If you walked into a bar in 1998 and ordered a Cosmopolitan, you weren’t just drinking a cocktail. You were participating in a cultural earthquake. At the center of that tectonic shift was a woman in a power suit who didn't give a damn about your "rules." We’re talking about Samantha Jones. More specifically, we're talking about the samantha sex in the city actress, Kim Cattrall, whose portrayal of the PR mogul turned the "promiscuous older woman" trope into an icon of liberation.
But why is everyone still talking about her in 2026?
Honestly, it’s because the drama off-screen eventually became more legendary than the plots on-screen. For years, fans have been caught in the crossfire of a Hollywood cold war that makes "The Real Housewives" look like a tea party. It’s messy. It’s nuanced. And if you’re looking for a simple "who was right" answer, you're probably going to be disappointed.
The Woman Who Built the Boss
Before Kim Cattrall stepped into those stilettoes, the character of Samantha Jones was just ink on a page in Candace Bushnell’s column. Cattrall didn't just play her; she engineered her. She gave Samantha that specific, breathy cadence—half-sultry, half-business—and a fierce loyalty that anchored the show's core quartet.
While Carrie was busy chasing "The One" and Charlotte was manifesting a gallery-owner husband, Samantha was busy loving herself. "I love you, but I love me more." That line wasn't just a breakup zinger; it was a manifesto. It’s easy to forget now, but seeing a woman in her 40s (and eventually 50s) be unapologetically sexual and professionally dominant was revolutionary for late-90s television.
📖 Related: Isaiah Washington Movies and Shows: Why the Star Still Matters
What Really Happened with the Samantha Sex in the City Actress?
The big question. The one that keeps Reddit threads alive at 3 AM. Why isn't Kim Cattrall part of the "And Just Like That" main cast? Basically, it’s a cocktail of pay disputes, creative differences, and a very public fallout with Sarah Jessica Parker.
For a long time, the narrative was that Cattrall was a "diva." That's a word people love to throw at women who ask for what they're worth. In reality, Cattrall has been vocal about the fact that she felt the power dynamic on set was lopsided. By the time the movies rolled around, SJP was an executive producer. Cattrall wanted a seat at that table—and the paycheck to match. She didn't get it.
Things turned nuclear in 2018. After the tragic death of Cattrall’s brother, SJP posted a condolence message on Instagram. Cattrall’s response was a digital hand grenade: "You are not my family. You are not my friend."
Ouch.
👉 See also: Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett: Why Fans Are Still Divided Over the Daimyo of Tatooine
The 73-Second Miracle
Fast forward to the season 2 finale of the revival. Fans nearly lost their minds when a cameo was confirmed. The samantha sex in the city actress agreed to a brief phone call scene—with strings attached.
- She filmed alone.
- She didn't speak to the other three lead actresses.
- She didn't see showrunner Michael Patrick King.
- She reportedly got paid a cool $1 million for about 70 seconds of screen time.
That is the definition of "knowing your worth and adding tax." It was a gift to the fans, but it was also a very clear boundary. She was saying, "I'll give you the character, but I'm not giving you me."
Life After the City: Kim Cattrall in 2026
So, what is she doing now? If you thought she’d be sitting around mourning her days in Manhattan, you haven't been paying attention. In 2025, Kim made headlines for a move that felt very Samantha: she had a tiny, private registry office wedding in London to her longtime partner, Russell Thomas. No red carpet, no media circus. Just twelve people and a very chic hat.
Professionally, she’s moved into spaces that challenge her in new ways. She’s currently voicing the lead in the BBC Radio 4 drama Central Intelligence, playing a trailblazing CIA operative. She’s also been a face for brands like SKIMS, proving that at 69, she’s still the "sex" in "Sex and the City."
✨ Don't miss: Why Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Actors Still Define the Modern Spy Thriller
The Legacy of the "Lost" Fourth Friend
The truth is, And Just Like That feels a little hollow without her. The show tries to fill the void with new characters like Seema Patel—who is great, don't get me wrong—but you can't replace the specific chemistry that Kim Cattrall brought.
People search for the samantha sex in the city actress because they miss the truth-teller. Samantha was the one who would tell Carrie she was being insane about Big. She was the one who wouldn't judge Miranda for her messy life. Without her, the show sometimes feels like it’s missing its spine.
Why the "Feud" is Actually a Lesson
We love to pick sides. Are you Team Kim or Team SJP? But looking at this through a 2026 lens, it’s less about a "catfight" and more about labor and boundaries.
- Cattrall knew when she was "done" with a character (she famously hated the script for the third movie, which allegedly involved a creepy plotline with Miranda's teenage son).
- She refused to be "bullied" into a project she didn't believe in.
- She prioritized her mental health over a massive payday and nostalgia.
Moving Forward: Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're still holding out hope for a full Samantha return in Season 3 of the revival... don't. Kim has been incredibly clear: "This is as far as I'm going to go." She has officially "said goodbye" to the character while remaining protective of her legacy.
If you want to support the actress today, here is how you can actually engage with her current work:
- Listen to Central Intelligence: It’s available on BBC Sounds and shows off her range beyond the "vamp" persona.
- Follow her on social media: She’s remarkably curated and often shares snippets of her life in the UK and Canada, far away from the NYC paparazzi.
- Rewatch the Original with New Eyes: Look at the scenes where Samantha is the one supporting the other women. It changes the way you view the "diva" rumors.
The story of the samantha sex in the city actress isn't a tragedy about a broken friendship. It’s a success story about a woman who walked away from one of the biggest franchises in history on her own terms and survived to tell the tale. And honestly? That is the most Samantha Jones thing she could have ever done.