasn't being helpful because it was so unpleasant for me to watch myself that I couldn't see the work completely. And that's not a good producing partner. I was able to be a partner in lots of other ways. So I would say easily by second season, I wasn't watching at all. And I've never seen almost anything I Saw the final episode ever because Michael had a screening of it live as it was happening live, which was pretty incredible. But that just was an opportunity for all of us to be together. And I think the only time I understood that the show was in the world in the way it was because we had been so kind of purposefully cloistered from too much chatter, you know, peripheral, blah, blah, blah. So was. I came home from seeing that episode, and that was season six. So I hadn't seen almost anything up to that point after season one. And we turned on the. We were just. The news was on. And under the. What do they call that?

Yeah, like the banner. Yes, news banner.

It said, Carrie ends up with Big on cnn. And I was like, they know who Carrie is, and they know if they say Big, what that means. And John, maybe. They said John. And I only then thought, wow, that's making a big assumption that there's going to be people in the broader world that know who Carrie is.

They do, honey. Oh, they do. Did you. Of all the years that you were away from her, did you miss her? Or were you for a while at ease with, like. Yeah, it's okay.

I always feel good when we stop because I feel as if Michael has been so clever about, like, if somebody said to me, do you miss her? I'd say, like, I know. I think she's. Well, you know, we'd leave a season. I'm gonna cry or a movie. And I would think. But she was. She seemed really well last time I saw her, you know, So I always felt like he left her in. In. In not in good hands because she's in her own hands, but having sorted things out and finding a kind of contentment that is sustains a person. And those friendships I trusted would remain even if they change and they do. So I didn't miss her. I always felt that Michael. That we, you know, did right by.

Her in this moment because I feel like it changes. Right. What do you hope your legacy will be within the Sex and the City franchise era?

Gosh, I never thought about me. Suppose I hope the work is good. Like, I really do care about the work. And I think I care because of the audience. Like, I feel such a debt of gratitude that that will never be able to be paid back properly. So the work matters because for all these years, people have paid to have us in their home. They've actually paid to have us in their home. And they were the gang of 10 million. From the beginning, it was slow, but they were. They were as much A part of the show as we were. And so I feel, for me, the work that has been so important to me is in large part about the audience's work and time spent with us, which is equally as important. And the two cannot. We can't exist without them and the commitment they've made. And so therefore, I made a commitment that I would care about every little detail. And some people make fun of me on the set for the kind of vigilance around detail, but I think it all adds up and the audience sees and knows it all better than I do. So that's beautiful.

Last question.

Okay. Really? Oh, that's so sad.

I know. I know. I could stay here all day with you.

No, no, no. You gotta go home.

In what ways has playing Carrie Bradshaw shaped you as Sarah Jessica Parker?

Well, I suppose in ways that don't really matter. In ways that matter. So sometimes on a seemingly surfacey level, and then more so in ways that matter. The idea of breaking rules. I think I learned very early that Carrie is a rule breaker. And when she's doing it sartorially with clothing, it's. People love it. And then sometimes when she does it in her interpersonal relationships, it's been not as successful, or it has been because she was willing to risk convention and be herself. So I would say I came to look at rules different because I was somebody that always followed rules. Like I really did believe in them because I felt that they were like a kind of constant that was good for us. And Carrie didn't always. And there was a lot that came that made her life better by being completely herself. But I'm wary, you know, I wasn't unaware of the ways in which it was harmful, even if briefly. So that. And I would say that though none of us have the time that she has had to devote to friendship, I so admire the way that friendships are, like, foundationally the most important thing. And a lot of us have spent a lot of time working, and I always have had friends that were important to me. But I was envious of the way, the time and the way she took care of those friendships. And it made me want to be a better friend. It taught me, even if I wasn't able to mimic it because life doesn't give us time to have lunch all the time with our friends. But even if you put aside that kind of luxury of time and leisure, it's still, like. It's still something to aim for.

I agree. I cannot thank you enough for sitting down with me. I feel like I'm in a dream right now and I don't know when I'm gonna wake up. But like, this has truly been such an honor. Like, again, I just have to reiterate it, like from me starting call her daddy to now actually getting to sit down with you. I have chills. I've had so many chills throughout this interview. Thank you so much for giving me the time and sitting down with me. It's it.

Thank you for having me. Thank you. And I'm really, really proud of you.

Thank you.

And it sounds like you're so, you're, you're, you're so healthy about the, the way that you're looking at your life. And I'm sure it's a huge source of comfort to a lot of women that listen to you who are also contemplating in their lives some similar things. But also, even if they're not, it's like guideposts. So thank you for the way that you have connected with millions and millions of women and men.

Yes, men. We didn't forget about you.

And thank you for having me and being so hospitable and lovely. It was a real treat.

We did it.

And safe travels home.

Thank you.

We did it.

[Alex Cooper]

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