Dans Papers - June 1, 2007 - Kim Cattrall

After 32 years in front of the camera, Kim Cattrall has become the embodiment of the image of a modern New York sophisticate. Her statuesque figure can be seen striding down Madison Avenue on any given day, clad in exquisitely tailored clothes and turning heads left and right. Luckily, Kim does not spend all her time in New York City and instead chooses to reside at her house on Gerard Drive in East Hampton whenever she needs a well-deserved rest from her packed schedule of awards ceremonies, book signings and filming for movies and television.

Kim Cattrall has not always been the natural New Yorker every fan of her character, Samantha, on HBO's "Sex and The City" admires and strives to emulate. Born in Liverpool, England, best known as the birthplace of the Beatles, Cattrall's family moved to Vancouver, Canada when she was only three months old. When she turned eleven, Kim Cattrall returned to England to study acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. A brilliant pupil, Cattrall graduated high school at the age of sixteen with a full scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. It was there that Kim began to craft her sleek New York persona, which helped her land her first role in a feature film during her senior year. The film, Otto Preminger's Rosebud, received mixed reviews but gave the young actress the opportunity to work with not only one of the United States' premier directors, but also to star opposite A-list actor Peter O'Toole. Like most freshly-minted actresses, Kim craved the tangibility and excitement of live theatre and she soon headed back to Vancouver, later joining a repertory theater in Toronto. During this time, the possibilities of a career in film were still tempting the talented young actress and when she won a contract with Universal Studios in Los Angeles, she left the theatre to pursue her dream of becoming a star. This was one of the last contracts ever given to an actress, which allowed Kim Cattrall the opportunity to build her career following the path of the stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. She began by taking small roles and acted her way up, working diligently and thus ensuring her longevity as an actress.

Due to her multinational upbringing, Kim Cattrall has an international appeal unmatched by most actresses. She is fluent in German and has received accolades from rock stars, such as in the song "Ode to Kim Cattrall" by Crow T. Robot, and British Glamour, who presented her with a Glammy award in 2005 for her performance in the West End play, Whose Life is it Anyway? However, the role that made her a household name across the globe was that of Samantha in HBO's most beloved series, "Sex and The City." Samantha was the perfect vehicle to catapult Kim to superstardom, as the character was very similar to the actress in some ways, yet outlandish enough to encourage a cult following. Like Cattrall herself, Samantha is a savvy businesswoman who takes her sexuality seriously and is the object of every man -- and woman's -- desire the moment they lay eyes on her, no matter what their age or preference. Cattrall's Samantha also had depth, as she was the eldest of the four friends on the show and served as a voice of reason and stability when her younger friends needed guidance. Unlike Cattrall, however, Samantha would never commit to a serious relationship, making her dating antics more fun to watch than any others on the show.

Capitalizing on her reputation as a successful, independant sex goddess, Kim Cattrall published her first book, Satisfaction: The Art of the Female Orgasm, in 2003 with the help of her husband at the time, Mark Levinson. Although Cattrall's character on "Sex and The City" never had problems in bed, Cattrall admits to not enjoying her sex life fully until she turned forty. The actress wrote the guide in order to share her suggestions for women who want to enjoy themselves and please their partners. The slim, stylish volume was a smashing success and proved to the world that Kim Cattrall had many more talents up her sleeve than her fans ever thought possible. Two years later, in 2006, Cattrall published her second book, Kim Cattrall: Sexual Intelligence. A gorgeous collection of sensual pictures and complementary text, the actress' first attempt at piecing together a compilation of diverse works was also very well received, being touted as "the sexiest coffee table book ever created" by the reviewers at www.Amazon.com. The book explores why women want certain things both inside and outside of the bedroom and how to find out what it is that you want. Recognizing that many of her female fans are too young to keep such a sexy manuscript out on their bedside table, Kim's book, Being a Girl: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Teen Life, gave her the chance to share all of the life lessons she has picked up while being a beautiful, smart, successful woman with her teenage fans.

Kim Cattrall's concern for other women, both young and old, does not begin and end with her performances and publications. As an advocate for senior citizens, Cattrall has shown the world her most compassionate, generous side. She always seems to be at the forefront of charity events and auctions, sometimes giving the clothes off her back -- or images of herself without any clothes at all -- in the name of helping others, from animals and children to women of all ages who are in need of her assistance and support.

It seems natural that a New Yorker as successful and charitable as Kim Cattrall would find her way to the Hamptons, where the residents are known for their style and success as well as their charitable spirit. It is in East Hampton that the busy actress can take time for herself, to write her next bestseller, take a walk on the beach, or lend a hand to one of her favorite charities. As smart and caring as she is beautiful, Kim Cattrall is truly one of the most intriguing and attractive residents of the Hamptons. So if you see a statuesque blonde strolling down Main Street in East Hampton this summer, don't be surprised if you hear that beguiling Samantha giggle as you walk past to catch a glimpse of one of the Hamptons' brightest stars.