Even the most iconic roles come with unexpected emotional challenges—just ask Sarah Jessica Parker.
Few TV characters have left a cultural footprint as big as Carrie Bradshaw, the shoe-loving, cosmopolitan-sipping columnist played by Sarah Jessica Parker. As the lead in the trailblazing show Sex and the City, Parker quickly became a symbol of modern femininity, independence, and urban glamour. But behind the glitz and fame, the actress has now revealed that watching herself in that role wasn’t as enjoyable as many might assume.
In a recent interview, the Emmy-winning star opened up about her complex relationship with her on-screen persona, admitting that it was often “unpleasant” to watch herself in the role that made her a global icon.
A Role That Changed Television—and Her Life
From 1998 to 2004, Sex and the City reshaped the landscape of television. It was bold, unfiltered, and revolutionary in its portrayal of female friendships, sexuality, and career ambition. Parker, already a seasoned actress, became a household name and a fashion inspiration through her portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw.
While fans couldn’t get enough of Carrie’s romantic entanglements and runway-worthy wardrobe, the experience was very different for the woman behind the character. Watching herself on screen often triggered unexpected emotions.
“It Was Not Enjoyable” — Parker Gets Candid
In the interview, Parker explained that she didn’t often revisit the original series, not because of embarrassment or regret, but due to a sense of discomfort.
“It was so raw for me. I remember what I was thinking, feeling, the choices I made—and I can be so critical of myself.”
This level of self-critique isn’t uncommon for actors, but Parker’s candid admission surprised many fans who assumed she might watch the episodes fondly. Instead, she described the experience as “unpleasant” and emotionally taxing.
Too Close for Comfort
Parker elaborated that part of the challenge was how personal the show felt, not just because she was in nearly every scene, but because of the nature of Carrie’s character—her introspections, romantic missteps, and emotional highs and lows.
Carrie Bradshaw wasn’t just a character—she was a reflection of many women’s experiences. That intimacy, Parker suggests, made it harder to detach from the performance.
Watching it wasn’t like viewing a piece of work—it felt like reliving parts of her life.
The Weight of Leading an Iconic Series
Being the face of one of the most culturally impactful series in TV history brings a unique set of pressures. Parker carried not only the responsibility of leading the cast but also the expectations of millions of viewers who projected their hopes, frustrations, and identities onto her character.
While this made Sex and the City groundbreaking, it also turned Carrie Bradshaw into both a mirror and a magnifying glass for Parker’s own self-awareness.
It wasn’t just about evaluating her performance—it was about evaluating how she saw herself, often under the lens of public scrutiny.
Her Thoughts on the Reboot: ‘And Just Like That…’
Despite her conflicted feelings about the original series, Parker returned to the world of Sex and the City through the reboot, And Just Like That…. The show continues to follow the lives of Carrie and her longtime friends as they navigate new challenges in their 50s.
Interestingly, Parker revealed that she hasn’t watched much of the reboot either. This may come as a surprise, considering the buzz surrounding the show and her continued commitment to the role.
But again, Parker emphasized that her hesitance wasn’t about disliking the series. It was more about being emotionally overwhelmed by watching herself go through deeply intimate and often vulnerable moments—even if they were fictional.
The Double-Edged Sword of Self-Reflection
Actors are often expected to watch their performances to improve, but for someone like Parker—who plays such emotionally rich and autobiographical characters—this can feel more like an emotional excavation than professional reflection.
There’s something uniquely human about what Parker shared. Despite her fame, accolades, and decades-long career, she too wrestles with self-doubt, criticism, and the discomfort of seeing herself through others’ eyes.
Fans See Glamour, She Sees Growth
To fans, Sex and the City represents empowerment, fashion, and fearless conversations. But for Parker, it was also a journey of growth, vulnerability, and learning to live with the parts of herself she saw on screen.
She explained that while she’s proud of what the series accomplished—and grateful for how it resonated with millions—she finds more peace in creating the work than in watching it unfold.
What This Means for Aspiring Actors and Artists
Parker’s honesty holds a powerful lesson: creating something meaningful doesn’t always feel comfortable.
Art—especially when it’s personal—can make the artist feel exposed. But that discomfort often comes from authenticity, and it’s that very authenticity that made Carrie Bradshaw—and Sex and the City—so impactful.
To aspiring creators, her message is clear: it’s okay if your own work makes you uncomfortable. In fact, that might be a sign that you’re doing something truly brave.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Screen
Sarah Jessica Parker’s experience is a reminder that even in the world of fame and fantasy, there is deep humanity. Watching yourself grow—on screen or in life—can be both beautiful and challenging.
As And Just Like That… continues to explore the complexities of life after 50, Parker’s relationship with Carrie Bradshaw evolves too. And while she may never find joy in watching her past performances, her legacy as one of TV’s most relatable and stylish heroines is already etched in pop culture history.