House Star Lost Out on SATC Role That Earned Sarah Jessica Parker $3.2 Mil Per Episode
It appears that Sarah Jessica Parker may have inadvertently derailed Lisa Edelstein's career.
Sex and the City stands out as one of the most iconic comedy series in television history, arguably surpassing even Seinfeld and Friends in terms of its realism, enduring relevance, and cultural significance.
Undeniably, Sarah Jessica Parker served as the linchpin of this beloved show, which focused on the romantic and sexual escapades of thirty-something New Yorkers.
Her unforgettable portrayal of the lead character, Carrie Bradshaw, became a defining performance of its era. But what would have happened had another actress been cast as this pivotal character?
This intriguing question was at the forefront of HBO's producers' minds during the early stages of the show's development as they searched for the perfect actress to breathe life into Carrie Bradshaw. The audition process saw numerous candidates, but only two actresses managed to impress the show's creators: Sarah Jessica Parker and Lisa Edelstein.
Edelstein herself has revealed that she was once on the cusp of securing the role. The deal was almost inked, but the producers' preference leaned toward Parker. Consequently, Edelstein found herself in a protracted waiting game, only to receive the heartbreaking news that she had been turned down for what could have been the role of a lifetime.
Despite this significant setback, Edelstein resiliently carved a successful path for herself in television. She subsequently garnered fame for portraying Lisa Cuddy on the hit series House MD. Currently, Edelstein has a commendable net worth of $8 million.
While impressive, this figure seems relatively modest when contrasted with Parker's staggering wealth. Parker earned almost half of Edelstein's current net worth during the final three seasons of Sex and the City alone, and today, she boasts an extraordinary net worth of $150 million.
However, Edelstein is currently experiencing a resurgence of sorts, starring in Bravo's Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce, a show bearing striking narrative and stylistic resemblances to Sex and the City.
Although this project may not be as financially rewarding, it offers Edelstein a chance to explore a role akin to the one she missed out on, thereby addressing the lingering 'what if' question in her career. This experience, while not a complete restitution for her missed opportunity, provides a fulfilling sense of closure for the talented actress.