Sarah Jessica Parker Explains Why She Refuses To Take Photos With Fans—And Reveals What She Offers Instead

From reading extensively to accepting only certain interviews, it's no secret that Sarah Jessica Parker values substance, intellect, and genuineness above superficiality, even if some of her past character roles would not agree.

Many celebrities would oblige if asked for an autograph, selfie, and possibly even a moment of their time to talk about a favorite movie or TV role. But it's well-known that Sarah Jessica Parker isn't one of those celebrities.

She made it clear years ago that introductions and conversations were perfectly welcome, and time permitting, so were autographs, but selfies are out of the question.

During a recent appearance on the Howard Stern Show, she finally opened up about why.

The pair were discussing a range of subjects, including the actress's experiences with fans approaching her and her husband, Matthew Broderick, while out in public.

When asked if they ask for autographs, Parker appeared disappointed.

"I wish people asked for autographs, Howard."

"No one asks for autographs anymore. They ask for a selfie."

With the subject of selfies now out in the open, Parker addressed what she likes to do instead of saying cheese.

"Here's what I've been trying to do."

"'Cause I was just at the airport on Friday. A woman came up to me and she didn't say hello. She just said, 'Can I take your picture?'"

"I said, 'We haven't even met. You didn't even introduce yourself. What's your name?'"

Parker confided that this wasn't the gateway to a selfie, but it was a place to start.

"When you tell me your name, I'm gonna tell you no, but we're gonna have a conversation, and I guarantee you it's gonna be so much more meaningful."

"I kind of prefer this to somebody walking up to me with the camera already ready, asking as they're clicking."

"I always am, like, startled by it, and I tell you, I much prefer to have a conversation, and for someone to come up to me and say, 'Maybe this isn't your best time. My name is Veronica, and I'm just here, and I'm excited to see you.'"

Howard interjected that, realistically, there are days that he just doesn't want to take a selfie, because he feels like he 'looks like s**t' and doesn't want a 'bad picture' of him plastered all over the internet, which Parker heartily agreed with.

You can watch the full interview between Parker and Howard here:

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Vanity Fair readers had a lot to say about the interview.

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Others shared experiences they'd had in meeting Parker and how personable she had been.

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This is such a great reminder that celebrities are just people and they don't want a camera shoved in their face every moment of every day, especially when it feels purely transactional and has no meaning or genuine connection behind it.

While Parker's idea of an introduction might not work for everyone, it adds meaning to that in-person meeting and makes the whole moment much more memorable.