Kristen Johnston, 58, disclosed that she was under the influence of alcohol and possibly cocaine when she filmed her memorable guest appearance on “Sex and the City” in 2004. Johnston portrayed Lexi Featherston, an old friend of Carrie Bradshaw, in the Season 6 episode.
During the episode, titled “Splat,” Featherston is asked to leave a crowded penthouse party because she cannot smoke inside. She then embarks on a lengthy monologue before falling out of an 18-story window. Johnston described her state at the time as a "hot mess," admitting on Chelsea Handler’s “Dear Chelsea” podcast that she was dealing with a significant addiction.
"I was just kind of messy," Johnston recalled. "Like late at night after I was doing a lot of theater, a lot of drinking after theater, lots of wine, the occasional foray into cocaine, but not like [Lexi]."
Johnston, who has written about her struggles with addiction, including in her 2013 memoir “Guts: The Endless Follies and Tiny Triumphs of a Giant Disaster,” stated that her addiction began in childhood. She explained that she always felt a need to escape and was uncomfortable in her own skin.
The actress, known for her role in “3rd Rock from the Sun,” mentioned that active addiction consumes a large amount of time, primarily in planning and obtaining substances. She eventually found sobriety with the help of friends in New York, though she noted that traditional Alcoholics Anonymous programs did not resonate with her. Johnston estimates she has been sober for approximately 20 years, with periods of relapse.
In a previous interview, Johnston expressed that she is content with the idea of being remembered for her impactful “Sex and the City” role, particularly the character’s line, “New York is over.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline is available at 800-662-4357.