Jason Lewis recalls struggling in Paris before Sex and the City fame

Jason Lewis reveals he struggled with hunger and hardship in Paris before landing his iconic Sex and the City role

Jason Lewis has opened up about the difficult period he faced before becoming a household name through Sex and the City.

The actor revealed that he experienced financial struggles and extreme hardship while trying to establish himself as a model in Paris before his breakthrough Hollywood role.

During an appearance on Kristin Davis’ podcast Am I A Charlotte?, Lewis recalled arriving in Paris at age 21 with hopes of building a modelling career. He said he initially planned to stay for only three months but decided to remain in the city despite having little money and limited resources.

The actor described that period as a “six-month starvation period,” explaining that he sometimes struggled to afford food and even slept on floors while searching for opportunities. Lewis joked that he would steal baguettes from bakeries and create simple mustard sandwiches to survive.

“It was easy to stay skinny, though,” Lewis joked while reflecting on the challenging experience.

After months of struggling, Lewis eventually secured modelling work and began earning enough money to support himself. His career later expanded beyond modelling, leading him to acting opportunities and his breakout role as Smith Jerrod on HBO’s hit series Sex and the City.

Lewis joined the show during its sixth season as Samantha Jones’ younger boyfriend and became a fan-favourite character. He later reprised the role in the franchise’s two films.

The actor has since appeared in projects including How I Met Your Mother, House and Brothers & Sisters. After stepping away from Hollywood, Lewis also focused on writing and revealed that he created a nine-book fantasy series.