Sarah Jessica Parker Reveals Hilarious and Refreshingly Honest Insights on Embracing the Joys of Aging

Sarah Jessica Parker on the set of ‘And Just Like That…’ Steve Sands/NewYorkNewswire/Bauer-Griffin/Shutterstock

Sarah Jessica Parker urges individuals to cease fixating on the process of aging. Throughout her life, Parker has consistently expressed her views on society's preoccupation with appearing youthful and emphasized that halting the passage of time is not her foremost concern.

Parker's experience with aging has been evident to fans throughout her career, particularly with her portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City and its reboot And Just Like That.

Upon the premiere of the spinoff in December 2021, Parker, along with her fellow cast members Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis, faced criticism for embracing their natural gray hair and displaying signs of aging.

Parker swiftly denounced the negative reaction, dismissing the criticism as "misogynistic gossip."

In an interview with Vogue for its December 2021 cover story, Parker addressed the disapproval by saying, "They keep fixating on my gray hair. 'Does she have gray hair?' I'm sitting here with Andy Cohen, who has a beautiful head of gray hair, and he looks fantastic. Why is it acceptable for him? I honestly don't have an answer for you folks!"

Sarah Jessica Parker on the set of ‘And Just Like That…’ Steve Sands/NewYorkNewswire/Bauer-Griffin/Shutterstock

Parker expressed to Vogue that she feels it is unlikely that she can win over those who criticize her, even if she were to undergo cosmetic procedures. She believes that there is a desire among people for her to not be content with herself, whether she chooses to age naturally or make improvements through surgery. She acknowledges that she is aware of her appearance and that she cannot change the process of aging, nor can she simply vanish.

Parker Said She’d ‘Look Like a Lunatic’ If She Got Plastic Surgery

In an interview with Elle magazine in December 2010, Parker openly acknowledged the inevitable process of aging, stating, "I'm at a loss on how to combat it. Aging is an ongoing reality for me, and it feels as though I'm constantly observing the wilting of flowers in time-lapse films."

She continued, “But what can I possibly do? Look like a lunatic?” 

She Doesn’t Feel ‘Brave’ for Owning Her Gray Hair

“It has been months and months of discussing the courage I possess for embracing my gray hair,” Parker shared with Allure in June 2022, reflecting on the paparazzi snapshots from the previous year that fixated on her hair. “I implored them to applaud someone else’s bravery in a different realm!”

Sarah Jessica Parker at the 8th Annual New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala Kristina Bumphrey/StarPix/Shutterstock

Parker Doesn’t See Age As ‘Something to Worry About’ 

"I don't actively dwell on my age; it's not a concern for me," she shared with Vogue France during an interview in January 2023. "Maybe it's a form of denial, or perhaps I simply choose not to confront the inevitability of aging."

Furthermore, she remarked, "I don't see the value in trying to halt the passage of time. Certainly, I do prioritize my appearance on occasion and strive to look presentable when necessary. However, ultimately, I have limited control over how others perceive my physicality."

Parker Couldn’t Help But Wonder If She Should Get a Facelift — But Ultimately Decided Against It

Parker admitted in a June 2023 interview on Howard Stern's Sirius XM show that she regretted not opting for a cosmetic procedure known as a face lift. The conversation arose when Stern inquired about the validity of a rumor suggesting that Steve Martin had written a heartfelt note to Parker many years ago, expressing her beauty and potential as a leading lady. This gesture occurred during their collaboration on the 1991 film L.A. Story.

Parker elaborated, "For me, it all started with L.A. Story. Steve Martin actually saw something attractive in me and believed that I could tackle such roles." Stern inquired further, "When you gaze upon your reflection, don't you perceive a visually appealing individual?"

Sarah Jessica Parker at Miami Rhapsody Moviestore/Shutterstock

Parker admitted that she doesn’t “really like looking at myself … I mean I think I’m fine.” 

The actress expressed her thoughts about considering Botox or other cosmetic treatments but questioned whether it was too late. She admitted feeling like she missed out on the opportunity for a traditional facelift that is typically pursued at the age of 44.

Parker hesitates to undergo cosmetic surgery but doesn't criticize those who do. She acknowledges the societal pressure, particularly on women's appearance.

In season 1 episode six of And Just Like That, Carrie Bradshaw contemplated getting a facelift. She consulted with an expert who suggested she could appear "15 years" younger. Carrie reminisced, saying, "Oh, I remember her." Despite the temptation, the writer chose to embrace the past 15 years and wished for her face to reflect that.

She Isn’t ‘Delusional’ About Getting Older

In an interview with Allure in August 2023, Parker revealed her lack of enthusiasm for acquiring a time machine, emphasizing instead her dedication to making minor efforts that contribute to her overall well-being.

She confessed that her appearance doesn't occupy much of her thoughts. "I prefer nurturing myself with grace," she added. "I do have some ego and a reasonable amount of vanity, but I simply don't want to invest a significant amount of time analyzing it. I'm not oblivious. I understand that age takes its toll... I comprehend it."

Sarah Jessica Parker, known for her role in 'Footloose', acknowledges that she frequently needs to examine herself in the mirror for professional reasons. She understands the importance of facing reality and strives to look and feel good, hoping to present herself as presentable to others. However, she acknowledges that people will always have their own opinions, and while she wishes for more kindness among individuals, particularly towards women, she ultimately realizes that she cannot control how others perceive her. As a result, she has lost interest in investing significant time and energy into gaining their approval.