“Never liked the storyline”: Sex and the City star Kristin Davis opens up about filming an ‘awkward’ intimate scene in the popular HBO drama

Christmas market at Aiderbichl Manor - Source: Getty
Christmas market at Aiderbichl Manor - Source: Getty

Sex and the City fans, here is something you might not have seen! Kristin Davis, the actress who played Charlotte York, has recently told an incident from the set which made her feel “mad that I had to do it” and “awkward.” Despite the series' reputation for daring and humorous plots, Davis confessed that there were parts of the show that were hard to shoot.

Some, particularly those of an intimate nature or weirdness, could become unexpectedly uncomfortable. As per Entertainment, she said,

"I don't remember if this guy OD'd on mints, because all I remember was just really being like, 'Get me out of here, please.' And I'm sorry. It's not really professional that I'm saying that, but it is the truth at the time. Especially, and I still remember it, because I never liked the storyline, and then everyone liked it but me. It was just one of those awkward things."

The incident she referred to took place during Season Two’s “Chicken Dance” episode. Davis narrated how the lightness of Charlotte’s character could be a viewer’s delight, but it was a real emotional struggle for the actor to bring it out. Her honest account lets the audience see firsthand the hardships that actors endure when portraying very personal, and sometimes also the most awkward moments on screen.


Challenging aspects of the “Chicken Dance” scene in Sex and the City

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In the “Chicken Dance,” Charlotte has a short but sweet romantic involvement with the best man, Martin, at a wedding. The funny incident turns sour quickly when Martin's father molests her during a dance, which leads to a confrontation. Davis confessed that her annoyance in the scene was genuine, claiming that her feelings were true because they made her feel awkward as the character.

This case illustrates that even in a comedy-drama, the moments that are meant to bring joy can be emotionally draining for the actors. While the humorous and dramatic angles of Charlotte's storyline attracted the audience, Davis had to overcome her personal discomfort and deliver a very persuasive performance at the same time.


The reality of filming intimate scenes in the modern practice was not without its complications

Kristin Davis mentioned the whole context of the Sex and the City series. The actress said that performing scenes that included intimacy or awkward physical contact could be really tiring. Timing, positioning, and shooting often begin in the early hours of the morning, and even if the actor is well-prepared, they can still feel drained.

Davis, while stressing that she was very professional, even in the discomfort, pointed out the difference between acting and living those moments. The series was always regarded as provocative, especially in the treatment of the subject of sex and dating. In such storylines, actors were at times forced to give up their comfort, showcasing a dimension of the production that was seldom viewed by the audience.

The experience of Davis emphasizes how difficult it can be to keep one's integrity while respecting the limitations of one's privacy.


Long hours of shooting and late-night filming in Sex and the City made it difficult

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Davis remarked that night shooting made it even more difficult. The combination of long working hours and a scene she found embarrassing made the “Chicken Dance” episode shoot particularly tough. Her genuine exasperation, however, allowed the truthfulness of her acting, thus making the scene hit the audience's hearts more.

The viewers usually see only the glamour, style, and humor of Sex and the City and think that the production was easy. In this light, Davis' reminiscing tells that the performers had to face their inner discomfort day and night while trying to keep the show's energy high, which was certainly not an easy task.


Keeping performances true to life in Sex and the City

Charlotte’s love affairs kept the audience amused, but Davis’s view pointed out that the shooting was not always that hard. A lot of emotions and physical strength were required for each shot. The "Chicken Dance" episode is a good example of how awkward moments can turn out to be hilarious on screen, but are quite the opposite off-camera.

Sex and the City dealt with issues that were way ahead of their time, such as sexual freedom and non-traditional courtship practices. Davis’ devotion to giving Charlotte a true portrayal made even the toughest scenes not only very believable but also quite relatable for the viewers.


Seeing the character of Charlotte from a different angle in Sex and the City

Davis’ frankness offers viewers a fresh look at Charlotte York. Behind the character’s tranquil and graceful appearance lies the portrayal that demanded sometimes going through very unpleasant moments.

The “Chicken Dance” episode highlights how the actors’ commitment and skill made it easy for the audience to get more interested and believe in the story of Charlotte.


The reason why the show still has a classic status

Sex and the City, a series that eventually went off air, still brings to mind the lightheartedness, love, and candid examination of contemporary relationships, as the case was during its airing three decades ago.

The echoes from Davis correlate to the show's richness by characterizing the less-than-glamorous side of the making of the iconic scenes, where only the combination of good scripting, perfect costuming, and a top-notch cast performing would work. Emotional labor, patience, and resilience were the unsaid words from the cast.

Davis's candid account gives fans a clearer picture of what it took to create the show’s charm, wit, and impact. Even in scenes meant to entertain, the actors’ effort and vulnerability were essential components of the series’ success.


Kristin Davis’s podcast reply to the “Chicken Dance” episode shows the real labor behind Sex and the City. Although she felt “awkward,” she still acted professionally and demonstrated the efforts that were necessary to make the program appeal to the public.

The show’s reputation is based on its stylishness, laughter, and fearless probing of partnerships, but Davis’ insights make the viewer feel the hard work and emotional involvement that were necessary for Charlotte York’s character to be born.

Also read: "Still trying to figure this out": And Just Like That star Kristin Davis on the critical reaction received by the Sex and the City spin-off

Edited by Zainab Shaikh