
The Real Mr. Big Lives off the Grid in Vermont, Is Happily Married, and Tames Hawks – Photos
The well-known American publisher began his path with little to his name. After losing his position, he quietly stepped back from a profession he had dedicated over 20 years to. Take a closer look at the real-life persona who inspired the character in the iconic "Sex and the City" series.
John James Preston, widely recognized as "Mr. Big," is a recurring character in the HBO series "Sex and the City." The role was brought to life by actor Chris Noth.

Chris Noth and Sarah Jessica Parker on the set of "Sex and the City," 1999 | Source: Getty Images
"Sex and the City" centers on four bold and savvy women — Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte — as they face the highs and lows of life in New York. Though their paths and romantic lives often differ, their friendship stays strong through it all.

Chris Noth and Sarah Jessica Parker on the set of "Sex and the City," 2000 | Source: Getty Images
The story behind "Sex and the City" goes beyond its glamorous scenes and sharp dialogue. At its heart lies the voice of the woman who created it all — Candace Bushnell.

Chris Noth and Sarah Jessica Parker on the set of "Sex and the City," 2002 | Source: Getty Images
She is the author, journalist, and television producer behind the original "Sex and the City" column in The New York Observer. Soon, her work evolved into a bestselling anthology and a cultural phenomenon. In a July 2017 interview, Bushnell reflected on the show's lasting appeal:
"Human nature. We all grapple with the issues in ''Sex and the City.' And now people grapple with them in a different way, maybe online.

Chris Noth and Sarah Jessica Parker on the set of "Sex and the City: The Movie" 2007 | Source: Getty Images
She added that at its core, the desire to find a soulmate, or to choose solitude, along with the lessons learned through relationships, reflects human nature, which stays the same regardless of the times.

Chris Noth and Sarah Jessica Parker on the set of "Sex and the City: The Movie," 2007 | Source: Getty Images
After explaining why the show's themes still matter, Bushnell shared her view on its ending. She believed that in reality, Carrie and Mr. Big would not have stayed together, but admitted the show had grown too popular to ignore what the audience wanted.

Tara Wilson and Chris Noth attend the premiere of "Loving," 2016 | Source: Getty Images
She said the couple became iconic, with people often saying, "I found my Mr Big" or "I just broke up with my Mr. Big." The phrase entered everyday speech, and decisions were made for the viewers. "It's show business, not show art," Bushnell added.

Chris Noth spotted on May 28, 2024, in Sherman Oaks, California. | Source: Getty Images
In another interview, Bushnell confirmed that Mr. Big was inspired by publisher Ron Galotti. She said, "I do stay in touch with Ron Galotti; he lives in Vermont."

Chris Noth attends CaringKind's 29th Annual Forget-Me-Not-Gala on June 9, 2025, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Though the character of Mr. Big was portrayed as a playboy, the real-life inspiration, Galotti, led a different lifestyle. According to reports, his playboy period was brief, and he was largely known as a serial monogamist.
Galotti came from humble beginnings. Born in the Bronx and raised in Peekskill, New York, he helped out at a farm after his father died of a heart attack when he was just nine.

Ron Galotti poses for a portrait in his new office on March 1, 1994, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
While he struggled in school, a deal with his principal allowed him to graduate in exchange for joining the Army. That decision led him to serve in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he was stationed in the Philippines.

Linda Evangelista and Ron Galotti attend Seventh on Sale/The Return to New York on May 29, 1995, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
During his service, Galotti married his first wife, Donna Kalajian. The couple later moved to Florida, where he worked as a waiter and attempted to run a heating and cooling business.

Ron Galotti and Linda Evangelista at a breast cancer awareness benefit on January 1, 1996, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
When the business failed, they returned to New York and lived in her mother's basement. Galotti found work at a trade publishing company connected to his mother's partner. Later, tragedy struck when their young son died in a car accident, and their marriage ended not long after.

Donald Trump and Ron Galotti attend a party on January 1, 1997, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Galotti's publishing career took off in the late 1970s when he joined Hearst. He became the publisher of Country Living and met his second wife, Lisa Wilcox, who also worked in the same industry.

Tina Brown, Ron Galotti, and Demi Moore at the Statue of Liberty on August 2, 1999, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Ron Galotti and Heidi Klum attend GQ's 45th Anniversary Extravaganza on September 4, 2002 | Source: Getty Images

Charles Askegard, Candace Bushnell, Ron Galotti and Helen Lee Shifter at Tiffany & Co. Honors Bette Midler, Marcia Gay Harden, Candace Bushnell, Dan Marino and Ed Schlossberg on September 5, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
In the years that followed, he took on leading roles at Condé Nast, heading magazines like Mademoiselle, Condé Nast Traveler, and Vanity Fair.

Ron Galotti during Tommy Hilfiger 3rd Annual All American Golf Classic on June 9, 2003, in Alpine, New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images
Despite early struggles at Vanity Fair under Graydon Carter's leadership, Galotti found himself rehired by Mr. Newhouse to lead Vogue, where he worked alongside Anna Wintour. Not long after his time at Vogue, Galotti's journey in publishing took another turn.

Ron, Abigail Galotti and Lisa Wilcox attend Hamptons Magazine's Annual Clambake on July 11, 2004, in Watermill, New York. | Source: Getty Images

Lisa Wilcox, Abigail and Ron Galotti pictured at his arcre farm on January 19, 2005, in North Pomfret Vermont. | Source: Getty Images
In 2003, while serving as publisher of GQ, he was let go. A year later, he announced he was leaving New York and settling in Vermont with Wilcox. Many believed he wouldn't stay, but more than 20 years later, he's still there.

Ron Galotti at home on his 100 arcre farm on January 19, 2005, in North Pomfret, Vermont. | Source: Getty Images
That new life brought quieter, unexpected moments. On a quiet morning at their farmhouse, he once spotted a baby hawk in the fireplace. "He must have come down the chimney. Get me a towel," he told his wife. That moment captured the dramatic shift from the fast-paced city, far from boardrooms and fashion shows, surrounded instead by wildlife and fresh air.

Ron Galotti sits on his Range Rover in front of a covered bridge on January 19, 2005, in North Pomfret, Vermont. | Source: Getty Images
Galotti now spends his time on the land, cutting wood, raising chickens, and keeping a slower pace. "I'm not sitting in the chair anymore," he said. "But it seems like the destiny is not good."

Ron Galotti at home on his 100 arcre farm on January 19, 2005, in North Pomfret, Vermont. | Source: Getty Images

Ron and Abigail Galotti attend DuJour Magazine Celebrates Kendall & Kylie Jenner on August 28, 2014, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Ron Galotti's life moved from city boardrooms to quiet mornings in rural Vermont. He built a strong publishing career, faced personal loss, and later chose a simpler way of living.

Ron Galotti pictured at his farm, dated July 2025 | Source: Instagram/nytimes
Though his time in media left a mark, he no longer seeks that spotlight. The man behind Mr. Big now enjoys peace with his wife, Wilcox, surrounded by nature. His story shows how paths can change, even for those once at the center of it all.