Carrie Bradshaw once famously said, “I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes.” But the reality of Sarah Jessica Parker’s life is quite different from her sassy and fashionable character. The confident 58-year-old actor is facing criticism from online trolls who can’t seem to understand why she doesn’t mirror her on-screen persona. However, Parker, who embraces aging naturally and gracefully, responds by saying that vanity has no place in her busy and fulfilling life. Let’s dive deeper into what the lovely Sarah Jessica Parker has to say about the power of aging.
Embracing Practicality over Glamor
In her iconic role as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, Sarah Jessica Parker set fashion trends and turned heads with her bold and unconventional looks. However, in real life, Parker has always preferred a more practical style, which doesn’t always resonate with the demanding public.
“It’s not the way I perceive myself, I’m so low on my priority list,” Parker explains. Despite having access to a wardrobe full of beautiful clothes, she often returns them the very next day because they don’t truly reflect her personal style. Being a mother raising three children while at the height of her career, Parker’s focus has always been on what truly matters to her, not on meeting society’s expectations of glamour.
Fighting Back Against Misogyny
Unfortunately, Parker has been a target of harsh criticism and misogyny throughout her career. In 2008, she was named the “Unsexiest Woman Alive” in a Maxim poll, a title that she didn’t take lightly. In response, she highlighted the absurdity of the judgment placed on her. “Am I really the unsexiest woman in the world? Wow! It’s kind of shocking when men… It’s so brutal in a way,” she expressed.
Even in recent years, as Parker has embraced her natural graying hair and opted for a makeup-free look, she received unnecessary comments about her appearance. However, her friend and fellow TV personality, Andy Cohen, stood up for her, calling out the double standards and misogyny that were at play.
Standing against unrealistic beauty standards, Parker shares, “There’s so much misogynist chatter… Why is it okay for him [referring to Andy Cohen]? ‘She has too many wrinkles, she doesn’t have enough wrinkles.’ It almost feels as if people don’t want us to be perfectly okay with where we are, as if they almost enjoy us being pained by who we are today, whether we choose to age naturally and not look perfect, or whether you do something if that makes you feel better.”
Celebrating Accomplishments beyond Appearance
Despite the criticisms and judgments, Sarah Jessica Parker’s impact and influence extend far beyond her appearance. In 2022, she was recognized by Time as one of its “100 most influential people in the world.” Alongside her successful acting career, Parker has also ventured into various creative endeavors. She owns her own designer brand, SJP, which began with shoes, and has expanded into other fields such as TV production, publishing, fragrances, and even a wine label.
In her personal life, Parker found love with Matthew Broderick in the early 1990s, and their marriage has stood the test of time. When asked about the secret to their successful marriage, Broderick expressed his love and gratitude for Parker, acknowledging that their long-lasting relationship feels like a blessing.
Embracing the Reality of Aging
Reflecting on her own appearance and the pressure to conform to societal standards, Parker shares her perspective with honesty and acceptance. “I know what I look like. I have no choice. What am I going to do about it? Stop aging? Disappear?” she says.
Sarah Jessica Parker is a prime example of a woman who embraces the reality of aging and focuses on what truly matters in life. She doesn’t let the judgments of others define her and instead celebrates her accomplishments and the contributions she makes beyond her looks.
So let’s appreciate the incredible journey of Sarah Jessica Parker and remember that beauty comes in many forms. It’s time to prioritize the valuable contributions individuals bring to the table, rather than focusing solely on their physical appearance.
What are your thoughts on Sarah Jessica Parker’s story? Let’s shift the conversation to appreciating people for who they are and what they achieve. Share your comments below and help us foster a more inclusive and empowering society!
