Photo credit: Nina Duncan
Glamorous and poised, Sarah Wynter has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most precious gems. Having commanded a vast array of characters on both screens big and small, she is likely most recognized for her role as Kate Warner on the hit series “24.” Other credits include David E. Kelley’s GOLIATH opposite Billy Bob Thornton, NBC’s AMERICAN ODYSSEY, CALIFORNICATION, DAMAGES, WINDFALL, FLIGHT OF THE CONCORDS, SEX AND THE CITY, The 6th DAY, opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger, and LOST SOULS, opposite Winona Ryder, amongst numerous others. She also recently executive produced A MOUTHFUL OF AIR, starring Amanda Seyfried, which released theatrically in the fall of 2021 and is now streaming.
We had a chance to sit down with Sarah to discuss her new projects, why she’s speaking out on maternal mental health, and why it’s so necessary to indulge in self-care…
Q: We can’t help but ask about what it was like to be in the pilot episode of SEX AND THE CITY? Did you have any idea at the time it was going to be such a huge show? What are your thoughts on the recent reboot AND JUST LIKE THAT?
A: I had no idea Sex and the City would become such an iconic show. I was beyond excited to guest star in the pilot and it earned me my SAG card– which felt like, as a young actor starting out, I’d “arrived”. I LOVE the reboot. It feels like catching up with old friends in a lot of ways because I grew up with these characters and I’ve evolved and grown as they have too.
Q: You also starred in the hit series 24, GOLIATH, and recently executive produced A MOUTHFUL OF AIR (streaming now). What would you say has been your most memorable role/project to date? Do you prefer being in front of the camera, or being behind the scenes calling the shots?
A: I love acting so much and those moments when I connect with another actor in a scene feel like pure magic. But as a single mom of three boys I’ve had to decline many opportunities because of geography and the long time commitment of doing a TV show. When I worked on a Goliath it was perfect because I only had to sign on for one season and played a supporting role so I could fly home to NY and my children on weekends. Plus it shot in LA which is another home for me. But Executive producing is very appealing to me as I got to experience the other side of storytelling. I’d like to do more of that as it’s still very collaborative like acting.
Q: Hollywood can be extremely critical when it comes to maintaining the optics of perfection. Do you feel like social media has made that worse, or do you think it helps celebrities to have a voice when it comes to messages they want to convey to the world?
A: For me social media is certainly a double edged sword. I want to highlight my work and advocacy but I get total FOMO like everyone else when I see people on great vacations and at fabulous dinners. Some celebrities are very good at it and I’m impressed with how they manage to keep things real and be connected to their fans. But for me it’s a massive time suck as I go down the rabbit hole of seeing what everyone else is up to! I don’t have any social media on my phone which helps. I have to be at home or on a plane on my iPad to check it or post something.
Q: You recently penned a beautiful piece for Vanity Fair about your struggles with Postpartum Psychosis… It was so raw, and vulnerable—yet something so many women keep private out of shame. What advice do you have for women who may feel like they’re struggling with postpartum depression?
A: Thank you. The biggest advice I can give women who are suffering with postpartum depression is to not feel shamed into asking for help. Childbirth and having a new baby can be exhausting and even traumatic for some mothers. For some reason we feel like it should be easy and it can “look” easy on other people, commercials and Instagram. I carried a lot of shame over it for years and it was such a waste because no one has judged me for writing about it and being honest. It’s ok to say “you know what this is hard” or to express the need for additional support. I was very, very lucky to have amazing girlfriends who saw I was struggling because I was too embarrassed and deeply depressed to recognize it myself.
Q: Self-care is a big topic right now—especially when it comes to keeping your mental health in check. How do you treat yourself when you’ve had a tough day? Are there any go-to products or experiences you treat yourself to?
A: I am a big fan of self-care. Sleep is a major priority for me. If I don’t get enough sleep consistently I start to feel fragile. I’ve also learned that fresh air and exercise are critical to my mental health. Part of my exercise is connecting with a few girlfriends and human connection is vital especially as I seem to be locked down so much these days. I can’t drink alcohol like I did when I was younger. But an occasional glass of red wine or a bubble bath is heaven for me. I also use Stacy London’s STATE OF products. Her CBD oil after a bath is so soothing.
Q: Speaking of pampering, you have beautiful skin. How do you maintain such a youthful glow? What are your go-to “Hollywood” anti-aging tips?
A: Thank you! I use Dr Barbara Sturm vitamin C and night serums which are very effective. And I love STATE OF a rich facial moisturizer, cooling facial moisturizer, cooling facial spray, and the best best best rejuvenating facial oil. These products have transformed my skin and it calmed down a lot. No more redness or inflammation.
Q: Lastly, what can we look out for next? Any new projects you’re working on?
A: I’m writing more which is very new for me but I’m excited to tell more stories. I’m also producing a civil war era movie that I’m excited to be announced in the coming months. My Vanity Fair piece has been so kindly received by so many people that I’ve been busy talking about the topic of PPD on television, radio and podcasts. It has been an overwhelming experience that continues to make me feel very grateful that I can add my voice to the chorus of other women openly discussing their struggles. Mental health IS health.
