Kim Cattrall Shares Her Secret to Success, Saying No

Cattrall’s favorite instance of saying “no,” as she explained in her speech at Variety‘s Power of Women dinner presented by Lifetime, is one of her most famous quotes, “I don’t want to be in a situation where I’m not enjoying myself for even an hour.”
There are other times she has said “no,” most notably when asked to reprise her iconic role as Samantha Jones in various reboots of the “Sex and the City” franchise. She recently elaborated on her decision to retire the role in a cover interview with Variety executive editor Ramin Setoodeh, in which she said that, after filming the second “SATC” movie, “Everything in me went, ‘I’m done.’”
She mentioned other examples of taking satisfaction in saying no, including, “No, that salary is unacceptable” and “No, we are not having a meeting in your hotel room.”
On Thursday evening, Cattrall encouraged other women to own their power in the same way, reminding the room of entertainment executives and fellow Power of Women honorees, “Saying no to the past is saying yes to the future, because you are the screenwriter in the movie of your own life.”

[@apseudonym]

Her saying no to the Sex and the City spinoff series was a wise choice. It's so important to have boundaries and to vocalise them, to defend them. I love her

[@johniii8147]

She was never offered or talked to about the new series. Your thinking about the 3rd movie

[@irakayeestrada5077]

That’s true!

[@thunder8185]

She said no to the 3rd SATC movie so they stopped talking to her about anything related. I belive they didn't value her enough. Without her this reboot is nothing. I'm a bit SATC fan and only made it ep 2 before switching off.

[@marifearanacatral5803]

Without her Sex and the City is totally boring!

[@davidhope5713]

This didn't age well- kim cattralls just signed up to And Just Like Series 2 for a series finale cameo

[@ZarahPotchichang]

I sooo love her! She stood out among other girls in Sex and the City series, even if she doesn't have the leading role.

[@oussamazaidi5742]

“Most men thought that harass is a two words” - Kim Cattral.

[@Badbadbambi]

Most men *in hollywood* Make sure you don’t forget that part

[@burnoutminion]

Her ass.

[@msmarks1130]

Her speech was more real and interesting that the whole AJLT disaster. Thank you Kim for being so amazing!

[@allthingsbeauty9175]

AJLT was a complete trainwreck. Kim is too above that 🗑. I’m admire her feminine power.

[@nicolii7321]

Well done. And her perfect example is with sex and the city. Do not get pressured or guilt tripped or bullied into doing anything.

[@KCNwokoye]

Wise and strong woman. I don't always agree with her views but I respect her consistency.

[@theboyjames3065]

Which of her views don’t you agree with?

[@belira]

And Just Like That... she made justice to Samantha and all the powerfull women all around the world!

[@archanakumaridasgupta5536]

❤️🔥

[@emmavari9530]

Woww how wonderful to be this content and brave and put together at 65 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@allthingsbeauty9175]

This woman is absolutely amazing!!!

[@Artemisia999]

How about a show called: "Samantha Jones It" where fabulous Samantha is living her authentic life in London??

[@Gemmarose9012]

She’s done with Samantha Jones. Thank God.

[@imnobodywhoareyouu]

She just said it. She have done that role before. Let it go.

[@robyndismon394]

@@imnobodywhoareyouu Sorry, I see it a little differently. She's done that role in specific regard to Sex and the city. If she were to take that character 20 years later, new life, friends, home and surroundings this would be a new character, revisited renewed, and maybe even remarkably improved. Her former role had parameters. This new role would have infinite possibilities. U, firvine would lovevti see her in something liberating like that. And u know what think I'll write her and tell her!

[@jazzsoul1695]

Shes wonderful. I cant believe shes inspiring me!

[@marilarsen4359]

Love every bit of this!!!

[@elizabethr4107]

such an inspiration! love her

[@Milestonemonger]

I'm sharing this with my daughter 💕

[@lynnzymet4909]

Well done Kim! You go gurl!

[@rachellesawyer6523]

Love you Kim ❤ I like how you said what is right for me - I like how you understand the issue of health care and your support of a charity supporting with health care for those out of work or who can't afford it - Congratulations Kim

[@aspyn.j_]

Team Kim all the way!!!!

[@alffuergregor]

We love her.

[@MP-pn6kh]

This reminds me of the speech she gave in sex and the city as Samantha for cancer 🦀

[@Bodhismile]

Love this. Standing in her power, happily, joyfully.💖

[@nzdoris6717]

What an amazing woman!

[@tonyfernando1690]

Class act, ALL THE WAY!

[@a.l.mengel3808]

This is amazing and inspiring!

[@angelabernfeld7909]

i've been drawn to samantha's character ever since i started watching satc a couple months ago and wow, no wonder. the person behind the character is all the more marvelous.

[@5Heliotrope]

I love this woman. Brains, beauty , talent and class!

[@dianaontiveros6470]

This is it! Naturally sensual and empowered woman looks like. Keep up the good work. It's not about the money or being famous (Or Infamous) just authentic. Bless you Kim🥰

[@VladicaDjordjevic]

You are such an inspiration!

[@hardcoreclassy6976]

Dynamic woman. love her.

[@snow40741]

SO TRUE! AND WELL SAID!

[@lwskiner]

Kim Cattrall is a class act, Sarah Parker---Train Wreck!!!

[@fahmyghaly3175]

we miss u in And just like that we hope u return because we love u

[@Godisfirst21]

I love you Kim. I look up to you!

[@sweets3745]

Wow KC looks so good.... What hit show is she on ATM ? Glad to see you driving that career into something more than SATC. Glad you followed that gut! Good luck in all that you do .. Kim Cattrall we love you ox

[@Wellness1beauty]

Very powerful. Women are often guilty of trying to please. I'm one

[@autisticbirsen]

what a good speech

[@marymohagheghi4875]

Wow is she bright❤

[@chloeburdon7060]

Amen 🙏🏼 sis 👏🏼❤️

[@Clintsessentials]

"That salary is unacceptable!" Said every low wage earner...

[@wellofcire]

...to themselves

[@Clintsessentials]

@@wellofcire bingo

[@kayp.3832]

Which again is a choice. Get some balls or shut up.

[@eddiebuja9558]

I need a series about samantha in Europe❤

[@NATEYWEB]

Kim is a GODDESS.

[@zzzcocopepe]

That's funny because my secret to success is saying "sure why not" but then sticking my foot out when they walk by (I'm an infj)

[@MrSweetPumpkin]

👏🏻👏🏻

[@vasaamd]

🙏🏻

[@og5522]

I get what you're saying but one thing is to say NO when you have many options but in your case you can't say NO to that one thing that made you famous and have put food on your table

[@robertschrader]

Shaaaaaaaade

[@bradleyhodder4344]

I wonder how many times a women who is single...has no monry money...got kids to feed can say no?

[@kikecolunge2704]

People is not sure to clap or not 🤔🤣

[@JP-sg8cl]

Spoken like a woman not worried about how to pay the bills...

[@viorwarnerthompson9131]

Gross. 🤮

[@gutiboy2353]

god, so sick of her!! bottom line is she wanted more $$$, didnt get it and decided to trash everybody on the show!! not classy!

[@agnesphilips2714]

Nah I think her gut said No and it looks like her instinct was right become AJLT was a shower of cow dune serve on a hot plate of vomit 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤢🤢🤢🤢

[@JR-yr6md]

Kim really needs to stop these silly jibes in the guise of women’s empowerment. Personally I think the cast and crew of AJLT have moved on and are doing pretty well what with a second season in the offing. They were also gracious enough to keep a door open for her. It’s not a show for everyone, but it’s beautiful to see friendships thriving over the years. Kim missed out on that. And it could simply be because of personality clashes. Just because she says it’s bullying, it doesn’t make it so.

[@Geoffhassett8612]

she is great, but they way she come across sometimes she is very full of it , she is running this whole no thing,

[@Garsons-oq4lh]

I want to like her but here she sounds especially full of herself. And while she's had a long career her filmography doesn't scream quality.

[@leoalyushin8659]

Pretty ironic considering she turned down her career-reviving role of Samantha Jones three times.

[@elizabethr4107]

u r misusing the word

[@heathernks8]

I'm in my late 40s, and have finally learned how to FULLY say no, but Kim's comments on saying no to ENJOY your life still taught me something new! For the young women out there: When you say no, especially to men who have a weak ego, (or a wife🙄) expect to get criticized. Then, consider the source, lol, and move on. Those men speak like that bc their lives are full of desperate striving, while yours is full of opportunity and joy!🎋

[@jenniferlawrence9473]

Well, just remember this when Roe Vs. Wade is under attack. Women's rights have never been under attack until now and we're not talking about a television series. And I fully say, NO!

[@ebbyc1817]

" especially to men who have a weak ego, (or a wife🙄) " nailedddddd it. Your entire comment nailed it, but that phrase right there,...

[@ardikapradnya7040]

"She's brave, she's capable, she's you. Oh fuck it, she's me! And if any of you are having hot flashes like i am you deserve a fucking medal. Bad enough i lose my hair now i have my face running down to my Couture!"

[@sharynannfrancis5035]

😆 🤣 😂 I know what you mean gal !!!

[@BeautyMarkCoaching]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@isabelll.k377]

Literally what I was thinking! hahahha

[@KatieKamala]

It was a huge fan of sex & the city back in the day. I watched the first episode of the reboot and cringed the whole way through it. The level of writing and acting was ridiculous. Kim was a big winner by saying no to that.

[@Carolina-nn6ye]

It's impossible to dislike Kim Cattrall! ❤

[@siobhanstrauss8492]

Just move on hacker , I weighed it up and think you are not good enough for me now. Hence , I changed my number to ensure the path is clear for a new high quality man to enter the game. If you can’t contact me by phone that’s because I don’t want you to.

[@jessicaoh1755]

Absolutely loved her speech ⭐️

[@danieldavis3035]

I didn't. Nepotism times 10.

[@wongseisunon9966]

No to Michael Patrick King

[@BeYounique...Maryanne]

My God, I love Kim Cattrall! This speech is an inspiration to all women -- in any career. And age is a beautiful thing, especially when I sadly think of all the friends I lost who were UNDER 65. Life is short, and Kim is an ambitious leader showing all of us how it's done! I'm right behind you, Kim, I'm fifty-fucking-eight! Cheers to Kim Cattrall and her mom who is in her 90s! Stay cool, stay healthy, stay HAPPY!! xo

[@szenka43]

I LOVE this woman! What a brilliant speach! Thank You ❤️✨

[@raydollaz1479]

I honestly believe Sam could’ve held her own with a spin off series with jus her high power career as a P.R rep to her fashions, her funny jokes, and ofc the obvious AMAZING sex scenes. That’s a hit show rite there!!!!

[@5amjack999]

No.

[@bradtomlin7387]

Good for her!! Powerful words!! Congratulations on your achievement and success!!

[@marthacousins]

Total goddess. What a gorgeous, smart role model!!

[@andrealee8561]

Kim is literally one classy woman n actress

[@georgina50002]

I admire her so much! She’s a badass!

[@lb1798]

OoooWeee...she told the truth. Things can change quickly...COVID 19 MADE US AWARE OF THAT FOR SURE!!!

[@psychguy]

Finally! We missed you Sam! Kick ass. What an elevated parallel to have her in real life INSTEAD of on tv. Bravo honey, brav-o.

[@alisia000]

We love you Kim!!! And for the record, you look like 45💙 SLAY!

[@thebestisyettocome1]

magnificent speech, especially the part of health insurance ...bravo !

[@rodgerkehl8399]

I just know Andy cohen and Sarah are somewhere scowling

[@lesabri]

She's great!

[@fiorela6194]

Wao! Well done! Everybody deserves be happy & work in a place that make us happier, Love y support you. Very wise lady.

[@Milestonemonger]

Saying "NO" to the new woke Sex and the City series was her best "NO" 👏

[@lucapagnozzi1077]

As a person she is very woke... She just didnt want to be Samantha anymore

[@yelb9135]

Aaaaaaargh I love her!!!

[@angelgodric]

I love Kim what a class act.

[@lovev9904]

I'm an Independent Latino. Say "NO" to "Just Like That We Became Saggy, Old and Pruney" Sex and the City was the Best decision Cattrall made in her career. QUEEN!!

[@samanthachurch]

I love her so much. I came for the possible shade, but I'm leaving inspired:)

[@LuzdoSol00]

Kim Katral is a really talented and brilliant woman. I love this speech. I lot of misogyny from men most times is a woman to take action and really say ' no, I am putting up with nonsense'.

[@jesuscarrillo3705]

WOW... She truly is an act of class, she is the realest 👑

[@joshcahanin1250]

Saying no to a bad script sounds better than saying no to a small paycheck.

[@louisepaton9995]

But it is ok to say no to a small pay check also. It is ok for us to value ourselves

[@gintaremaksimovaite2955]

I love Kim Kattrall. She looks fantastic. What a brilliant speech. Thank you ❤️

[@angeloneto7853]

🙂I have tears in my eyes. This woman's characters and sensitive inteligence have changed my life ever since❤

[@TheLavenderLover]

She knew that reboot would bomb. She has good intuition!

[@karlamier5528]

Bravo Kim!!!

[@anamore8]

Is she successful? You can’t tell by watching.

[@carygottlieb4422]

I just love this woman.

[@colstonlchinese]

Wonderful speech and she deserves the celebration of her artistry and integrity. Congrats, Kim!

[@heidiengellenner9651]

Cat T Rall- like Cat rail- helping you stand upon entrance to ISadore with the standard of dignity that you represnted here on the planet. A women, should be a "sex icon or sexy symbol" A women.

[@Mel-oe3dw]

Come on variety, it was a short speech, at least get the quote right, it’s a “moment” not an “hour”

[@tuckjidapa1165]

2:47 Say No❌ to the past And say YES ✅ to your future

[@juanitabaly2318]

So true 🙏🏾

[@neonrocker85]

Well said! Love her

[@kyraocity]

Yas!!! Yas to saying No and knowing what you will and won’t do. What a perfectly pitched speech! someone who gets collective power not celebrity power. TY!!

[@thatarizonadude]

Kim Cattrall did a great job in SATC. Im glad she was part of it but they really degraded her in SATC2 I was embarrassed for her.

[@louisepaton9995]

I totally agree, and given that the original,series was called Sex and the city, it always amused me that she was usually naked in the sex scenes, which is normal, but her precious costars wore bras in bed which I found hilarious and pointless

[@slobodankaarambasic4961]

Such a beautiful woman. 🌺

[@alexd1121]

It’s hard to believe that anybody would still root for SJP after listening to that yet again and witnessing Kim Cattrall, Patricia Field and Darren Star repeatedly take the high road from SJP and Michael Patrick King.. It’s so sad to imagine that they couldn’t find a way to make things work and save a legacy that’s touched so many people around the world. Sad.

[@pam0626]

I am Team Kim all the way; but, to be fair, I don’t think Patricia Field had a falling out with SJP. She was already booked on Emily in Paris and unavailable to do AJLT.

[@GH-kk9ue]

Preach sister!!!!!!

[@nross3101]

Magnifique discours d'une femme intelligente, brillante et qui sait faire les bons choix dans la VIE ! Bravo KIM ❤❤❤👏👏👏