This article explores the life of Cynthia Nixon, a renowned American actress best known for her role in Sex and the City and other works. Learn more about her childhood, acting career, political endeavors, and unique personal life. More on manhattanski.com.
Early Life
Cynthia Nixon was born on April 9, 1966, in Manhattan. Her father, Walter Nixon, worked in radio production, while her mother, Anne Knoll, was a well-known actress. Cynthia’s parents nurtured her love for the arts from an early age, encouraging her to attend various acting studios and workshops. She made her theatrical debut at the age of twelve, starting with small roles before progressing to Broadway musicals. Alongside her budding acting career, Cynthia excelled in school and later graduated from a liberal arts college in Manhattan.
Acting Career
Cynthia Nixon made her film debut in 1980, playing Sunshine in Little Darlings. Her outstanding performance earned her subsequent roles, and in the following year, she appeared in three films: Tattoo as Cindy, The Pelican Brief as Sue Ellen, and Prince of the City as Jeannie—a role that brought her initial recognition. Throughout the 1980s, Nixon starred in films such as The Secret Adventure of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, My Body, My Child, I’m a Fool, Amadeus, The Manhattan Project, and Racing with the Moon.
The 1990s were equally productive, with Nixon delivering stellar performances in Love and Betrayal, Love, Lies and Murder, Face of a Stranger, Through an Open Window, The Addams Family Values, Baby’s Day Out, Marvin’s Room, The Judas Kiss, The Arrival, and The Pelican Brief.
In the 2000s, Nixon took on more serious and complex roles, including Warm Springs as Eleanor Roosevelt, The Babysitters as Gail Beltran, and A Quiet Passion, where she portrayed poet Emily Dickinson. Other notable projects include The Adderall Diaries, James White, Stockholm, Pennsylvania, Ruth and Alex, The Bastard, Sex and the City, An Englishman in New York, The Upper East Side, Little Manhattan, One Last Thing, and Igby Goes Down.
Political and Social Activism
In addition to her acting career, Cynthia Nixon ventured into politics in 2018, running for governor of New York. Although she garnered some support, she ultimately lost the election. Her candidacy highlighted her commitment to addressing social and political issues, cementing her role as an advocate for progressive causes.
Personal Life
Cynthia Nixon married teacher Danny Mozes in 1988, and the couple had two children. In 2018, their eldest child publicly came out as transgender. Nixon and Mozes divorced in 2003. In 2004, Nixon began a relationship with Christine Marinoni, a close friend. Christine gave birth to their child in 2011, and the couple officially married in 2012, with Nixon wearing a Carolina Herrera gown.
In 2006, Nixon was diagnosed with breast cancer, a fact she revealed to the public in 2008, highlighting her resilience and openness in sharing her personal journey.