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Sarah Jessica Parker | Source: Getty Images
Sarah Jessica Parker | Source: Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker, 59, Accepts Her Natural Aging Just like Her Mother Taught Her

Ayesha Muhammad
Mar 25, 2024
08:00 A.M.
  • Sarah Jessica Parker is marking her 59th birthday!
  • Throughout her career, the "Sex and the City" star has faced harsh remarks regarding her gray hair and wrinkles.
  • Despite facing considerable criticism, Parker opts to embrace aging gracefully, refraining from dwelling on blemishes and imperfections.
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A photo of Sarah Jessica Parker dated December 1, 2023 | Source: Instagram/sarahjessicaparker

A photo of Sarah Jessica Parker dated December 1, 2023 | Source: Instagram/sarahjessicaparker

Happy birthday, Sarah Jessica Parker! The American actress and television producer has turned 59. In January 2023, the world-renowned actress, who still looks elegant and youthful, opened up about aging and how she copes with it.

Sarah Jessica Parker on September 08, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker on September 08, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

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For numerous individuals, the idea of aging and the loss of youthful appearance can be intimidating. Moreover, many companies exacerbate this anxiety by depicting their models as young individuals with flawless skin.

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In response to this, Parker teamed up with Vogue and shared her views on aging. In the interview, she discussed her approach to maintaining healthy-looking skin. She emphasized her preference for a straightforward approach to aging that allows her to feel confident and disregards external commentary.

Sarah Jessica Parker on January 31, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker on January 31, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Being a public figure, Parker has faced scrutiny from the public throughout her life. She has never been one to obsess over every flaw in her appearance and finds it peculiar that others are more concerned about her looks than she is.

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As Parker has grown older, she has observed people fixating on minor imperfections and making a fuss over them, while she remains unfazed by the commotion. With age, Parker has prioritized comfort over appearance, a mindset not always shared by those around her.

Parker offers two pieces of advice regarding healthy skin.

Sarah Jessica Parker on November 09, 2022 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker on November 09, 2022 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, the "Hocus Pocus" star had no idea what the commotion was about. As Parker grew older, she came to prioritize comfort over appearance, a perspective not always shared by those around her.

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Sarah Jessica Parker Opened Up about Her Skin Routine and the Process of Aging

Parker has decided not to cover up her imperfections. The actress opts not to color her hair, citing that it consumes too much of her time. On top of that, the "Honeymoon in Vegas" star said she prefers keeping her skin without any makeup when she's not working.

She expressed frustration with the misogynistic chatter surrounding women's appearances, particularly regarding gray hair.

Sarah Jessica Parker in the West Village on November 3, 2022 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker in the West Village on November 3, 2022 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Given the extensive hours actors spend working and the heavy layers of makeup they often wear, Parker's preference for maintaining clear skin off-set is entirely understandable. She also expressed her enjoyment of going makeup-free, stating,

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"[Not wearing makeup] helps to let my skin breathe when I'm not working. The second reason is that I feel much more like myself when I'm not wearing makeup."

Sarah Jessica Parker and Sarita Choudhury in New York City, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker and Sarita Choudhury in New York City, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Parker offers two pieces of advice regarding healthy skin. Firstly, she suggests not picking at blemishes and imperfections. Instead, she opts for topical solutions and supplements her routine with vitamins and a healthy diet, emphasizing the importance of simplicity. She never gets carried away with products.

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Parker shared her candid thoughts on aging and gray hair during an interview with Vogue in November 2021. She expressed frustration with the misogynistic chatter surrounding women's appearances, particularly regarding gray hair.

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Parker pointed out the double standard, noting how men like Andy Cohen are celebrated for their gray hair while women face scrutiny. "Especially on social media. Everyone has something to say," she remarked, highlighting the relentless criticism faced by women regarding wrinkles and other imperfections.

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Despite the pressure, Parker asserted her acceptance of her appearance, stating, "I know what I look like. I have no choice. What am I going to do about it? Stop aging? Disappear?" Her words reflect her resolve to embrace her natural self and defy societal expectations of perfection.

A photo of Sarah Jessica Parker dated August 2, 2023 | Source: Instagram/sarahjessicaparker

A photo of Sarah Jessica Parker dated August 2, 2023 | Source: Instagram/sarahjessicaparker

Natural and Beautiful Like Mom: Sarah Jessica Parker Talks about the Criticism She Endures

Although many people laud Parker for wearing her hair in its natural gray, she admitted she refrains from coloring it simply because doing so is a constant hassle. When a photo of Parker with gray hair circulated widely on the internet, people consistently praised her decision not to dye her hair.

Sarah Jessica Parker on October 05, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker on October 05, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

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Parker remarked that there had been a prolonged period where she received ongoing praise for her courage in embracing gray hair. She admitted feeling the urge to redirect that applause to someone else.

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Personally, she mentioned her inability to devote time to maintaining her base color every two weeks, stating that it was just too demanding for her. She emphasized that she simply didn't prioritize it enough.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Barbra Parker at the Brasserie 8 1/2 Restaurant, 2001 | Source: Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker and Barbra Parker at the Brasserie 8 1/2 Restaurant, 2001 | Source: Getty Images

However, having gray hair hasn't been all praise for the seasoned actress. Many people criticized her for showing her age. One YouTube user mentioned, "56? She looks older than my gran did at 80." Another remarked, "That photo does make her look like she's 70 though." One Twitter user commented:

"I don't understand how Sarah Jessica Parker is a spokesperson for a hair dye when she always has the worst roots EVER."

Pippin Parker, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Barbra Parker at the Bowery Hotel on February 6, 2008 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Pippin Parker, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Barbra Parker at the Bowery Hotel on February 6, 2008 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

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Despite facing criticism for showcasing her age, Parker views wrinkles and gray hair as symbols of wisdom and experience rather than something to ridicule. She regards her wrinkles as evidence of her proficiency in her craft, acknowledging that aging is inevitable and beyond her control.

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Parker comes from a low-income family with eight children. Barbra Forste, her mother, worked as a nursery school teacher, while her father, Stephen Parker, pursued a career as a journalist and writer. Like her daughter, Forste wasn't afraid to be seen in public with gray hair.

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On multiple occasions, the mother-of-eight appeared with her daughter, flaunting her natural hair color. Clearly, Sarah Jessica Parker seems to have taken after her mother and has learned a thing or two about being her true self and embracing her grays despite the criticism.

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Click here to read another article where Parker gets candid about being married to "the funniest fellow" who thinks she's "wonderful" despite the negative remarks she's garnered over the years.

Sarah Jessica Parker is seen on June 21, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker is seen on June 21, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Born March 25, 1965, in Nelsonville, Ohio, Sarah Jessica Parker is most popularly known for starring as Carrie Bradshaw on the sitcom "Sex and the City."

Parker came from humble beginnings and has occasionally shared how her family dealt with poverty, sharing details about her impoverished childhood.

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In a 2017 interview, the "Failure to Launch" alum described how her family struggled to celebrate Christmas and didn't have enough money to afford electricity and other necessities. However, she wouldn't change anything as valuable lessons came with her simple upbringing.

Parker and Broderick have been happily married for 26 years and are proud parents to three children.

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Today, Parker, 58, is a famous media personality, a doting mother of three children, and a loving wife. In 2015, the then-50-year-old star was named the face of Jordache, a testament to her stunning looks.

But despite her fame and age, Parker's looks and appearance have sparked mixed views from people over time.

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Facing Criticism for Her Appearance

The online community has often slammed Parker, with people resorting to harsh remarks about her dressing style and physical appearance. One person referred to her as "old horse face," while another described her as looking "so old."

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A third user said she looked like a horse, intending their comment as a "loving tribute to New York's self-proclaimed aging fashion icon." Another user expressed disinterest in Parker, questioning the fascination with her and quoting Peter Griffin from "Family Guy," who allegedly said:

"They let Sarah Jessica Parker's face on TV, and she looks like a foot!"

Sarah Jessica Parker on July 08, 2023, in Sag Harbor, New York. | Source: Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker on July 08, 2023, in Sag Harbor, New York. | Source: Getty Images

Parker was also trolled by Facebook users when her video from shooting an episode of the comedy-drama "And Just Like That" surfaced on the platform. "She looks homeless," wrote one user. "She looks homeless. Her strange taste in fashion isn't cute anymore, it seems," opined another person.

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In 2007, Parker was named the world's unsexiest woman by Maxim Magazine. The publication described her as the "least sexy woman in a group of very unsexy women," despite her starring role in the show "Sex and the City."

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Sarah Jessica Parker on June 28, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker on June 28, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

The news generated attention and controversy, with other sources reporting on the list of unsexiest women. Parker's high-profile status and successful career made her a target for advertisers, but the unflattering title took a toll on her.

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A netizen criticizes Sarah Jessica Parker on Facebook | Source: facebook.com/mickmicknyc

A netizen criticizes Sarah Jessica Parker on Facebook | Source: facebook.com/mickmicknyc

Later, the "Hocus Pocus" actress opened up about the hurtful impact of being voted the unsexiest woman alive. She acknowledged that the news affected her and her husband, Matthew Broderick.

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Parker expressed her disappointment and frustration, questioning the criteria for her lack of sexiness. She rejected conforming to certain ideals and standards, highlighting her authentic appearance and the dissonance between men's magazine judgments and her self-worth.

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Despite the criticism, Parker found consolation in her successful career, lucrative advertising deals, strong marriage to her husband, and financial stability. She recognized that it was impossible to please everyone and focused on her achievements rather than dwelling on the negativity.

A netizen criticizes Sarah Jessica Parker on Facebook | Source: facebook.com/mickmicknyc

A netizen criticizes Sarah Jessica Parker on Facebook | Source: facebook.com/mickmicknyc

Besides receiving belittling comments, Parker has amassed pleasant remarks from her loyal supporters. One Twitter user mentioned that she looked old and wrinkly, but they still found her attractive and wanted to spend time with her. Another person acknowledged that she may have resembled an old horse, but they considered her perfect.

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Facebook users also joined in to praise the actress, with one adding, "Sarah Jessica Parker is so beautiful! Natural beauty!" Another netizen expressed, "She is so elegant and beautiful. I just love her."

A netizen praises Sarah Jessica Parker on Facebook | Source: facebook.com/mickmicknyc

A netizen praises Sarah Jessica Parker on Facebook | Source: facebook.com/mickmicknyc

A netizen praises Sarah Jessica Parker on Facebook | Source: facebook.com/SJPDaily

A netizen praises Sarah Jessica Parker on Facebook | Source: facebook.com/SJPDaily

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Thanks to her fantastic husband, Parker seems largely unfazed regarding the mixed views about her appearance. In an interview from 1996, her brother, Pippin, shared how her life changed pleasantly after she crossed paths with Broderick, enabling her to finally take some time off. He also described his sister as a skilled cook and very domestic.

Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker on September 13, 2023 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker on September 13, 2023 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

During her free time, especially while working on projects like "First Wives Club," "How to Succeed," Tim Burton's "Mars Attacks!," and "Extreme Measures," Parker enjoyed sleeping in and then going out with her then-beau for a late breakfast at a local cafe. Reflecting on her relationship with Broderick at the time, she shared:

"He's probably the funniest fellow I've met in my whole life."

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Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker are seen on October 5, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker are seen on October 5, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Parker added that the pregnancy rumors were false and clarified that the couple had no immediate plans to marry. She praised Broderick, adding, "He's so bright, so handsome. I think he's the most handsome man I've seen in my life. And he inspires me. I'm mad for him, totally."

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In addition to Parker doting on her husband, he has shared his love for her several times. While working on Broadway, Broderick said he was delighted to join his wife on the show and called her "wonderful and easy."

Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker on January 28, 2024, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker on January 28, 2024, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

While appearing on Andy Cohen's show in April 2022, Broderick recalled knowing Parker was the one for him when he first saw her walking down the street, utterly mesmerized by her timeless beauty.

Sarah Jessica Parker and husband Matthew Broderick | Source: Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker and husband Matthew Broderick | Source: Getty Images

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Sarah Jessica Parker's Relationship Timeline with Matthew Broderick

First Meeting

Parker and Broderick have been happily married for 26 years and are proud parents to three children. They first crossed paths in November 1991 when Parker's brothers introduced them through the Naked Angels Theater Company, where Broderick directed a play. Their initial interaction was initiated by Broderick, who left a charming voicemail asking Parker out.

Sharing the Stage for the First Time

Their relationship blossomed, and in 1996, they shared the Broadway stage for the first time in the production "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." Parker couldn't help but praise Broderick, describing him as the funniest and most handsome man she had ever met.

Sarah Jessica Parker and husband Matthew Broderick pose for photographers after Broderick received the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker and husband Matthew Broderick pose for photographers after Broderick received the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical in New York. | Source: Getty Images

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Exchanging Vows

The couple tied the knot on May 19, 1997, surprising their guests with a wedding disguised as a party at Angel Orensanz Synagogue in New York City. Parker broke tradition by wearing a black dress instead of the customary white gown.

Embracing Parenthood

Their first child, James Wilke, was born on October 28, 2002, and named after Broderick's late father. Then, on June 22, 2009, they welcomed twin girls, Marion and Tabitha, via surrogacy after facing fertility challenges.

20 Years of Marital Bliss

Throughout their marriage, Parker and Broderick have celebrated milestones together. They commemorated their 20th anniversary on May 19, 2017, with Parker posting a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.

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Returning to the Broadway Stage

The couple also returned to the Broadway stage together in February 2020 for the pre-run of "Plaza Suite," though their plans for a full Broadway run were postponed due to the pandemic.

Praising Each Other

In interviews, Parker and Broderick expressed their deep love and appreciation for one another. When asked about the key to a successful marriage, Broderick emphasized his gratitude and affection for Parker. He also said he loved his wife's humor and wisdom.

Actress/NYCB Board Vice Chair, Sarah Jessica Parker and husband actor Matthew Broderick attend the New York City Ballet's 2017 Fall Fashion Gala at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on September 28, 2017 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Actress/NYCB Board Vice Chair, Sarah Jessica Parker and husband actor Matthew Broderick attend the New York City Ballet's 2017 Fall Fashion Gala at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on September 28, 2017 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

On the other hand, Parker has shared anecdotes about their early days, recalling the moment she knew Broderick was her soulmate. She talked about her relationship and memorable kisses during an appearance on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" in February 2022.

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Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker on July 08, 2023, in Sag Harbor, New York. | Source: Getty Images

Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker on July 08, 2023, in Sag Harbor, New York. | Source: Getty Images

Parker shared that their first kiss was outside an apartment building, while the second happened as she was heading into a subway station. With a humorous twist, she mentioned spitting out a Ricola into her gloved hand before the second kiss, leaving a lasting mark.

26 Years & Counting

Most recently, on May 20, 2023, Parker and Broderick celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary with a touching post, expressing her joy and appreciation for their enduring love. The couple's marriage stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment and the bond they continue to share.

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