Cynthia Nixon may not have won the chance to govern New York, but through her roles in “And Just Like That …” and “The Gilded Age,” the actress and activist is capturing the city’s vibrant present and opulent past, cementing her as a cultural ambassador for the Big Apple. Her performances, blending grit and glamour, are striking a chord with audiences, while her off-screen advocacy keeps her rooted in the city’s heartbeat, even as fans debate whether her portrayals truly reflect New York’s diverse reality.

In “And Just Like That …” Nixon reprises her iconic role as Miranda Hobbes, now navigating love and career in a post-pandemic Manhattan, with the show’s third season dominating streaming charts in 2025. In “The Gilded Age,” she plays Ada Brook, a kind-hearted spinster in 1880s New York, where robber barons and social climbers clash in HBO’s lavish period drama, renewed for a fourth season. “New York’s a character in both—it’s messy, magnetic, and always changing,” Nixon told a recent industry panel. Her dual roles showcase the city’s chic lofts and gilded mansions, drawing 10 million viewers weekly, per Nielsen data.

Nixon’s connection to New York runs deep. Born in Manhattan, she ran for governor in 2018, challenging Andrew Cuomo with a progressive platform focused on education and transit. Though she lost, her campaign energized young voters, and she remains active, advocating for public schools and LGBTQ rights. The 2025 writers’ strike, which delayed both shows, saw her picketing alongside SAG-AFTRA, echoing her characters’ resilience. Rising production costs, up 15% due to tariffs on imported equipment, haven’t dimmed her projects’ shine, though small studios feel the pinch.

Fans are captivated but divided. Brooklyn barista Clara Ruiz loves Miranda’s evolution: “She’s messy like me, figuring life out.” Harlem teacher James Carter finds “The Gilded Age” distant: “It’s gorgeous, but where’s the real New York—immigrants, workers?” Local theaters, like a Queens venue, report 20% more bookings for Nixon-related events, but small vendors near filming sites grumble about street closures. Critic Anita Shah noted, “Nixon’s New York is aspirational, but it skips the grit of the outer boroughs.” A June 2025 poll shows 65% of viewers feel her shows capture the city’s spirit, though 40% want more diversity.

Nixon’s work boosts New York’s $80 billion tourism industry, with “And Just Like That …” tours up 30%, per NYC & Company. Her advocacy has secured $50 million for city schools since 2020, impacting 10,000 students. But critics argue her elite-focused roles risk alienating working-class viewers, especially as living costs rise 10%. Small businesses near set locations, like a Tribeca café, see sales spikes but face disruptions, costing $5,000 weekly during shoots.

As “And Just Like That …” films its finale and “The Gilded Age” preps new episodes, Nixon’s star power endures. She’s eyeing theater in 2026, per industry buzz, and plans to push for subway funding. “New York’s my home—I’ll always fight for it,” Shah said. For now, Nixon’s on-screen magic keeps the city’s story alive, even if it’s a tale not everyone feels part of.