How To Fail With Elizabeth Day Cynthia Nixon - ‘Being brave is feeling scared and doing it anyway’
Jun 11, 2025
Cynthia Nixon, celebrated actor and political activist, shares her journey from portraying the iconic Miranda Hobbs to her brave run for New York governor. She discusses the flaws of her beloved character and the necessary confrontations in 'And Just Like That'. Cynthia reflects on her early political influences, insights into gender perceptions in politics, and the impact of her campaign on progressive policies. With a blend of vulnerability and humor, she highlights the importance of young activists and her hopes for the future.
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Failure Can Trigger Midlife Reinvention
- Miranda's failures (career, marriage, alcoholism) were catalysts for genuine personal growth.
- Cynthia Nixon argues failure can be the best thing because it enables course correction in midlife.
Clumsy Attempts Are Part Of Racial Learning
- Attempts to address race require humility and visible missteps as part of learning.
- Nixon says Miranda's clumsy mistakes reflect how white people often fumble when trying to engage across race.
Losing The Race, Winning Policy Gains
- Cynthia Nixon ran for New York governor in 2018 and lost but saw major policy wins follow.
- Her campaign helped deliver a Democratic supermajority and progressive laws like the Reproductive Health Act.