He was loud. He was blunt. Honestly, Anthony Marantino was exactly what a show about four overly-analytical New York women needed to stay grounded. When we talk about Anthony Sex and the City, people usually jump straight to the "gay best friend" trope, but that does a massive disservice to what Mario Cantone actually brought to the screen.
He wasn't just a sidekick.
Anthony was a force of nature who debuted in Season 3 as Charlotte York’s wedding planner. Remember that? He was the one who told her, quite famously, that her "pore strip" was a cry for help. It was harsh. It was hilarious. It was also exactly what Charlotte needed to hear in a world of sugar-coated social graces.
From Wedding Planner to Family Member
The trajectory of Anthony Marantino is one of the more fascinating character arcs in the franchise because he was never supposed to stay this long. He started as a foil for Charlotte. He was the high-energy, fast-talking stylist who could navigate the high-society demands of a Park Avenue wedding while simultaneously judging every floral arrangement in sight.
But then something shifted.
He became a staple. By the time the first movie rolled around, Anthony wasn't just "the help"; he was a confidant. The brilliance of his character lies in his lack of a filter. While Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha would spend forty-five minutes over brunch deconstructing a single text message, Anthony would walk in and solve the problem in four words. Usually with a scream.
He represented a specific era of New York City grit. Even when he was dressed in designer gear, he sounded like he just stepped off a bus from New Jersey, creating this wonderful friction against Charlotte’s WASP-y sensibilities. That dynamic—the polished princess and the vocal realist—is arguably one of the most consistent and rewarding friendships in the entire series.
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The Stanford Blatch Rivalry (and Romance)
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: Stanford Blatch.
For years, the joke was that they hated each other. They were the only two prominent gay men in the inner circle, and the show leaned hard into the idea that they simply couldn't stand one another. "Stanford, you’re wearing a pineapple," Anthony once sneered. It was classic.
Then the 2010 sequel happened.
Sex and the City 2 is a polarizing film for many reasons (the desert, the karaoke, the length), but the wedding of Anthony and Stanford is a core memory for the fandom. Liza Minnelli performing "Single Ladies" while Anthony Marantino walked down the aisle in a white suit? It was peak camp.
Some fans felt the pairing was lazy—two gay characters getting together just because they were the only two around. But if you look closer, it actually made a weird kind of sense. Stanford was neurotic and soft; Anthony was aggressive and protective. They balanced each other out in a way that felt like a real, messy New York marriage. It wasn't a fairy tale. It was a partnership born out of shared history and a decade of trading insults.
The Evolution into "And Just Like That..."
When the revival And Just Like That... premiered, the stakes for Anthony changed significantly. The tragic passing of Willie Garson (who played Stanford) meant that the show had to pivot. Suddenly, Anthony was no longer part of a bickering duo. He was a man dealing with the sudden departure of his husband to a monastery in Japan (the show’s creative, if slightly odd, way of handling Garson’s absence).
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This is where we saw a different side of Anthony.
He started his "Hot Fellas" bread business. It was ridiculous, sure, but it showed a drive and a vulnerability we hadn't seen before. He was lonely. He was aging in a city that prizes youth above all else. His relationship with Justin, the younger man who didn't know what a "fanny pack" was, highlighted the generational gap that the new series loves to explore.
Seeing Anthony navigate the dating world in his 60s is arguably more interesting than watching him plan another wedding. He’s still got the bite, but there’s a weariness there now that feels incredibly human. He’s no longer just the comic relief; he’s a man looking for a second act.
Why Anthony Matters More Than You Think
There’s a lot of talk about representation in the original series. By modern standards, the show had blind spots. But Anthony Marantino was a breakthrough in his own right. He wasn't the "tragic" gay character often seen in 90s media. He wasn't a victim. He was a shark.
He owned every room he walked into.
- He redefined the "best friend" dynamic: He didn't just agree with Charlotte; he challenged her.
- He brought physical comedy: Mario Cantone’s background in stand-up meant his timing was impeccable.
- He was a business owner: From event planning to artisanal bread, he was always working.
- He stayed loyal: Through divorces, deaths, and drama, Anthony never left the inner circle.
The legacy of Anthony Sex and the City is built on the idea that you don't have to be "nice" to be a good friend. You just have to be honest. Anthony was the person who would tell you that your outfit was a disaster while simultaneously helping you fix your life.
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How to Channel Your Inner Anthony Marantino
If you find yourself stuck in the "SATC" loop of overthinking every social interaction, there are actually a few lessons to take from Anthony’s playbook. It’s not about being mean; it’s about being direct.
- Stop the "Spiral" Analysis: Next time you're over-analyzing a date, ask yourself what Anthony would say. He’d probably tell you to get a drink and move on.
- Value Directness Over Politeness: New York honesty is a real thing. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is tell someone the truth, even if it’s loud.
- Embrace the Pivot: Whether it's a career change or a sudden life shift, Anthony shows that you can start over at any age. Even if it involves sourdough.
- Loyalty is Non-Negotiable: He stuck by Charlotte through her toughest moments with Trey and her joy with Harry. Be that friend.
Anthony Marantino remains one of the most quote-able characters in television history. He provided a bridge between the glossy, aspirational world of the Upper East Side and the loud, frantic energy of the "real" New York. He didn't just fill a seat at the table; he shook the table until everyone started paying attention.
To truly understand the show, you have to look past the four leads. You have to look at the people who kept them in check. That was Anthony. He was the reality check in a world of Manolo Blahniks and Cosmopolitans. He was, and still is, the loudest voice of reason in the room.
If you're looking to revisit his best moments, start with Season 4, Episode 2, "The Real Me." It’s Anthony at his absolute peak, navigating the chaos of a fashion show with the kind of frantic brilliance only Mario Cantone could deliver. Pay attention to the way he interacts with the "civilians" vs. the "inner circle." It tells you everything you need to know about his character's hierarchy of respect.
The show may be about the girls, but Anthony Marantino was the one who made sure their parties actually happened on time. That counts for a lot in Manhattan.
Actionable Insights for SATC Fans:
- Watch for the nuance: Re-watch the scene in And Just Like That... where Anthony discusses his fear of intimacy. It’s a masterclass in breaking down a "tough guy" exterior.
- Support the craft: Look into Mario Cantone’s Broadway work; his stage presence is what gave Anthony that specific "theatrical" edge that made the character pop.
- Apply the "Anthony Rule": If a piece of clothing doesn't make you feel like a powerhouse, it's a "pore strip." Get rid of it.