Rosie O’Donnell Says Filming Sex Scene with Cynthia Nixon in “And Just Like That… ”Was ‘Horrifying’

Rosie O’Donnell has candidly discussed her experience filming a rather unusual scene alongside her friend and fellow actress Cynthia Nixon in the inaugural episode of the third and final season of “And Just Like That…,” the widely acclaimed continuation of the “Sex and the City” series. The scene, which involves O’Donnell’s character, Sister Mary, a nun who abandons her chastity vow, resonated with audiences but proved to be a daunting experience for the comedian.

During her appearance on the *Good Hang* podcast hosted by Amy Poehler, O’Donnell, aged 64, described her feelings while shooting the intimate scene with Nixon. “It was horrifying for me,” she admitted, revealing the nerves that surfaced prior to or during filming. The nature of the scene required her to depict a moment of intimacy in a way that felt unnatural to her, particularly when it involved lying in bed post-encounter. “The kissing wasn’t hard, but the laying in bed and wanting us to act like we had just done it, I was like, ‘Uhh,’” she explained, hinting at the discomfort she felt while trying to bring her character to life in such close quarters.

Despite her reservations, O’Donnell acknowledged that intimate scenes are a skill in their own right. Poehler, during the conversation, added insight by pointing out that many of her colleagues have admitted to struggling with filming such scenes. O’Donnell concurs, highlighting that mastering the art of performing intimacy on screen is a nuanced and challenging task.

The comedic actress further revealed her lack of awareness regarding the specific nature of the scene prior to agreeing to participate. When Nixon extended the invitation, O’Donnell, who has a deep admiration for her friend, immediately agreed without fully understanding what was in store. “First of all, I love her. Like, I love her. I have so much respect for her,” she said, recalling how Nixon pitched the idea to her. It was only upon reading the script that O’Donnell realised she would be involved in a scene that saw her character in bed, only partially covered by sheets — an unexpected revelation that left her feeling anxious.

Reflecting on her previous experiences, she noted that the only instance similar in her career was a sex scene from the series “Nip/Tuck,” alongside the late actor Julian McMahon. Consequently, the prospect of performing with Nixon added to her nervousness. “Michael [Patrick King, the show’s writer] said, ‘You guys can be a little bit more,’” she recounted, expressing her struggle with the more daring nature of the scene.

Nixon herself spoke to *PEOPLE* in June 2023, revealing that O’Donnell’s casting was a long-term aspiration for the show’s writing team. King had attempted to create a role for O’Donnell in previous seasons, but timing never favoured the collaboration until now. “So this time, when he told me what the idea was, I thought, ‘Oh, this is fantastic,’” Nixon reflected, conveying her excitement in being able to personally reach out to O’Donnell with the script.

In her assessment, Nixon praised O’Donnell’s performance, calling it hilarious yet layered with sincerity. She expressed that while she anticipated O’Donnell would bring comedic talent to the role, they were pleasantly surprised by the depth of emotion she infused into her character. “She is so funny in the part, yet so centered and so real,” Nixon remarked, alluding to O’Donnell’s ability to balance humour with genuine moments of reflection.

Earlier in their podcast discussion, O’Donnell expressed her admiration for Nixon, calling her “the real deal” and commending her talent. O’Donnell spoke highly of her friend’s commitment to social justice and her love for her family, underscoring her respect for Nixon’s character both on and off the screen.

In conclusion, the camaraderie between O’Donnell and Nixon shines through their performances and interactions. As “And Just Like That…” continues to capture the interest of its viewers, this particular scene serves as a testament to the complex intersection of intimacy, friendship, and professionalism in the realm of television, illustrating how even the most seasoned actors can find themselves vulnerable in new creative spaces.