Cynthia Nixon Shines on HBO Max with 'And Just Like That' and 'The Gilded Age'

Cynthia Nixon is currently at the center of two major HBO Max series, bringing depth and nuance to characters that couldn’t be more different—yet share surprising similarities. In And Just Like That, she returns as Miranda Hobbes, a role that defined a generation of women navigating life, love, and career in New York City. Meanwhile, in The Gilded Age, she steps into the shoes of Ada Brook, a shy, soft-spoken woman navigating a completely new chapter of her life after years of dependence and hardship.

Both characters find themselves in unfamiliar territory, struggling with identity, change, and the weight of societal expectations. For Nixon, this duality offers a unique opportunity to explore two sides of womanhood—one rooted in urban independence and ambition, the other in domestic uncertainty and emotional vulnerability.

Miranda, once the fiercely independent lawyer who rarely showed emotion, has evolved significantly over the years. Her journey from corporate powerhouse to someone seeking deeper purpose reflects broader cultural shifts. Nixon notes that while Miranda was initially seen as the least glamorous of the Sex and the City quartet, she’s since become a symbol of resilience and self-discovery. “People started identifying with her because many of the things she stood for—feminism, work-life balance, honesty—moved from the fringes into the mainstream,” Nixon explains.

Her romantic evolution has also been a focal point, particularly her relationship with Steve Brady. Though they shared undeniable chemistry, their union ultimately revealed fundamental differences. “Miranda never really knew if she wanted to be with him forever,” Nixon says. “Steve taught her how to trust, but eventually, he wasn’t enough for her.” This theme of personal growth continues in And Just Like That, especially through her exploration of queerness and her relationship with Che Díaz. “We needed to queer the show more broadly,” Nixon shares. “If we’re bringing in diverse voices, why not let Miranda evolve too?”

In contrast, Ada Brook represents a quieter kind of transformation. A lifelong wallflower, Ada spent years living under her sister's roof, relying on charity. But when she unexpectedly falls in love and inherits a fortune, her world flips upside down. Suddenly, she finds herself in a position of power and responsibility. “She’s gone from being invisible to running the household,” Nixon explains. “But she’s terrified. She knows she’s in over her head.”

Ada’s storyline allows Nixon to tap into a side of herself she hadn’t explored in years. “I’ve played so many roles like Miranda—strong, assertive women—but Ada feels more natural to me,” she admits. Drawing inspiration from a beloved godmother who instilled values of kindness and quiet strength, Nixon brings warmth and authenticity to Ada’s character.

Despite their differences, both Ada and Miranda share some unexpected commonalities. They’re both originally from Pennsylvania, live in New York, and have experienced the pain of widowhood. Yet where Miranda was once cynical and career-driven, Ada is hopeful and emotionally open. “They represent two very different approaches to life,” Nixon observes. “But both are trying to navigate worlds they don’t fully understand.”

Beyond acting, Nixon has also ventured into activism and politics. Her decision to run against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was both bold and controversial. “I didn’t think I’d win, but I knew someone had to challenge him,” she recalls. The experience reshaped her understanding of leadership and public service. “Acting is about truth-telling, but politics often demands projection—confidence, even when you're uncertain.”

Nixon remains deeply engaged in social justice issues, particularly around education and LGBTQ+ rights. She’s also spoken out about recent protests at Columbia University, where tensions between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and university administrators have sparked national debate. “It’s devastating to see students treated this way,” she says. “We need to protect free speech while ensuring all students feel safe.”

As an actress, activist, and public figure, Nixon continues to challenge expectations. Whether it’s portraying complex women on screen or advocating for progressive policies off it, she remains committed to growth, authenticity, and the belief that reinvention is always possible—even in your sixties.