Sarah Jessica Parker’s Best Roles: From ’80s Dance Queen to Carrie Bradshaw and Beyond
Sarah Jessica Parker has been stealing scenes and hearts since the early ’80s. From spunky teenagers to deeply complicated women, her career is packed with standout roles that show off her range, charm, and timeless appeal. As we gear up for the Season 3 premiere of “And Just Like That…” on Max May 29, let’s rewind and look at her best performances.
1. Janey Glenn in “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (1985)
Before Manolos and magazine columns, there was synchronized dancing and Cyndi Lauper. In this delightfully ‘80s flick, Parker plays Janey, a Catholic schoolgirl with big dreams and bigger hair. It’s bubbly, nostalgic fun—and her first big starring role.
2. SanDeE in L.A. Story (1991)
Rollerblades, astrology, and a whole lot of quirky charm. As SanDeE* (yes, the asterisk is part of the name), Parker plays a hilariously eccentric yoga instructor who charms Steve Martin’s character in this L.A.-satire rom-com. Pure scene-stealer energy.
3. Natalie Voss in “Honeymoon in Vegas” (1992)
Opposite Nicolas Cage and James Caan, Parker plays the woman caught in a wild bet-turned-love-triangle. Her chemistry with Cage and comedic timing carry this Elvis-filled caper that could only exist in the early ’90s.
4. Sarah Sanderson in “Hocus Pocus” (1993 and 2022)
Singing children to their doom has never looked so fun. As the ditzy and enchanting witch Sarah Sanderson, Parker made Halloween history. She returned nearly 30 years later in “Hocus Pocus 2”, and the magic still worked.
5. Carolyn in “Ed Wood” (1994)
In Tim Burton’s cult classic, SJP delivers dry, deadpan brilliance as the girlfriend of infamous B-movie director Ed Wood. The role is small but memorable, and showed a darker, more offbeat side of her range.
6. Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and the City” (1998-2004, films, and “And Just Like That…”)
The role that defined her. As Carrie, Parker became a generational voice—navigating love, heartbreak, and friendship in heels and designer dresses. She still brings heart and evolution to the character in “And Just Like That…”, with Season 3 debuting May 29 on Max.
Sarah Jessica Parker’s portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and the City” wasn’t just a career-defining role—it was a cultural reset. As the curious, fashion-obsessed writer navigating love and life in New York City, Parker turned Carrie into an icon, and herself into a household name. The groundbreaking HBO series, which ran from 1998 to 2004, revolutionized how women’s friendships, sexuality, and ambition were portrayed on screen.
Parker’s performance earned her both critical acclaim and fan devotion, culminating in two Emmy Awards—one for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and another as an executive producer when the show won Outstanding Comedy Series. Even decades later, “Sex and the City” remains wildly popular thanks to streaming, proving that Carrie Bradshaw’s wit, wisdom, and wardrobe still resonate with audiences new and old. She still plays it to this day too in the new revival!
7. Meredith Morton in “The Family Stone” (2005)
Stiff, awkward, and desperate to impress, Meredith is the outsider at a chaotic family Christmas. Parker leans into the discomfort, creating a character that’s painfully relatable and surprisingly vulnerable. Parker earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
8. Shelley in “Failure to Launch” (2006)
Parker plays a “professional interventionist” trying to help Matthew McConaughey’s character finally move out of his parents’ house. The rom-com may be a bit dated, but SJP’s breezy performance keeps it light and fun.
9. Frances Dufresne in “Divorce” (2016-2019)
This raw, dramedy role showed a new side of Parker—emotionally complex, flawed, and quietly powerful. As Frances, she explored the reality of ending a marriage while rediscovering herself. It’s one of her most nuanced performances. Sarah earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
Why We Still Love Sarah Jessica Parker
From teen comedies to cult classics, indie gems to cultural juggernauts, Sarah Jessica Parker has played it all—and made us feel something every time. Whether she’s chasing dance dreams, casting spells, or asking big questions about love and life, there’s just something magnetic about her.
And with “And Just Like That…” returning this May, she’s far from finished. One thing’s for sure: we’ll be watching—cosmo in hand.
