After much whisper and speculation, it has been confirmed that Nicole Ari Parker is slated to replace Kim Cattrall on the Sex and the City reboot, And Just Like That, as the necessary fourth member of the New York group. According to the Mail, our girl will play Carrie Bradshaw's new best friend, documentary-maker Lisa Todd Wexley--a role she accepted after the backlash that accompanied the news that the era-defining show's most iconic character was done with the series.
But listen, this is exactly why we cannot wait for Ms. Nicole to show up and out!
Nicole is known for starring in Soul Food, Chicago PD, most recently, Empire, and a variety of other gems. But what's even better, in addition to the news that she is the newest cast member, is that the entire cast is slated to be a part of this one too--including the infamous Michael Patrick King--talk about moving on without you, whew!
Nicole has been mostly on some if-you-mention-it-then-I'll-mention-it tight-lipped vibes regarding the project, but based on the outfits and pictures that have been released from both Sarah Jessica Parker and the show, we are ready, mkay!? And why wouldn't we be? Our good sis has been giving us good acting for years!
On 'Empire', she was the prestigious, Giselle Barker:
Giselle was a go-getter, a hustler who worked her way up from knowing nothing about the music business, to owning the building the record label was stationed. She was ruthless, maybe had a few skeletons, but was completely unfckwithable. Of the character, she told Wendy Williams:
"I'm having so much fun, because I get to play a character that you love to hate, you know? And to work with Terrence, who I've known for almost 20 years and Taraji, we all came up together. I play one of these women...you could say I'm evil. But I represent these women who got into an industry, started at the bottom, and took advantage of her situation. Yes, she can be a little ruthless, but it's so much fun."
She played Teri Joseph on the television series of 'Soul Food':
This role, based on Vanessa Williams' character from the movie version was dynamic and huge for Parker's career. She went on to receive five NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series nominations. Five! She recently revealed to REVOLT that playing Teri was one of the most empowering roles she's ever played.
"Soul Food was great and that was a great example of Black women behind the scenes in decision-making positions because the stories that were told were given a lot of depth and humanity, and weren't this one-sided strong Black woman narrative. There was a strong Black woman who hurt, a strong Black woman who loved, a strong Black woman who's not always strong. That really trained me and it was really eye-opening for me about how television can do it when it wants to."
Come through! Soul Food is also where she famously met her husband, actor Boris Kodjoe. The two even re-enacted their very first scene together, on the show's 20th anniversary (above)!
She even hilariously played herself on 'Real Husbands of Hollywood':
And sis brought all the comedy to hit parody series, showing she has the acting range to keep up with the best of them!
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Details of Parker's role have been kept mostly under wraps, with more to be released. The 10-episode, half-hour series began production in the Big Apple last month and is set to premiere on HBO Max in late 2021.
Are you excited to watch?
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While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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Eldest Daughter Syndrome had its viral moment online last year, and for good reason. The term gave language to the silent pressures so many eldest daughters tend to carry as a result of their birth order. Beyond that very needed conversation, birth order as a whole can offer insight into not only our traits and tendencies, but also how we show up in life, love, and even our work.
Below, we’re breaking down the traits most commonly associated with each birth order. Keep reading to learn what your birth order might say about you.
If you are the oldest...
Let's be real, being the firstborn often comes with a lot of responsibility. And it's usually not by choice. From early on, they’re the ones who set the tone, carry the weight, and take on the title of "the responsible one." Because of that, they often grow into reliable, high-achieving adults. But the pressure of being "the blueprint" and the one to "lead by example" can also be a heavy burden to bear.
Oldest child traits may look like:
- Natural leaders that take charge even when they didn’t mean to (read: she's bossy, but keeping it cute)
- High standards (for yourself and everyone else)
- Motivated, goal-oriented, and always chasing that next accomplishment
- Reliable and conscientious
- Perfectionist tendencies that can lead to burnout
- Struggles with being controlling or micromanaging
- Often cautious, craving stability over spontaneity
- Finds it hard to rest or ask for help
If you are the middle child...
Season 2 Netflix GIF by Gilmore Girls GiphyIn the grand scheme of the birth order lineup, the middle child can be the quiet MVPs. As the child who falls in the order "in-between," they’re used to being the one who keeps the peace while also fighting to stand out. But being the “in-between” can also mean feeling overlooked or forgotten. In some families, especially ones with toxic dynamics, the middle child may even take on the role of the "black sheep," while their siblings are seen as the golden children. Still, despite (or maybe because of) that, middle children tend to thrive socially and can read a room like the back of their hand.
Middle child traits may include:
- Top-tier peacemakers who can smooth over almost any situation
- Adaptable and easygoing (even when they’re lowkey screaming inside)
- Often feel overlooked or like they have to do the most to be seen
- People-pleasers who put everyone else first
- Social butterflies and community-minded, with strong friendships outside the family
- Can be rebellious when they feel boxed in
- Thrive when they’re allowed to define success on their own terms
- The ultimate go-between, translating vibes between generations, personalities, and moods
If you are the youngest...
Season 1 Ff GIF by FreeformGiphyThe baby of the family walks through life knowing how to charm, persuade, and perform. They often grow up with more freedom and fewer expectations, which fuels their adventurous and carefree side. But that same freedom can sometimes lead to entitlement, or a tendency to seek validation by being the "fun one."
Youngest child traits might include:
- Social butterflies who light up a room and don’t mind the spotlight
- Natural charmers, funny, flirtatious, and usually down for anything
- Can be a little self-centered or attention-seeking (but you still love them for it)
- Tend to keep things uncomplicated… unless they’re not getting their way
- Known to be manipulative when trying to get what they want
- Free-spirited and bold in their choices
- Often underestimated, but capable of big things when they focus
- Thrive in spaces that let them express, explore, and be a little extra
If you are the only child...
High School Drama GIF by HBO MaxGiphyOnly children can be the ultimate "one woman show" as they are often a mix of all the birth orders rolled into one. Without siblings, they learn to entertain themselves, advocate for their needs, and navigate adult conversations early. That independence can make them magnetic, mature, and deeply introspective, but it also comes with a deep craving for validation and control.
Only child traits can include:
- Mature and wise beyond their years, often viewed as old souls
- Conscientious and responsible, usually the go-to person in their circle
- Seek approval and validation more than they let on
- Natural leaders with big ideas and even bigger plans
- Can be sensitive and deeply affected by criticism
- Prefer structure, routines, and control (sometimes to a fault)
- Like things done their way (and don’t love compromising)
- Thrive in solitude but still want to feel seen and celebrated
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