Cattrall was born on Aug. 21, 1956, in Liverpool, England. When she was only 3 months old, her family moved to Canada, settling in the city of Courtenay, British Columbia. She returned to England at the age of 11 but returned to Canada after one year. By her late teens, she had already developed a deep love for the arts and knew she wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

At the age of 16, she left home to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. This bold move marked the beginning of her journey into the world of acting. With determination and perseverance, she honed her skills, and by the late 1970s, Cattrall began landing small roles in television series and films, gradually gaining recognition for her talent.

However, it was in 1987 that Cattrall achieved widespread acclaim and recognition for her unforgettable portrayal of Samantha Jones in the hit HBO series “Sex and the City.” As the bold, vivacious, and unapologetically confident PR executive, Cattrall’s performance was a revelation. Her portrayal of Samantha earned her numerous award nominations and critical praise, and she became an iconic figure in popular culture.

Cattrall’s talent shone in movies like 1987’s “Mannequin,” “Porky’s” and “Big Trouble in Little China.” Cattrall’s ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles showcased her adaptability as an actress.

Kim Cattrall (1987), (Paul Harris/Archive Photos via Getty Images)

Cattrall finally became a household name when she was cast as the fiery Samantha on HBO’s smash hit “Sex and the City.” Alongside the show’s three other main characters, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon, Cattrall became inseparable from the cultural phenomenon the show subsequently became. The show ran for six seasons between 1998 and 2004, garnering various prestigious awards and accolades, including five Emmy Award nominations for Cattrall and four Golden Globe nominations, one of which she won in 2002.

When the iconic series premiered in 1998, it revolutionized the way audiences viewed women’s friendships, relationships and sexuality. At the heart of this groundbreaking show was Cattrall’s unforgettable portrayal of Samantha; a confident, independent and sexually liberated public relations executive. Cattrall’s portrayal of Jones was a game-changer, not only for the character herself but also for women in television and popular culture.

From the very first episode, it was evident that Jones was a force to be reckoned with. Fearless, outspoken and unapologetically herself, the character defied traditional gender norms and shattered stereotypes about women’s roles in society. Her unapologetic approach to her sexuality and her unwavering confidence in her choices challenged societal expectations, and in doing so, she became an empowering figure for many women watching the show.

Cattrall’s portrayal of Samantha was layered and nuanced, transcending the initial perceptions of the character. While Samantha’s sexuality was a prominent aspect of her persona, Cattrall brought depth and vulnerability to the role, showcasing the character’s complexities beyond her adventurous love life. As the series progressed, audiences witnessed Samantha’s struggles, triumphs and personal growth, making her one of the most beloved characters on television.

Kim Cattrall (1993), (Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

One of the remarkable aspects of “Sex and the City” was the emphasis on female friendships and the unconditional support the four main characters provided for one another. Samantha’s dynamic interactions with her three best friends – Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte – created a strong bond that resonated with viewers. Cattrall’s chemistry with her co-stars was palpable, adding an authentic touch to the portrayal of their enduring friendship.

Cattrall brought charisma, wit and a magnetic presence to the character, elevating Samantha from a supporting role to a pop culture phenomenon. The character’s catchphrases, memorable one-liners, and fearless attitude became iconic, and “Sex and the City” became synonymous with Samantha’s brand of empowerment. The effect Samantha had on women was not lost on the actress, who told The Guardian:

“I don’t think there’s ever been a woman who has expressed so much sexual joy (on television) without her being punished. I never tire of women coming up and saying, ‘You’ve affected my life.’”

While “Sex and the City” concluded its original run in 2004, the impact of the show and Cattrall’s portrayal of Samantha continued to resonate with audiences worldwide. The series garnered a massive following and inspired various spin-offs, movies and even a sequel called “And Just Like That…” that began airing in 2021. Fans eagerly awaited the show, eager to witness Samantha’s further adventures.

However, that was not to be. In 2010, the plans for a third “Sex and the City” movie faced obstacles, including reported conflicts among the actresses, particularly Cattrall and Parker. Ultimately, the movie project did not materialize, leading to speculations about disagreements and tensions among the cast members.

Kim Cattrall (2001), (Hulton Archive via Getty Images)

The behind-the-scenes tension appeared to have cut deep. When plans for the production of “And Just Like That…” surfaced, the Twitterverse went into overdrive upon discovering their beloved Samantha, played by Cattrall, would not be involved in the new series. However, this was very much a conscious decision on Cattrall’s part, who disagreed with the way producers wanted to take the story forward. She explained to Variety:

“It’s a great wisdom to know when enough is enough. I also didn’t want to compromise what the show was to me. The way forward seemed clear.”

She also revealed in the interview that she was “never asked to be part of the reboot,” and “found out about it like everyone else did – on social media.” Cattrall added after she rejected plans to appear in the third “Sex and the City” film, she found it “scary” having to “stand up and not be bullied by the press or the fans.”

Cattrall added she felt the original television series ended perfectly and second-guessed everything that came after. “I thought that’s smart. We’re not repeating ourselves. And then the movie to end all the loose ends. And then there’s another movie. And then there’s another movie?… Everything in me went, ‘I’m done.’”

When asked if she considered her former castmates as friends, Cattrall responded:

“I guess it’s how you define friends. I think we were colleagues. My colleagues aren’t my friends. It was professional.”

While it sounded like there was no love lost between the four top stars of “Sex and the City,” one thing they all had in common was that they became icons who empowered women to challenge norms, break barriers and embrace their true selves without compromise.

Kim Cattrall (2002), (James Devaney/WireImage via Getty Images)

The impact of “And Just Like That…” being one of only a few television shows with women past their 40s in lead roles was not lost on its producers, including Parker. She addressed the criticism leveled at her and her co-stars and said:

“There’s so much misogynist chatter in response to us that would never. Happen. About. A. Man.”

She also pointed out it appeared women were constantly being nitpicked over their looks no matter what they did.

“‘Gray hair gray hair gray hair. Does she have gray hair?’ I’m sitting with Andy Cohen and he has a full head of gray hair, and he’s exquisite. Why is it okay for him? I don’t know what to tell you people! Especially on social media. Everyone has something to say. ‘She has too many wrinkles, she doesn’t have enough wrinkles.’”

The actress continued:

“It almost feels as if people don’t want us to be perfectly OK 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. I know what I look like. I have no choice. What am I going to do about it? Stop aging? Disappear?”

Her sentiments were shared by Davis, who plays straight-arrow Charlotte on the show. She admitted to New Beauty, “it was extremely stressful to be aging and to be compared to your much, much, much younger self,” and that the nature of being on television, “where every bit of my physical being is analyzed,” was “always very stressful and difficult.”

However, one writer on the show named Samantha Irby said she felt it was “revolutionary to do a show about middle-aged women, with their aging lady bodies.”

Kim Cattrall (2019), (FOX/contributor/FOX Image Collection via Getty Images)

At the other end of the beauty spectrum lay Cattrall, who admitted to The Times that she was “all about battling aging” in every way possible. The actress also acknowledged the availability of various treatments, such as fillers and Botox, that can stimulate the body’s natural defenses against aging. She emphasized the need for both financial means and the right surgeon to achieve the desired results, as she stated, “You want to look like you!”

“There are so many other alternatives now, treatments that stimulate your own body to fight aging. There are fillers, Botox, there’s so many different things that you can investigate and try and see if it’s for you,” she told the outlet.

This stance marks a notable change from Cattrall’s previous views on aging naturally. Back in 2011, she had said that she admired older actresses, including Annette Bening, who have embraced aging naturally.

“I look at people like Judi Dench, who’s in her 70s, and I think, ‘What the hell am I frightened of?,’” Cattrall told the Los Angeles Times. “In my life and career, I want to embrace aging because I think that’s what’s interesting. I think a forehead without any lines doesn’t tell me they’ve lived a life.”

She also lamented that “in Hollywood, you have to be beautiful; you have to be desirable. And that’s why so many women of my age or even younger are pushed to Botox and plastic surgery, all the things that people say, ‘Why do women do this?’ Where do you go in your 50s in your career?” before adding that she believed undergoing cosmetic procedures is “every woman’s choice… And I have no judgment about it. It’s your body, your life. Do what you want to do.”

Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall (2001), (Tom Kingston/WireImage via Getty Images)

Cattrall, however, stressed in The Times interview that her decision to embrace cosmetic procedures was not solely driven by a mission to defy aging. As an actress playing certain characters, she felt it was essential to maintain a particular appearance professionally.

“It’s not just a vanity thing. I play a certain kind of woman who looks a certain kind of way. And professionally, I am looking after myself,” she explained, adding she simply wanted “to look like the best version” of herself. Her remarks were also made in reference to her role as a makeup mogul in the Netflix series “Glamorous.”

Meanwhile, Cattrall thrilled fans with the announcement of her brief cameo in the second season of “And Just Like That…” Despite her absence from the first season, she remained open to potential collaborations and future opportunities within the franchise. She stressed that her decision to decline participation was not a reflection of any personal animosity but rather a natural progression of her artistic journey. As the legacy of “Sex and the City” continues to endure, so too does Cattrall’s impact as the iconic Samantha.

While Cattrall’s decision to undergo cosmetic procedures has sparked speculation about her previous transformations, she has not confirmed or denied any specific alterations. In the past, she admitted to receiving Botox but expressed concerns about going under the knife. However, her latest statements suggest a shift in her perspective, focusing on feeling and looking healthy while embracing her age, as well as embracing the next few chapters of life.

“The biggest mystery of life is what happens next,” Cattrall said. “It’s about embracing the closing of one door. And it’s about your viability, your sexuality, your desirability and continuing to cherish what meant the world to you.”

Kim Cattrall (2023), (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images)

Kim Cattrall’s candid discussion about her cosmetic procedures adds to the ongoing conversation about aging in the entertainment industry. What do you think about her belief that looking great is necessary to her profession? Do you know a fan of the actress? Then tell them about this story!