Kim Cattrall began her professional trajectory in 1975 with a role in the action thriller Rosebud, marking the start of a career spanning five decades across cinema, television, and theatre. Born in 1956, she transitioned from early contractual work in the Hollywood studio system to achieving international prominence through her portrayal of Samantha Jones on HBO's Sex and the City.
Early Career and Television Development
After graduating from Georges P. Vanier Secondary School in 1972, Cattrall moved to New York City to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She secured a five-year film contract with director Otto Preminger, leading to her debut in 1975. During the late 1970s, she worked extensively within the Universal Studios contract player system, which resulted in guest roles on series such as Quincy, M.E., Columbo, and Starsky & Hutch. She also performed in television miniseries including The Bastard and The Rebels, establishing a consistent presence on screen before moving into feature films.
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Cattrall transitioned to cinema with roles in the 1980 film Tribute and the 1981 production Ticket to Heaven. Throughout the 1980s, she appeared in various genre films, including the comedy Porky's, the action film Big Trouble in Little China, and the commercial success Mannequin. Her film career continued into the 1990s with Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, for which she helped design the character of Lieutenant Valeris. Parallel to her film work, she maintained a career in theatre, appearing in productions such as Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge, Chekhov's Three Sisters, and the West End revival of Whose Life Is It Anyway?
International Recognition and Later Work
In 1997, Cattrall was cast as Samantha Jones in the HBO series Sex and the City, a role she played until 2004. The performance earned her five Primetime Emmy nominations, four Golden Globe nominations, and a win for Best Supporting Actress. She later reprised the role in the 2008 and 2010 Sex and the City feature films. Her recent television credits include Sensitive Skin, Filthy Rich, Queer as Folk, Glamorous, and a role on the sitcom How I Met Your Father.
Fast facts
- Born: 21 August 1956, Mossley Hill
- Citizenship: Canada, United States, United Kingdom
- Film debut: Rosebud (1975)
- Notable TV role: Samantha Jones, Sex and the City
- Award: Lucy Award (1999)
- Award: Canada's Walk of Fame (2009)
- Education: American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Questions readers ask
What was Kim Cattrall's first film role?
Her film debut was in the 1975 action thriller Rosebud.
Which major awards has she received?
She has received the Lucy Award, the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, and was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.
Achievements
- Educated at American Academy of Dramatic Arts and The Royal Conservatory of Music
- Worked as television actor, film actor and actor
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