Brian Van Holt, known for portraying Wylie Ford in Sex and the City, disclosed that his character drew inspiration from Leonardo DiCaprio and his close-knit group of friends, often referred to as the “P***y Posse.” This revelation came during an August 18 episode of Kristin Davis’ podcast, highlighting how tales from DiCaprio’s social circle influenced Van Holt’s performance.
How the “P***y Posse” Shaped Wylie Ford’s Character
Van Holt explained that while the details might be hearsay, the promiscuous and mischievous antics of DiCaprio’s group laid the foundation for Wylie Ford. He said,
I don’t even know if this is true; this is probably all rumored and hearsay, but there’s the P***y Posse. So that character Wylie Ford was loosely based on the P***y Posse shenanigans.
—Brian Van Holt, Actor
Kristin Davis, who played Charlotte York on the HBO show, remembered the group’s notorious nickname and its infamous reputation. The posse reportedly included DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Lukas Haas, and Kevin Connolly, known for their womanizing behavior and prank-filled lifestyles.
The Actor’s Approach to Playing Wylie Ford
Van Holt shared that embracing the character gave him a chance to “channel my inner douche bag,” a process he found both creatively rewarding and cathartic. Regarding his preparation for the role, he remarked,
How can I be as douchey as possible? To represent something that I don’t really care for?
—Brian Van Holt, Actor
The role demanded Van Holt conduct extensive research to convincingly portray the flamboyant celebrity heartthrob Wylie Ford, who briefly dated Charlotte in the show’s second season. Their relationship ended swiftly as Charlotte grew uncomfortable with his demanding nature.
Lack of Official Confirmation from Creators
Although Van Holt attributed his portrayal to the collective influence of the entire group, he refrained from singling out an individual from the posse. Neither the show’s writers nor producers have officially acknowledged any direct inspiration behind Wylie Ford’s character.
The Lasting Impact of DiCaprio’s Circle on Pop Culture
This disclosure adds a new layer to understanding how real-life celebrities and their social dynamics can inform fictional portrayals on popular television. It highlights the tension and unease often concealed behind charismatic public images and emphasizes the creative challenges actors face when representing controversial personalities. The story behind Wylie Ford remains a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of celebrity culture and scripted drama.
