Sarah Jessica Parker, a Hollywood icon at the Red Sea International Film Festival
Sarah Jessica Parker, actress, producer, American entrepreneur and editor, was born on March 25, 1965 in Nelsonville, Ohio. It is known worldwide for its emblematic role of Carrie Bradshaw in the cult series Sex and the city (1998-2004), where she embodies a New York columnist passionate about fashion and in search of love. This iconic character, both daring and vulnerable, marked a generation and earned Sarah Jessica Parker an Emmy and several Golden Globes. The series, praised for its modern exploration of relationships, female friendship and the emancipation of women, has strengthened its status as an icon of popular culture. In addition to this performance, she also played in films such as Hocus Pocus (1993), Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) and The Family Stone/Family Spirit (2005). Sarah Jessica Parker is also a fashion figure with her shoe brand SJP Collection and a passionate about literature, having launched in 2016 SJP for Hogartha collection dedicated to the promotion of emerging authors. Married to actor Matthew Broderick and mother of three, she continues to influence cinema, fashion and literature.
Guest of honor of the 4ᵉ edition of the International Film Festival of the Red Sea (RSIFF), which takes place from December 5 to 14, 2024, Sarah Jessica Parker participated in a conversation with the public, sharing intimate memories and deep reflections on her exceptional career, captivating the audience from start to finish.
An entry into scene worthy of Carrie Bradshaw
As soon as she arrived, Sarah Jessica Parker illuminated the scene. She wore a sparkling lilac dress, accompanied by matching satin shoes, a choice that immediately evoked her emblematic character of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the city. “” Sparkling and elegant in the image of Carrie, but with a sobriety which is its own “Commented the spectators.
Modest beginnings in Ohio
Returning to her childhood, Sarah Jessica Parker shared touching details on her modest origins. Fourth in a family recomposed by eight children, she grew up in Ohio after her parents’ divorce. “” My mother was a teacher and my father dreamed of becoming a writer. We didn’t have much, but our imagination was our wealth “She said.
His artistic adventure started at the age of eight with a role in The Little Match Girl (The little girl with matches). “” It was the story of a little girl who is very cold and warmed with matches. I auditioned in Cincinnati with other little girls and I was chosen. This experience marked me: working with a great team, living another life. It’s not that I don’t like my life, but I loved having two. In addition, it allowed me to help my family financially. »»
It was the beginning of a unique course that then led him on the Broadway plates with The Innocents. “” This is how it all started. »»
Sex and the citya universal phenomenon
The major turning point in his career arrived with Sex and the city (1998-2004), a series that has become a real cultural phenomenon. Sarah Jessica Parker evoked this time with emotion: ” At first, it was a small group of writers, mostly women, who wrote the series. At the time, it was new on television: it was feminine, a voice for women, with taboo -free language. Women who talked about their concerns, their work, their loves, their friendships, their marriages … it is the combination of all that which attracted the audience. »»
She continued: ” I think this series is universal, and that is why it had this success everywhere. She made cry, laugh, shout everywhere everywhere. »»
With gratitude, she added: ” I am infinitely grateful to everyone, but especially to the female audience. These are millions of women who encouraged us. Thanks to you all. »»
She said that the success of the series was based more than its glamorous appearance: ” The costumes and fashion were important, but it was only the surface. What really touched people are the stories and the characters. »»
The transition to And just like that
Questioned And just like thatthe rest of Sex and the citySarah Jessica Parker said: ” At the end of Sex and the cityI had just had my son and I wanted to take care of him. Then we made the films Sex and the city 1 and 2. Years later, with friends, we started to chat with Patrick (Michael Patrick King), the possibility of continuing the story.»»
She explained behind the scenes of this decision: ” People think that producing is only a matter of money. Yes, money counts, but you also need a clear vision: know where you come from and where you want to go. We thought, and we said to ourselves: What if we continue? »»
This vision gave birth to And just like that… “” You had to open a new chapter. This is why Big has a heart attack from the first episode. This allowed Carrie to start a new step in her life. »»
She described her return to the sets with emotion: ” It was moving. Some friends were back, others had left. But it was an exciting experience, like opening a new chapter. You will see the rest. »»
Find the balance between public expectations and personal desires
Asked about the roles she likes to play, Sarah replied : “I think that, like many people in this area, I am sometimes looking for things that I don’t even know how to name. I believe that one should not create a character only to meet the expectations of the public, but rather to conceive a role which is first interesting for oneself. If I find a captivating character and I fully invest, the rest will naturally follow. I like to explore characters that I do not know yet, to try new experiences. Of course, I love Carrie Bradshaw, a role that I played so long and that brought me so much. But as an actress, I need to get out of my comfort zone and experience. What motivates me is to play roles that fascinate me and which open me to new experiences ”.
Theater, television and cinema
Sarah Jessica Parker expressed her love for theater, while valuing the experiences offered by television and cinema: ” I like television for the rich stories that I was able to tell, but the theater offers a unique connection with the public. Seeing live reactions is both intimidating and exhilarating. »»
She also mentioned her collaboration with her husband, Matthew Broderick, in Plaza Suite de Neil Simon: ” Working with my husband was intimidating but also extremely happy. We found a producer, but the pandemic interrupted the project for two years. Finally, we played in the United States in 2022, then in London in 2023. It was an experience that I will always cherish. »»
An inspiring producer and mother
Behind the camera, Sarah Jessica Parker was able to establish herself as a producer. “” Producing is not only to manage a budget. It is to be attentive to the details, to create a benevolent environment and to tell rich stories. »»
She added: ” This role has enriched my personal life. Producing taught me to listen, to pay attention to details, and that made me better, including as a mother. »»
A life shaped by books
Sarah Jessica Parker is also a passionate reader. Juror for the Booker Prize 2025, she spoke of the importance of books in her life: ” We were eight children, and my mother forced us to read. We were not allowed to leave the house without a book, even when we did not know yet. When we asked her a question, she always said: Look in your books, you will find the answer. »»
This passion continued in adulthood: “A close friend, a great reader, told me that my readings compensated for my limited studies. “She discovered the edition thanks to this friend and engaged with enthusiasm:” I visited his publishing house. It was great to see young writers telling stories from around the world. »»
Sarah Jessica Parker has also launched her own literary brand, SJP Lit, in partnership with an independent publisher, and she recently read 170 pounds as a juror. “” Books are the key to understanding and feeling compassion with others, their cultures, their religions. »»
A message to future generations
To conclude, she sent a message to young people: ” No matter your field, invest yourself fully. What matters is passion and fulfillment. The work will bring you extraordinary meetings and immense satisfaction. »»
With an exemplary career, a contagious passion and touching humanity, Sarah Jessica Parker continues to inspire generations through her art and authenticity.
Neïla Driss
