Before Meghan Markle became a duchess, she was navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood, carving out a career that many aspiring actors could only dream of. From small movie cameos to starring in a hit TV series, Meghan’s acting portfolio was as diverse as it was intriguing.
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She played everything from a flirtatious FedEx worker to a determined paralegal, and even took on the world of Hallmark romances. Though Suits was her big break, her career spanned far beyond the corridors of Pearson Hardman. With her recent return to the screen with Netflix’s new project ‘With Love, Meghan,’ now is the perfect time to take a nostalgic trip through Meghan’s Hollywood journey—before the royal spotlight took over.
Meghan’s most famous role in Suits
Meghan Markle’s most recognised role was as Rachel Zane in Suits, a legal drama that became a global hit. Playing the intelligent and ambitious paralegal-turned-lawyer, Meghan starred in the series from 2011 to 2018. Rachel’s romance with Mike Ross (played by Patrick J. Adams) was a central plotline, captivating audiences for years.
As reported by OK! Magazine, Meghan earned approximately £37,000 per episode, which translated to around £333,000 per annum. The success of Suits meant Meghan continues earning royalties from its syndication even after her departure.
Her exit from the show was emotional but fitting for her character. In Suits Season 7, Rachel and Mike got married and moved to Seattle to start their own law firm, giving Rachel the perfect send-off.
Why did Meghan Markle leave Suits?
Meghan left the show to marry Prince Harry, stepping away from her acting career for royal duties. Speaking about her decision, she told the BBC:
I don't see it as giving anything up. I just see it as a change.
It's a new chapter, right? I’ve ticked this box, and I feel very proud of the work I've done there, and now it's time to work with [Harry] as a team.
Show creator Aaron Korsh revealed that he had anticipated Meghan’s departure when her relationship with Prince Harry became serious, reports Yahoo!. He told BBC Radio 4:
I knew from a year ago that this relationship was burgeoning…
What we decided to do was to say, ‘Look, I would rather have good things happen to Meghan in her life’ – which would likely mean her leaving the show.
Although Suits continued for two more seasons, Meghan did not return, even when her co-star Patrick J. Adams reprised his role for the final season. Now, with a Suits spin-off in the works, producers have confirmed that Meghan will not be involved in the new project.
Meghan Markle’s other TV and film appearances
While Suits was her breakthrough, Meghan appeared in various other TV shows and movies before marrying Prince Harry.
Her early career saw her making small appearances in popular TV shows. She had a brief but memorable role inGeneral Hospitalas Nurse Jill in 2002. She also appeared in CSI: NY, Castle, and Fringe, as per her IMDB profile.
Before landing Suits, Meghan was a briefcase model on Deal or No Deal from 2006 to 2007. Reflecting on this role, she once told Esquire:
I would end up standing up there forever in these terribly uncomfortable and inexpensive five-inch heels just waiting for someone to pick my number so I could go and sit down.
Meghan's first big movie
Meghan’s film career included a mix of big-budget movies and independent films. One of the first big movies she worked was romantic drama A Lot Like Love (2005), starring Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet. Meghan made a brief appearance as ‘Hot Girl on Plane.’ While her role was minor, it marked one of her early experiences in Hollywood before landing bigger gigs.
She had a minor role in the 2010 drama Remember Me, starring Robert Pattinson. Meghan had a brief role as a bartender named Megan in the 2010 film and reportedly she got £138,000 for it.
Meghan's more substantial roles
In 2011, she played a FedEx employee in Horrible Bosses, sharing a scene with Jason Sudeikis. Her character was a delivery worker named Jamie, who caught the attention of Jason Sudeikis' character, who attempted to flirt with her but failed miserably. Though her screen time was limited, it was one of her more high-profile film appearances.
In 2013, romantic comedy, Random Encounters, also saw Meghan in more substantial role. She played Mindy, the best friend of the protagonist, Laura. The film followed the ups and downs of love in a fast-paced world, giving Meghan the chance to showcase her comedic timing.
Other notable projects included The Candidate (2010), for which she reportedly earned £127,000, Deceit (2006), and Anti-Social (2015), where she played a model named Kirsten.
One of her Hallmark Channel leading roles was in When Sparks Fly (2014). Meghan starred as Amy Peterson, a journalist who returns to her small hometown to cover a Fourth of July festival, only to realize that her small hometown and the life she left behind were exactly what she had been missing all along. The film followed a typical Hallmark formula, with Meghan’s character rediscovering love and appreciating her roots.
She also appeared in Dater’s Handbook (2016), a Hallmark romantic comedy where she played Cassandra Barber, a woman struggling with love who turns to a dating guide for help. In The Boys & Girls Guide to Getting Down (2011), for which she earned £114,000, she played a young woman navigating Los Angeles nightlife.
She had a role in Dysfunctional Friends (2012), a comedy-drama about a group of estranged friends brought together after a friend's passing. Meghan even appeared in Get Him to the Greek (2010) alongside Russell Brand.
Her last film before stepping into royal life was the British crime thriller Anti-Social in 2015, in which she played the love interest of a criminal mastermind.
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Sources used:
OK! Magazine: Meghan Markle’s eye-watering salary for starring in Suits before meeting Prince Harry
The Express: Suits exit: How did Meghan Markle's Rachel Zane leave Suits?
The Express: Meghan Markle and the top 11 films you didn't know she's been in
IMDB: Meghan Markle Filmography
Yahoo! Entertainment: Meghan Markle’s ‘Suits’ Role: When She Left the Show and How She Rebranded After Marrying Prince Harry
OK! Magazine: Meghan Markle's forgotten acting roles - with co-stars Robert Pattinson and Ashton Kutcher
