Sarah Jessica Parker, 60, has disclosed that she remains untroubled by criticism directed at her Sex and the City alter ego, Carrie Bradshaw. In contrast to public and peer perceptions—some labeling the character as the “worst ever,” and co-star Kristin Davis reportedly taking such critiques personally—Parker maintained a composed stance.
During an appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends, in conversation with Jenna Bush Hager and guest host Justin Sylvester, Parker acknowledged that while Carrie has undoubtedly had her “controversial” moments, she has never felt frustration or discontent with the character’s decisions or portrayal throughout the HBO series.
When asked by Justin Sylvester whether she ever found herself exasperated by Carrie Bradshaw’s romantic decisions—prompting a reaction like, “Girl, wake up!”—Sarah Jessica Parker responded with a firm “No,” much to the visible surprise of both Sylvester and Jenna Bush Hager.
Parker elaborated, describing the experience of portraying Carrie over nearly three decades as “extraordinary.” She explained, “I try to describe it as being contractually obligated to play somebody else — be somebody else — for about 27 years, to behave in ways which would be illegal if I, as a married person with children, behaved that way in the city or with men.”
Her remarks underscored a clear distinction between the character’s fictional choices and her own personal values, indicating a professional detachment and deep appreciation for the complexity of the role.
Sarah Jessica Parker attributed her enduring enthusiasm for playing Carrie Bradshaw—despite the character’s sometimes polarizing choices—to her creative partnership with Sex and the City and And Just Like That… showrunner Michael Patrick King.
“I feel like I have such implicit trust and faith in Michael Patrick and his extraordinary writing staff,” Parker said. “Though decisions sometimes, I recognize, might be controversial or give people grief or have people have very big feelings, it’s incredibly fun to do. So I really love it.”
Parker originated the role of Carrie in 1998 and portrayed her throughout six seasons of Sex and the City until 2004, followed by two feature films in 2008 and 2010. She currently reprises the character in the HBO revival And Just Like That…, with its third season set to premiere on May 29.
Speaking about the upcoming season, Parker teased a particularly gratifying production experience: “Whether or not this is important to anybody listening, it was a hugely enjoyable shoot. It was seven long months, basically no days off, but there was something incredibly… it felt big and juicy.”
Parker emphasized the camaraderie among the cast and the thematic richness of the new episodes. “We all like being with each other,” she noted. “I could just say the stories are big and it’s a lot about love and sorting your place out in the world and deciding that home is not defined. It’s sort of all those nice big, adult themes, but told with frivolity and seriousness and beautiful costumes in the city we love and great actors.”
She also confirmed that this season will feature new cast members as well as the return of a fan-favorite: John Corbett, who reprises his role as Carrie’s former love interest, Aidan Shaw.#newsafro_
