Summary
- Sarah Jessica Parker's iconic role in Sex and the City launched her career to new heights, earning her multiple awards and cementing her place in pop culture.
- Before her Sex and the City fame, Parker showcased her versatility in various TV shows and movies, including Hocus Pocus, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, and The First Wives Club.
- From her early Broadway debut to her comedic roles on TV and in films, Sarah Jessica Parker's easy charm and talent as an actor have made her a beloved figure in Hollywood.
For over 25 years, Sarah Jessica Parker has been a household name thanks to her career-defining role in HBO's Sex and the City. The six-season comedy-drama series chronicles the misadventures of Carrie Bradshaw (Parker) and her New York City pals — Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon), Charlotte York (Kristin Davis), and Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall). But Sex and the City is only one of Sarah Jessica Parker’s best TV shows and movies. Over the course of her career on screen, which started in the 1980s, the beloved actor and producer has garnered six Golden Globe Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards.
Before Parker hit it big on the silver screen, she made her Broadway debut in The Innocents at age 11, before going on to star in the titular role of Annie in 1979. Parker transitioned to film with a supporting part in 1984’s Footloose. While the musical drama was a natural leap for the Broadway actor, Parker really showed off her comedic chops on television with a lead role in the short-lived sitcom Square Pegs. From rom-coms like Failure to Launch to dramedy flicks like Smart People, Parker has gone on to display her versatility as an actor.
Carrie Bradshaw opened the door to Emmy and Golden Globe wins...
After Sex and the City debuted on HBO in 1998, Parker — who also produced the series — didn’t have as much time for other roles. Of course, seeing as how Carrie Bradshaw opened the door to Emmy and Golden Globe wins, it’s hard to imagine Parker was upset by the turn of events. The enduring series has even spawned two feature films and a revival series, And Just Like That…, all of which reiterate the original Sex and the City’s importance in pop-cultural history.
Given the massive impact of Sex and the City, it’s easy to forget that Parker had a string of other remarkable roles in the ‘80s and ‘90s. From Honeymoon in Vegas and The First Wives Club to Mars Attacks! and Miami Rhapsody, Sarah Jessica Parker starred in genre-spanning films alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names. On TV, Parker has continued to crop up in mainstream hits like Glee and critical gems like HBO’s Divorce. Although not every project has been a hit, Sarah Jessica Parker always brings a certain easy charm to her roles, making her a beloved actor.
10 Ed Wood (1994)
Dolores Fuller
As the title implies, Tim Burton’s 1994 biographical comedy-drama centers on cult-favorite filmmaker Ed Wood (Johnny Depp). Burton’s movie chronicles the period of time in which Wood produced his most acclaimed works alongside collaborator Bela Lugosi (Martin Landau). Sarah Jessica Parker co-stars as Dolores Fuller, Ed’s soon-to-be ex-girlfriend. While Dolores takes issue with Wood’s identity and breaks things off with him, Parker remains a memorable part of the well-received movie. Funnily enough, Burton’s Ed Wood is all about a director with a singular artistic vision — one who dares to resist the boxes others (and Hollywood ad execs) thrust upon him.
Ed Wood
Tim Burton's 1994 biographical movie Ed Wood recounts the real-life story of the infamous B-movie director behind disastrous films such as Plan 9 From Outer Space and Glen or Glenda. Johnny Depp stars as the titular filmmaker, with Martin Landau as famous horror actor Bela Lugosi, and Sarah Jessica Parker and Patricia Arquette as Ed's girlfriends.
- Director
- Tim Burton
- Release Date
- October 7, 1994
- Writers
- Scott Alexander , Larry Karaszewski
- Cast
- Johhny Depp , Sarah Jessica Parker , George "The Animal" Steele , Patricia Arquette , Martin Landau , Bill Murray
- Runtime
- 127 minutes
9 Square Pegs (1982–83)
Patty Greene
Airing from 1982 to 83, Square Pegs centers on awkward teens Patty Greene (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Lauren Hutchinson (Amy Linker). Eager to fit in with their high-school peers, Patty and Lauren are just two of a group of eccentric freshman students. Although Square Pegs is something of a forgotten classic now, it was created by former Saturday Night Live (SNL) writer Anne Beatts, and allowed Parker the chance to flex her comedic chops on the small screen. Although Square Pegs lasted just 20 episodes, the PEN15 of the 1980s marks a crucial moment in Parker’s career.