Lisa Edelstein Almost Played Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City and Still Isn't Over It

Find out just how close the House and Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce actress got to the iconic role

By Lauren Piester Feb 03, 2016 11:15 PMTags
Lisa Edelstein, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sex and the CityGetty Images/HBO

Can you picture Lisa Edelstein as Carrie Bradshaw?

Because we can, and apparently so could the producers back in the '90s when they were casting the series. 

The Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce star revealed to Access Hollywood that she was almost cast as the iconic tutu-wearing writer. In fact, she was so close to the role that she had a deal in place and everything. There was just one problem, and her name was Sarah Jessica Parker

"I was either going to do it or not. It all depended on whether she said yes," Edelstein said. "My contract was complete. I was waiting." 

The rest is history, obviously. 

Carole Segal/Bravo

Unfortunately, losing out on a role like that made it impossible for Edelstein to watch and enjoy the HBO series, which ran from 1998 to 2004, because it was "too painful." 

However, she did go on to star on House for seven seasons starting in 2004, and now stars on Bravo's Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce, so she's done pretty well for herself in spite of never not being able to help but wonder. 

Edelstein is not the only actor to lose out on an incredible TV role. Check out our gallery of iconic roles that almost went to other actors