SATC Cast: Where Are They Now?
Hello! Today, I've brought this topic to you! Get ready to take a fabulous stroll down memory lane, because we're diving deep into the world of cosmos, Manolo Blahniks, and unforgettable friendships. It's been 27 years since 'Sex and the City' first graced our screens, forever changing the conversation around dating, relationships, and female empowerment. From its groundbreaking frankness to iconic fashion moments, SATC cemented its place in pop culture history, so much so that even after six seasons and two movies, we got a revival: 'And Just Like That...'!
Remember those dinner party debates? "Are you a Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, or Miranda?" Or perhaps you've even dropped the classic line, "He's just not that into you." Yes, the show's influence runs deep! And with the third season of 'And Just Like That...' having recently premiered (or just aired its second season finale, depending on timing nuances from the original text), it's the perfect moment to catch up with the incredible cast who brought these beloved characters to life. So, grab a coffee (or a Cosmo!), and let's find out where they are now!
☆ Topic 1: Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw)
Sarah Jessica Parker, our beloved Carrie Bradshaw, has always been an icon, both on and off-screen! After her initial run as the quintessential New York columnist, SJP didn't just sit back. She graced the silver screen in films like "The Family Stone" and "Failure to Launch" and even returned to her Broadway roots, notably alongside her husband, Matthew Broderick, in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." Talk about a power couple!
Beyond acting, SJP leveraged her fashionista status with her own clothing line, BITTEN, and the much-loved SJP Collection shoe line for Nordstrom's (though SJP was shut down in 2024, her impact on fashion is undeniable!). While she once famously told The New York Times she'd never do TV again, she made a delightful guest appearance on "Glee" in 2012, and later starred in HBO's "Divorce" for three seasons. Of course, she's now back as Carrie Bradshaw in "And Just Like That...", continuing to navigate love, friendship, and loss in New York. Personally, SJP and Matthew Broderick remain one of Hollywood's longest-lasting marriages, showcasing their enduring partnership on and off stage, including their Broadway run in "Plaza Suite" and raising their three children.
☆ Topic 2: Kim Cattrall (Samantha Jones)
Ah, Samantha Jones! Kim Cattrall's portrayal of the sexually confident PR mogul was undeniably the show's breakout, earning her a Golden Globe and multiple Emmy nominations. Post-SATC, Kim has explored various Canadian and BBC TV projects, though none quite matched Samantha's global success. Ironically, she was considered the most famous cast member when SATC first started! She executive-produced and starred in "Filthy Rich" (canceled after one season) and narrated "How I Met Your Father" (also canceled after two seasons).
Kim's headlines have often revolved around her public feud with Sarah Jessica Parker and the tragic death of her brother. Samantha's absence from the initial "And Just Like That..." revival was explained by her character moving to London. However, fans rejoiced when Kim made a brief, but impactful, cameo in the second season of "And Just Like That...", reprising her role as Samantha. She filmed the single scene without her three former co-stars, marking a significant moment for dedicated fans, though she is not in the third season.
☆ Topic 3: Kristin Davis (Charlotte York)
Our sweet, optimistic Charlotte York, brought to life by Kristin Davis, earned critical acclaim and multiple nominations for her portrayal of the group's most traditional, romantic member. While SATC was airing, Kristin also popped up on other huge shows like "Friends" and "Will and Grace." But after that, she didn't appear on another show until 2014, and took a slight step back from acting to focus on activism. She still appeared in films like "Deck the Halls" (with SJP's husband Matthew Broderick!) and Netflix rom-coms like "Holiday in the Wild" with Rob Lowe. She also hosted "Labor of Love" and starred in the psychological thriller "Deadly Illusions."
Of course, Kristin is back in full Charlotte mode on "And Just Like That...", navigating motherhood, friendship, and new challenges. Off-screen, she's a passionate Oxfam ambassador, won the Humane Society's Wyler Award for her animal advocacy, and is a patron of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. In her personal life, Kristin is a loving mother to her adopted daughter, Gemma, and son, Wilson.
☆ Topic 4: Cynthia Nixon (Miranda Hobbes)
Miranda Hobbes, the sharp-witted, cynical lawyer, was a fan favorite, though her storyline in the early seasons of "And Just Like That..." sparked some strong opinions among viewers! (Luckily, by season three, things seem to be turning around!). In real life, Cynthia Nixon is as outspoken and passionate as Miranda, actively advocating for LGBTQ+ rights (she's openly bisexual and married to Christine Marinoni since 2012) and breast cancer awareness (she's a breast cancer survivor and ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure).
Cynthia even made a significant move into politics, running for governor of New York in 2018, where she garnered a respectable 35% of the vote in the Democratic primary. Beyond politics, her acting career has flourished on Broadway, in indie films, and on long-running classics like "Law & Order," where she won an Emmy for a guest role! More recently, you might have seen her in Netflix's "Ratched" or currently in HBO's "The Gilded Age" from "Downton Abbey" creator Julian Fellowes. Cynthia is a proud mother to her two children, Charles and Seph, from her previous marriage, and son Max with her wife, Christine.
☆ Topic 5: The Men of SATC (and AJLT!)
The fantastic men of "Sex and the City" played crucial roles in our heroines' lives, and many have continued their successful careers!
David Eigenberg (Steve Brady): Miranda's enduring love interest, Steve, has been a steady presence on TV, joining "Chicago Fire" in 2012 and appearing in its sister shows like "Chicago PD." Fans are still hoping for a "justice for Steve" storyline in "And Just Like That," as many felt his character got a raw deal in the revival! David is also a father to a son and a daughter.
Evan Handler (Harry Goldenblatt): Charlotte's adoring, often hilarious, husband Harry brought so much heart to the show. After SATC, Evan was well-known for his role as Charlie, the main character's best friend, in "Californication." He's continued to act in shows like "American Crime Story" and "Power" and has happily reprised his role as Harry in "And Just Like That." Evan and his wife Elisa are parents to their daughter, Sofia.
Mario Cantone (Anthony Marentino): Anthony, Charlotte's flamboyant friend and later husband to Stanford, has had a vibrant career in comedy and theater. His one-man show was even a Broadway production recorded for Showtime! He's appeared on Comedy Central roasts and even competed on "The Masked Singer." In 2011, Mario married his partner of 20 years, musical theater director Jerry Dixon.
John Corbett (Aidan Shaw): The ultimate "other guy" to Big, Aidan captured many hearts! John Corbett made a huge splash with "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and its sequel, becoming a box-office success. He's also known to a new generation as the charming dad in the "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" films. A true multi-talent, John has even released two country albums! After a long relationship, he tied the knot with actress/model Bo Derek in 2020. Fans were thrilled to see him return as Aidan in "And Just Like That" season two, though their "five-year plan" left many scratching their heads!
Jason Lewis (Smith Jerrod): Samantha's loyal, loving, and very handsome partner, Smith, was a model-turned-actor on the show and in real life! Jason was a successful model for Guess and Hugo Boss before acting. Post-SATC, he steadily worked on shows like "Charmed" and "Midnight, Texas," and even competed on "Dancing With the Stars." Sadly, Jason did not reprise his role in the revival.
Kyle MacLachlan (Trey MacDougal): Charlotte's first husband, Trey, had a whirlwind romance with her. Kyle MacLachlan was already famous for "Twin Peaks" (Agent Dale Cooper!) before SATC. Since then, he's expertly played sinister characters in "Desperate Housewives" and "How I Met Your Mother" (and its revival!). You can also catch him in "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." and the new Prime Video series "Fallout." Kyle co-owns a wine label, Pursued by Bear, and is married to Desirée Gruber with whom he has a son, Callum.
James Remar (Richard Wright): Richard, Samantha's impactful (and unfaithful) ex, was played by James Remar. James received a Saturn Award nomination for his role as Harry Morgan in "Dexter" and played the patriarch in "The Vampire Diaries." He's found incredible success in voiceover work for numerous animated superhero shows. He even had a small role in the Oscar-winning film "Oppenheimer" and is set to appear in "Dexter: Resurrection" and "It: Welcome to Derry."
Ron Livingston (Jack Berger): "I'm sorry. I can't. Don't hate me." Those seven words and a Post-it note made Jack Berger infamous! Ron Livingston has had continued success, starring in films like "The Conjuring" and "The Time Traveler's Wife," as well as critically acclaimed indie comedy "Drinking Buddies." He also replaced Billy Crudup as Henry Allen in "The Flash" (2023). Ron married his "Drinking Buddies" co-star Rosemarie DeWitt in 2009 and they have two adopted daughters.
Mikhail Baryshnikov (Aleksandr Petrovsky): "The Russian," as Carrie's friends called him, was played by the legendary ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. He was one of history's best ballet dancers before his acting turn. Post-SATC, he's acted sparingly, with a recurring role on "Doll & Em" and an uncredited role in "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit." Mikhail married his long-time partner, ballerina Lisa Rinehart, in 2006, and their daughter, Anna, is now following his acting footsteps!
☆ Topic 6: Farewell, Dear Friends: Remembering Those We Lost
The "Sex and the City" family has also sadly said goodbye to some beloved cast members who left an indelible mark on the show.
Lynn Cohen (Magda): Our favorite no-nonsense housekeeper, Magda, brought so much humor and heart to Miranda's life. Lynn Cohen didn't begin acting until her 50s and gained mainstream exposure as Mags in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire." She continued to act in various films and shows, with her last role in "God Friended Me." Lynn Cohen passed away in 2020 at the age of 86.
Willie Garson (Stanford Blatch): Carrie's loyal, stylish, and perpetually single best friend, Stanford, was perfectly played by Willie Garson. After SATC, Willie had a starring role in "White Collar" and guest spots on popular shows like "Girl Meets World." He adopted a son in 2010. Tragically, Willie passed away in 2021 while filming "And Just Like That," and his character was written off the show in a poignant way.
Frances Sternhagen (Bunny MacDougal): Trey's passive-aggressive, overly involved mother, Bunny, was a formidable character brought to life by the talented Frances Sternhagen, who even earned an Emmy nomination for the role! She had a prolific career in theater and TV, with recurring roles on "The Closer" and guest spots on "Parenthood." Frances Sternhagen passed away in 2023 at the age of 93.
☆ Topic 7: Chris Noth (Mr. Big)
The elusive, commitment-phobic, yet ultimately beloved Mr. Big, played by Chris Noth, was Carrie's great love. Noth has a knack for playing polarizing characters, also known for his roles as Peter Florrick in "The Good Wife" and a cop in "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." He continued to act in shows like NBC's FBI procedural "Gone" and "The Equalizer."
Spoiler Alert for "And Just Like That" Season 1! In the premiere of the revival, Mr. Big tragically dies from a heart attack after a Peloton ride, a moment that sent shockwaves through the fandom and even inspired a Peloton ad!
Important Note: In December 2021, Chris Noth was accused of sexual assault by multiple women, allegations he has "categorically denied." Following these reports, he was written out of "The Equalizer" and the "And Just Like That" season one finale and dropped by his talent agency. After a few years away from the industry, Noth is reportedly returning to the screen in a thriller called "The Block" and has secured new representation.
☆ Questions
Q1. Beyond the main four, which supporting character from "Sex and the City" do you think had the most unexpected career trajectory, and why?
A. While many of the supporting cast members have had impressive careers, John Corbett's transformation from Aidan Shaw to a box-office draw with "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and then a beloved "hot dad" in the "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" series is quite remarkable. He diversified his roles significantly, even venturing into country music!
Q2. "And Just Like That..." brought many characters back, but also faced challenges. What do you think is the biggest hurdle the revival has faced in reimagining these iconic characters for a new era?
A. The biggest hurdle for "And Just Like That..." has likely been balancing fan expectations with evolving the characters for contemporary times. Some storylines, like Miranda's in early seasons, proved divisive, and the absence of Samantha's full presence (due to Kim Cattrall's decision) created a significant void. Recreating the original show's magic while adapting to a new social landscape and managing real-life cast dynamics is a complex tightrope walk.
☆ Conclusion
And there you have it! From groundbreaking discussions about dating to the enduring power of friendship, 'Sex and the City' and its revival 'And Just Like That...' continue to captivate audiences. It's fascinating to see how the lives and careers of this talented cast have unfolded over 27 years. They've given us laughter, tears, and endless fashion inspiration, and their legacies, both as actors and as the iconic characters they portrayed, are truly cemented in pop culture history. Cheers to the cast of SATC for nearly three decades of fabulousness!