Kristin Davis spent years portraying Charlotte York, one of television’s most romantic and emotionally driven characters. As part of Sex and the City’s original six-season run from 1998 to 2004—followed by two feature films and the revival series And Just Like That—Davis filmed numerous intimate scenes that became part of the show’s cultural legacy.
Given that experience, one might assume she became completely unfazed by filming love scenes. But as Davis recently revealed, even seasoned actors can have moments that feel awkward, exhausting, or emotionally uncomfortable. In a candid discussion on her rewatch podcast Are You a Charlotte?, Davis opened up about one particular Sex and the City scene that stood out—not because it was memorable television, but because it was so unpleasant that it still lingers in her memory years later.
When Experience Doesn’t Make Things Easier
Davis has always spoken openly about the professionalism required on the Sex and the City set. Over time, she became comfortable navigating scenes involving intimacy, vulnerability, and romance—elements that were central to Charlotte’s character arc. Still, not every storyline or scene felt right to her personally.
During the podcast conversation, Davis was asked about an awkward behind-the-scenes moment involving a co-star before filming a love scene. While she chose not to name names or go into explicit detail, she admitted that the memory triggered an immediate feeling of discomfort.
All she could recall was wanting the moment to be over as quickly as possible. While she acknowledged that expressing such feelings might sound unprofessional, she emphasized that it was simply how she felt at the time. What made it worse, she explained, was that she never liked the storyline associated with that particular scene—even though audiences responded positively to it.
Sometimes, Davis noted, an actor can feel completely out of sync with material that others enjoy. That disconnect can make filming already sensitive scenes feel even more awkward.
A Specific Episode That Still Stands Out
Davis was more specific when discussing a different experience from Season 2, in the episode titled “Four Women and a Funeral.” In the storyline, Charlotte meets a man named Ned at a cemetery while attending a funeral. He presents himself as a grieving widower, and Charlotte, drawn to his sensitivity, begins a relationship with him—only to later discover that his grief was largely fabricated.
Actor Kurt Deutsch portrayed Ned, and Davis was careful to clarify that her frustration had nothing to do with him personally. Instead, it was the situation surrounding the scene that made it difficult.
At that stage in the show, Sex and the City frequently flipped traditional dating dynamics. Male guest stars often appeared briefly, sometimes showing up on set only to immediately film intimate scenes with one of the lead actresses. Davis explained that this could be disorienting for everyone involved.
These guest actors weren’t playing fully developed characters; they were often there to serve a specific moment in one episode. As a result, there was little time to build comfort or chemistry before filming scenes that required vulnerability.
The Challenge of Late-Night Filming
One of the biggest factors contributing to Davis’s discomfort during that particular scene was timing. She revealed that the scene was scheduled late at night—around 11 p.m.—which only added to her frustration.
Television production schedules are constantly shifting, and actors often find their days rearranged at the last minute. Davis explained how scenes are frequently moved around like puzzle pieces to accommodate lead actors’ work-hour requirements.
In this case, another cast member’s schedule meant that Davis was called in late to shoot a single intimate scene. While this made logistical sense for the production, it didn’t make the experience any easier for the actor who had to suddenly prepare for an emotionally and physically demanding moment at the end of a long day.
Davis admitted that she was simply cranky. The exhaustion, combined with a scene she didn’t love creatively, made it one of her least favorite experiences on the show.
Being a Team Player on a Major Series
Despite these challenges, Davis emphasized that she always showed up when needed. On a long-running series like Sex and the City, the actors were deeply aware that they were part of a larger machine.
Production schedules, crew hours, budgets, and ensemble dynamics all had to be considered. Davis explained that, as an actor, you don’t always have the luxury of personal comfort. You belong to the production while you’re under contract, and being a team player is essential.
The show’s success depended on everyone doing their part, even when it meant sacrificing personal convenience. Davis acknowledged that this mindset was crucial—not just for the smooth operation of the set, but for maintaining professional relationships.
Charlotte’s Happy Ending Made It Worth It
For fans of Sex and the City, Charlotte’s journey ultimately led to one of the franchise’s most satisfying romantic conclusions. After heartbreak, disappointment, and mismatched relationships, she found lasting love with Harry Goldenblatt, her divorce lawyer, played by Evan Handler.
Their relationship stood in contrast to many of Charlotte’s earlier romances. It was imperfect, deeply human, and built on mutual respect rather than fantasy. Looking back, Davis’s reflections highlight how those earlier awkward or frustrating moments were part of a larger arc that paid off emotionally for viewers.
The discomfort of certain scenes didn’t define Charlotte’s story—but overcoming them helped shape a character whose vulnerability resonated deeply with audiences.
A Reminder of the Reality Behind Iconic TV Moments
Davis’s honesty offers fans a valuable reminder: even the most glamorous television moments are created through long hours, emotional labor, and occasional discomfort. What looks effortless on screen often involves complex logistics and personal challenges behind the scenes.
Her reflections don’t diminish Sex and the City’s legacy—instead, they add depth to it. They show the humanity behind a series that helped define a generation of television storytelling and female representation.
As audiences continue to revisit the show through reruns, streaming, and rewatch podcasts, stories like these enrich the experience, reminding fans that Charlotte York’s romantic highs and lows were brought to life by real people navigating real challenges.