Sex and the City’s Blair Underwood reveals he initially turned down a role on the show as he felt his proposed storyline ‘fetishised’ black men

Sex and the City’s Blair Underwood has shared that he first rejected an offer to appear on the show. He explained that the storyline he was presented with felt like it unfairly focused on and exaggerated stereotypes about Black men – essentially, he believed it “fetishised” them.

The actor, 61, revealed he was initially considered for a role on the show as a potential love interest for Kim Cattrall’s character, Samantha. The storyline involved her being intrigued by the “anatomy” of Black men.

As a lifestyle expert, I often get asked about turning points, and I recently heard a fascinating story on Q with Tom Power. He shared why he initially declined a certain opportunity, but then completely changed his mind a few years later when a different role was offered. It really highlights how things can evolve, and it’s a great reminder to stay open to possibilities!

He explained that Kim Cattrall’s character, Samantha, explored a storyline where she was intrigued by Black men and their physicality. She was curious to find out if certain beliefs were accurate.

The real reason I succeeded – I didn’t mention this to anyone then – was that I didn’t want to be treated like a spectacle. I simply didn’t want to be a curiosity.

Some time afterward, the show’s creators asked him to play Dr. Robert Leeds, who was intended to be a romantic partner for Cynthia Nixon’s character, Miranda Hobbes.

He recounted asking: ‘I wondered, is he defined by his race, treated as an oddity by the other characters, or simply allowed to be a person who experiences love?’

They insisted, ‘No, it’s definitely the second option.’ … It all turned out well, and I was very happy with the result. I’m grateful I didn’t decline, because I nearly did!

Oh my gosh, he talked about this role before, in an interview with AV Club, and it’s *so* interesting! He said it – his race – barely even came up! Can you believe it? He did five whole episodes, and apparently, Samantha just mentioned it *once*! She was talking about Miranda dating ‘a Black doctor,’ and that was it! It’s just… amazing how little it factored in, honestly. I’ve re-watched those episodes so many times, and I never even picked up on it!

Throughout my career, I’ve consistently avoided being labeled simply as ‘the Black guy.’

I’ve discussed this with several producers over time, and they were all very helpful. They explained, ‘No, he’s simply a doctor that Miranda encounters in the elevator, and they enjoy a brief romance.’ And it was really wonderful.

He also revealed that ‘Cynthia Nixon could not have been sweeter’ when he joined the cast.

In terms of Blair’s personal life, he married his long-term friend Josie Hart in 2023.

The pair got engaged 18 months after his divorce from Desiree DaCosta.

As a longtime fan, I was really touched to hear him talk about his wife. He shared that she’s always been his rock, supporting him even before his acting career took off. He said, ‘She’s had my back since before I even became an actor.‘ It’s so heartwarming to see a relationship with that kind of history!

When a friendship of 41 years unexpectedly turns into something romantic, it’s a sign to take notice and move forward with thankfulness.

In 1994, Underwood married DaCosta. This was also the year that his popular legal show, LA Law, finished airing after being on television for eight seasons.

On May 31, 2021 the twosome shocked fans with a joint announcement stating they were separating.

In a detailed post on Instagram, they announced they would stay close as ‘best of friends‘ and prioritize their kids moving forward.

The couple announced: ‘Following a great deal of consideration, reflection, and personal growth-both as individuals and as a pair-we’ve decided to end our 27-year marriage.’

The message continued: ‘We are most proud of our three children. They are three precious individuals that God has allowed us to raise. We are constantly amazed and grateful for the joys of being parents.’

We’ve always prioritized the well-being of our children and will continue to do so. We’ll remain close friends and dedicated co-parents, with deep respect for each other as we begin this next phase of our lives as individuals.

Oh my gosh, Blair just spoke, and it absolutely broke my heart! He thanked us, *us*!, for all our ‘support throughout the years’ – can you believe it? It feels so personal. And then he asked for ‘privacy and understanding during this new season of change.’ I just want to wrap him in a hug and protect him! I’ll absolutely give him all the space he needs, but honestly, I’m just so worried and sending him all my love. #BlairIsTheBest forever!

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2025-10-02 13:06