Actor Jason Lewis revealed in an interview on the podcast “Are You a Charlotte?” that during his early days as a struggling model in Paris, he experienced severe poverty and had to steal baguettes from bakeries and top them with mustard from outdoor cafés to survive. According to reporting by People, Lewis spent months sleeping on floors before eventually landing his breakout role as Smith Jerrod in “Sex and the City” years later.
Early Struggles and Modeling Days in Paris
Long before walking red carpets, Jason Lewis faced severe financial hardship when he relocated to Paris at age 21 to pursue a modeling career. According to People, the future television star lacked money and struggled to afford basic necessities. He spent months sleeping on floors and utilized creative measures just to secure daily meals.
“I starved for a period,” Lewis shared on the podcast hosted by his former “Sex and the City” castmate Kristin Davis, according to People. The financial strain forced him into extreme measures to get through the day.
Did you know? Kristin Davis, who hosts the “Are You a Charlotte?” podcast, played Charlotte York in the iconic 1990s television series “Sex and the City,” sharing the screen with Cynthia Nixon, Kim Cattrall, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Surviving on Mustard Sandwiches
During the podcast appearance reported by People, Lewis detailed how food scarcity shaped his daily routine in the French capital. He resorted to shoplifting to stave off hunger.
“I used to scout out a bakery and steal a baguette, before I ran off,” Lewis said, as quoted by People. He described taking the stolen bread to an outdoor café, where he would grab a jar of mustard and pour it over the food. “Then I had a mustard sandwich for many of my meals.”
The difficult period lasted for approximately a year and a half. Financial relief eventually arrived as modeling work picked up and income started flowing in, permanently altering his living situation.
The Breakthrough That Led to “Sex and the City”
In 2003, he secured the recurring role of Smith Jerrod, the boyfriend of Samantha Jones, during the sixth and final season of “Sex and the City”. The role introduced him to millions of viewers worldwide and launched his mainstream acting career.
Reflecting on those early hardships today, Lewis maintains a lighthearted perspective. “It was an easy way to stay thin,” he joked during the podcast, according to People.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jason Lewis?
Jason Lewis is an actor and former model best known for playing Smith Jerrod in the HBO series “Sex and the City.”
What did Jason Lewis reveal about his time in Paris?
According to People, Lewis revealed on the “Are You a Charlotte?” podcast that he suffered from severe hunger, slept on floors, and stole baguettes to make mustard sandwiches during his early modeling days.
Who hosts the podcast where Lewis shared his story?
The podcast “Are You a Charlotte?” is hosted by actress Kristin Davis.
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