Kim Cattrall’s Journey with “Sex and the City”
Kim Cattrall, known for her iconic role as Samantha Jones in the hit series “Sex and the City,” recently revealed in an interview with The Times of London that she initially turned down the role four times before finally deciding to join the show. Her hesitance was rooted in feelings of insecurity, which she described as “self-inflicted ageism.”
However, Cattrall’s perception changed after joining the show, as she witnessed a cultural shift where women in their 40s were being celebrated as sexy. She embraced the role of Samantha, a character who was unapologetically confident in her sexuality and lived life on her own terms.
Reflecting on her character, Cattrall said, “[Samantha] wasn’t a nymphomaniac, but she was just enjoying the main course while everyone else was nibbling on the appetizers. And it was always on her terms – that I always insisted on.”
Contrary to her on-screen persona, Cattrall revealed that in her personal life, she is the “antithesis” of Samantha, describing herself as a “serial monogamist, and then some.” Despite this difference, she fully embraced the role and brought Samantha to life across all 94 episodes of the show, which aired from 1998 to 2004 and won seven Emmy Awards.
While Cattrall’s portrayal of Samantha garnered critical acclaim, she decided not to reprise her role in HBO’s spinoff series “And Just Like That.” In a recent Variety cover story, she explained her decision to walk away, stating, “It’s a great wisdom to know when enough is enough. I also didn’t want to compromise what the show was to me. The way forward seemed clear.”
Although Cattrall may have moved on from the “Sex and the City” franchise, her legacy as Samantha Jones continues to resonate with fans around the world. Her journey from initial reluctance to embracing the role showcases her talent as an actress and her ability to bring complex characters to life on screen.