Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 11, 2025 · Entertainment

Sarah Jessica Parker's Bold Stance on Fan Photos: Why Conversation Trumps Selfies

Sarah Jessica Parker, 60, revealed the main reason she doesn't take pictures with fans - and explained what she prefers to do instead; seen in May in Paris

Sarah Jessica Parker Spills Tea on Her Favorite Way to Deal with Fans

In a candid conversation on The Howard Stern Show, Hollywood icon Sarah Jessica Parker revealed her secret for dealing with overzealous fans - and it's not what you'd expect! At 60 years young, the Sex And The City star has been in the spotlight for decades, but she's not afraid to speak her mind when it comes to fan etiquette.

According to sources close to the actress, Parker recently found herself face-to-face with a fan at an airport who had the audacity to ask for a selfie without even introducing themselves. But instead of giving in to the demand, Parker took a stand and politely declined, opting for something far more meaningful: a conversation!

Parker recalled, 'A woman came up to me and she didn't say hello, she just said,

A Conversation Over a Selfie?

When asked about the encounter on The Howard Stern Show, Parker explained that she prefers to connect with fans on a personal level rather than just taking their picture. "I was at the airport on Friday," she recalled, "and this woman came up to me and said, 'Can I take your picture?' And I said, 'We didn't even meet. You didn't even introduce yourself. What's your name?'" Parker continued, "So I turned down taking a photo, but told her, 'But we're going to have a conversation. And I guarantee you it's going to be so much more meaningful.'"

And that's exactly what happened! After getting settled inside the airport, Parker returned to the fan, who was traveling with others from Minnesota, and the two struck up a conversation. As if things couldn't get any better, Parker revealed that she and her brother ended up chatting with everyone at the table!

The mom-of-three further explained why she 'prefers' talking to fans by adding, 'Here's the thing. I kind of prefer it to somebody walking up to me with the camera already ready, asking as they're clicking'

The Schoolteacher of Selfies

Howard Stern took note of Parker's unique approach and playfully dubbed her "the schoolteacher of selfies." But it seems Parker is on to something - a conversation can be far more meaningful than a quick snap. When asked why she prefers talking to fans, Parker shared, "I kind of prefer it when someone comes up to me and says, 'Maybe this isn't your best time. My name is Veronica and I'm just here and I'm excited to see you.'"

The Host with the Most

'I always am like startled by it,' Sarah continued. 'And I tell you, I much prefer to have a conversation'; seen in May in NYC

Of course, not everyone shares Parker's enthusiasm for meaningful conversations. Howard Stern chimed in with his own take on fan etiquette, jokingly saying, "Listen, genius, I'd love to take a picture with you if I was George Clooney. But let's be real, I look like s**t." The host continued, "I don't need another bad picture of me running around because I see these pictures everywhere and I look like a monster."

Parker's Private Life

But what about Parker's personal life? The actress has largely kept her private life out of the spotlight over the years. She's been married to actor Matthew Broderick since 1997, and the couple shares three children: James, 22, and twins Tabitha and Marion, 15.

During a recent interview with The Guardian , the actress expressed, 'Being a public person is complicated'; seen in May in Paris

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Parker opened up about the challenges of being a public person. "Being a public person is complicated," she explained. "It asks you to be generous of spirit at times in which you might have a child having a meltdown at an airport, or you're having a tough conversation on the phone."

A Star Who Stays Grounded

Despite her fame, Parker has always maintained a down-to-earth approach to life. In a past interview with Vogue, she shared, "You won't find me with an entourage of people... We don't have limousines; we don't have bodyguards; we live on the streets of New York."

A few months earlier in April, Sarah and husband Matthew - whom she tied the knot with in 1997 - made a rare red carpet appearance with their twin daughters (seen above)

Sex And The City Reboot

Parker has been keeping busy reprising her iconic role as Carrie Bradshaw in the Sex And The City reboot, And Just Like That. The third season finally impressed critics and began airing late last month on HBO Max.

The new season also sees Parker joined by Cynthia Nixon (Miranda), Kristin Davis (Charlotte), and a star-studded cast that includes Sarita Choudhury, Nicole Ari Parker, Mario Cantone, John Corbett, David Eigenberg, and Evan Handler. With Parker's signature wit and charm, it's no wonder the show is still going strong!