Nicole Ari Parker, known for her roles in film, television, and stage, embodies grace and resolve whether she’s on screen or off. From her breakout performance in Soul Food to her recent off-Broadway play, Ari Parker’s career is defined by authenticity, versatility, and strength. As she enters a new chapter in her life, both personally and professionally, she reflects on her roots in Baltimore and the evolving concept of beauty as one grows into their true self.
Reflecting on Success and Scrutiny
“I hate this part of the business! I do not like taking photographs. I still have like a sixth-grade relationship with the camera… I’m not sure how to smile, and I swear I have a droopy eye. But I have to try to love my eye and go with it! It’s like a self-help moment.”
Navigating Fame and Criticism
“No, Boris is right: It really is going to be hard to make the selects. Now, you are part of this pop-culture phenomenon with the show, where is your head as it heads into the finale this month?”
“I was just saying this the other day. I wasn’t prepared for what 20 years really means—it’s actually 20-plus years of Sex and the City being in people’s hearts. Then entering as one of the new girls on And Just Like That…, I wasn’t ready for the scrutiny, the love, the excitement, the criticism. It’s like being in the Colosseum! It’s been a wild ride and there is some navigating, but being a part of something so iconic has been quite the journey—a good journey.”
I always apply Aquaphor or Vaseline over my Chanel face mist, fancy serum, and neck cream to seal everything in. Recently, I had to have my hormones checked because I developed melasma out of the blue. For any adults reading this, instead of just buying more products, it’s important to get a check-up to understand what’s causing any skin issues. I’ve started taking vitamins from Cenegenics which have helped fade the melasma and improve my overall skin health. Your body and face are interconnected, so it’s essential to pay attention to what they’re telling you.
As summer comes to an end, I’m looking forward to celebrating my birthday in two months. My husband Boris and I always have a blast on our special day. We recently celebrated our 20th anniversary, which is quite an achievement for two actors. Perhaps our story should be featured in the Guinness Book of World Records!
Photography by Dana Scruggs; Jacket: Laquan Smith; Earrings: Silvia Furmanovich; Ring: Joanna Laura Constantine; Shoes: Stylist’s own sentence: “The cat jumped onto the table and knocked over a vase.”
Rewritten sentence: “A vase was knocked over by the cat as it jumped onto the table.”