28
She made her TV debut in a guest appearance onSex and the Cityin 1999.
It was the first realization of, this is going to be a big movie, Moynahan tells Bustle.
Moynahans 28th year saw a lot of dreams come to fruition.
She had already built up a career as a model who regularly appeared on the covers ofGlamourandCosmo.
Though the part was relatively small, it was so memorable that Natasha became a recurring character.
She became a silent nemesis for Carrie Bradshaw, Moynahan recalls.
I could have never predicted the career Ive had, she says.
What was your life like at 28, in 1999?
It was actually very exciting.
I had just doneSex and the City.
It was a full-on new life for me.
What were your most memorable moments from shootingCoyote Ugly?
All of it was so exciting because it was such an involved process.
Not every project is like that, where you are immersed with your cast members from day one.
It was such a beautiful introduction to the film world.
I didn’t really know what I was getting into.
He just creates such massive blockbusters I didn’t understand that I was lucky to step into that.
That was the year it was all coming together.
It was a big year.
Not to mention my favorite album ever was1999, so I was listening to Prince the whole time.
Do you remember what it felt like to be on set for the first time?
I have very clear imagery of what it was like to step ontoSex and the City.
It is such an energy.
Youre thrust right into it.
Its such a well-oiled machine, you have to jump into the action, and I was really nervous.
So often, people conflate a villain with the actor who plays them.
Were you nervous to come into the show with so many people rooting for Carrie and Big?
You know what, I really think I was naive.
I was like, I got a job.
Honestly, I was really psyched to get a job.
I didnt know whatSex and the Citywas.
I knew it was a show, but I didnt know what it was to step into that role.
Maybe its better, maybe the ignorance was bliss.
Have you ever had a Natasha in your life?
If there was a real Natasha now, it would be Amal Clooney, George Clooney’s wife.
She is just the epitome of perfection.
Intelligent, accomplished, compassionate, gorgeous.
To me, she is everything.
Did you feel accomplished at 28?
Did you feel like you knew where you were going with your life?
I definitely felt like this is good, definitely, I am on the right path.
I am making a life.
Did you have any other hobbies or passions?
I was a hobby photographer.
It was a very cool life, I have to say.
Was it a hard adjustment period moving from your longtime home of New York to Los Angeles?
Being in New York, you know it’s a grid LA is not a grid.
Thank god for Waze and Google Maps.
I cried in traffic many times.
What was your style like at 28?
I was actually wearing a lot of leather, low slung, lace-up crotch pants.
I got inspired from theCoyote Uglywardrobe.
Is there any advice you wish you could give your 28-year-old self?
To go buy property.
Forget about the shoes, real estate would have been a good idea.
And trusting my gut.
I was just not seeing the notes.
I auditioned for it and I did not get it.
And I remember walking away and thinking,I did not do that my way.
I didnt use my instincts or trust my gut.
I took that moment as a learning experience to trust my gut.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
This article was originally published onDec.
