Jason Lewis Opens Up About His Struggles Before Stardom

Before becoming a fan favorite on Sex and the City, Jason Lewis says his path to success was anything but glamorous. The actor recently shared that he endured months of hardship while trying to build a modeling career in Paris, often struggling to find food and a place to sleep.

Speaking on Kristin Davis’ Am I A Charlotte? podcast, Lewis reflected on the difficult period that came years before he landed the role of Smith Jerrod, Samantha Jones’ devoted boyfriend.

A Leap of Faith That Came at a Cost

Lewis said he moved to Paris at 21 years old after a modeling agency provided him with a three-month ticket. Instead of returning home when his time was up, he chose to stay and pursue his dream, despite having little money and no guarantee of success.

That decision led to months of financial hardship as he searched for modeling opportunities in one of the world’s most competitive fashion capitals.

Surviving on Bread and Mustard

The actor admitted that, during the toughest months, he often had to improvise just to eat. He recalled stealing a baguette from a bakery before adding mustard from outdoor cafés to make simple meals.

Lewis also said he slept on floors until he finally secured modeling jobs that allowed him to support himself. Looking back, he joked that the experience made it easy to stay thin, even if it was an incredibly difficult time in his life.

Persistence Eventually Paid Off

After about a year and a half, Lewis said his modeling career finally began generating a steady income. Those early opportunities eventually opened doors in television and film, leading to his breakthrough role on Sex and the City in 2003.

His portrayal of Smith Jerrod quickly became one of the show’s most beloved storylines, earning him lasting recognition among fans.

Life After Sex and the City

Although Lewis returned for both Sex and the City films, he did not reprise the role in the sequel series And Just Like That… He has also appeared in television shows including How I Met Your Mother, House, Brothers & Sisters, and Midnight, Texas.

More recently, Lewis revealed that he stepped away from Hollywood to focus on writing and has completed a nine-book fantasy series, marking a new chapter in his creative career.