The Two Actresses Who Played Carrie Bradshaw: SJP’s $200M Legacy And The Shocking AJLT Season 3 Finale (2025 Update)

The question of "Who plays Carrie Bradshaw?" is more complex than a single name, spanning two iconic eras of television. While the immediate and definitive answer is Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP), who created the character's enduring cultural legacy across six seasons of Sex and the City, two feature films, and the current spin-off And Just Like That..., a second actress also brought the New York columnist to life. That actress is AnnaSophia Robb, who portrayed a teenage Carrie in the prequel series, The Carrie Diaries. As of December 2025, the conversation is dominated by SJP's return for the highly-anticipated—and reportedly final—third season of And Just Like That..., promising a dramatic conclusion to the beloved character's journey.

The character of Carrie Bradshaw has transcended television, becoming a global fashion icon, a symbol of female friendship, and the definitive voice of a generation navigating life, love, and career in New York City. The two actresses who took on the role each contributed a vital chapter to the overall narrative, exploring the character’s evolution from a hopeful, 1980s high school student to a sophisticated, middle-aged widow reinventing her life and career in the mid-2020s.

Sarah Jessica Parker and AnnaSophia Robb: A Tale of Two Carries

The role of Carrie Bradshaw is inextricably linked to Sarah Jessica Parker, whose portrayal earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards. However, the character's backstory was later explored by a talented younger actress, creating a dual legacy.

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Sarah Jessica Parker (The Iconic Adult Carrie) - Biography & Latest Ventures

• Full Name: Sarah Jessica Parker
• Born: March 25, 1965, in Nelsonville, Ohio, U.S.
• Role: Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City (1998–2004), Sex and the City: The Movie (2008), Sex and the City 2 (2010), and And Just Like That... (2021–2025).
• Spouse: Matthew Broderick (m. 1997)
• Estimated Net Worth: $200 Million (Combined with husband)
• Latest Projects (2024-2025): Executive Producer of the documentary The Librarians (debuted at Sundance); starring in and executive producing the third and final season of And Just Like That...; launching a new Island Cocktail Experience in partnership with Invivo X, SJP in December 2025.
• Key Business Ventures: SJP Collection (a successful footwear and accessory line launched in 2014); Invivo X, SJP (an award-winning wine and beverage brand).

AnnaSophia Robb (The Young, Aspiring Carrie) - Profile & Career

• Full Name: AnnaSophia Robb
• Born: December 8, 1993, in Denver, Colorado, U.S.
• Role: Young Carrie Bradshaw in The Carrie Diaries (2013–2014), a prequel series set in the 1980s.
• Estimated Net Worth: $8 Million.
• Notable Pre-Carrie Roles: *Bridge to Terabithia* (2007), *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* (2005), *Soul Surfer* (2011).
• Post-Carrie Career: Robb has continued to star in film and television, including a recent focus on a new crime project.

While Robb captured the youthful energy and nascent fashion sense of a 16-year-old Carrie, navigating her first loves and career dreams, Parker defines the mature, complex, and sometimes criticized, version of the character. Parker has played the role for over 27 years, cementing her status as the definitive Carrie Bradshaw.

The Cultural Impact: Carrie Bradshaw’s Enduring Fashion Legacy

More than her relationships or her writing, Carrie Bradshaw’s most powerful and lasting entity is her style. The character, as interpreted by Sarah Jessica Parker and legendary costume designer Patricia Field, became an unofficial fifth character in the series, pioneering a "high-low" fashion mix that blended designer pieces with vintage finds.

This approach to dressing revolutionized how women viewed personal style, emphasizing creativity and self-expression over rigid rules. The legacy of Carrie's wardrobe is a crucial part of the answer to "who plays Carrie Bradshaw," as the actress's commitment to the fashion elevated the character to a global style icon.

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Carrie’s Most Iconic Fashion Entities

• The Tutu Skirt: The instantly recognizable tulle skirt worn in the opening credits, symbolizing her whimsical, fearless approach to dressing.
• The Nameplate Necklace: A simple, personal piece of jewelry that became a massive trend and a key part of her identity.
• The Dior Newsprint Dress: A bias-cut John Galliano for Dior gown, one of the most memorable and audacious looks.
• Manolo Blahniks: The definitive shoe brand for Carrie, representing her obsession with luxury footwear (often cited as the reason for her financial woes).
• The "Naked Dress": A body-hugging, beige slip dress that showcased her confidence and vulnerability.

Sarah Jessica Parker's own business ventures, particularly the SJP Collection footwear line, are a direct extension of this fashion legacy, allowing fans to literally walk in Carrie's Manolos.

The Final Chapter: What’s Next for Carrie in And Just Like That… Season 3 (2025)

The most current and compelling information surrounding the character is the upcoming third season of the sequel series, And Just Like That... (AJLT), which is scheduled for a 2025 release. News updates suggest this will be the final season, reportedly concluding with a surprise two-part finale in August 2025.

Sarah Jessica Parker's return as Carrie Bradshaw is confirmed, continuing her journey as a podcaster, author, and widow navigating the complexities of dating and friendship in her 50s. The new season is expected to focus on Carrie's evolution and her relationships with Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte York Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis).

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Key Updates and Cast Changes for AJLT Season 3

The upcoming season has generated significant buzz due to major shake-ups in the core cast, reflecting a new direction for the show:

• Exits: Sara Ramirez (Che Diaz) and Karen Pittman (Dr. Nya Wallace) will not be returning to the series as regulars.
• Promotions/Additions: Several recurring characters have been promoted to series regulars, and new cast members, including Mehcad Brooks, Jonathan Cake, and Dolly Wells, are joining the ensemble.
• SJP’s Perspective: Sarah Jessica Parker has publicly addressed the criticism the character has received over the years—especially concerning her sometimes questionable financial decisions and relationships—stating that Carrie has "made mistakes," but her journey is one of continuous growth.

The final season will likely provide closure on Carrie’s romantic life, following her complex relationship with Aidan Shaw and the lingering memory of her late husband, Mr. Big. Fans are eagerly anticipating how SJP will conclude her decades-long tenure as one of television's most written-about characters, solidifying her legacy long after the final episode airs. The character's journey from the scrunchie-wearing teen in *The Carrie Diaries* to the cosmos-sipping columnist of *Sex and the City* and the evolving woman in *And Just Like That...* ensures that both Sarah Jessica Parker and AnnaSophia Robb are essential parts of the answer to who plays Carrie Bradshaw.