'Stilettos and a Thong:' Patricia Clarkson Looks Back on her 'Sexy-Ass Life'

Self-described "single, straight Southern woman who never married and never had children" Patricia Clarkson, 63, has no regrets about the choices she's made around family life.

People Magazine reported that the acclaimed actor appeared on an episode of the Table for Two with Bruce Bozzi podcast. In comments that were recorded before the ongoing actors' strike, Clarkson talked about how being an aunt has fulfilled any maternal desire she had.

"I have so many sisters who have beautiful children, and they now have beautiful children," the "Monica" star disclosed. "I love being an aunt, I love it more than – probably more than acting, which is odd. They're on par."

Saying that though "these are gorgeous children," Clarkson noted that childbearing and raising young "doesn't have to define every woman."

Not that the possibility never presented itself. Clarkson talked about making deliberate choices around marriage and family, and explained her reasons.

"I had a window to have a child," the "Far from Heaven" actor said, citing a moment in her late 30s when she contemplated marriage to another actor. However, Clarkson added, what it all came down to was that "I loved working..."

Noting that she "grew up with great parents who sacrificed everything for me," she indicated how that early life experience shaped her view of parenting, saying, "you have to really be committed to having children. You have to be a great parent, and I was afraid I couldn't be."

Added the "House of Cards" star: "I'm fine failing as an actor. I didn't want to fail at being a parent."

As for what her own great parents had to say about her choices, Clarkson revealed that they were supportive: "My mother said, 'Patty, I just don't want you to wake up at 50 and be unhappy.'"

"I woke up at 50 in stilettos and a thong," the actor laughed. "I've had a great sexy-ass life."