Meghan Markle’s 30 TV shows and films
Before her royal engagement, the Duchess of Sussex had a busy career on the big and small screen dating back to 2002
Before the days of royal engagements and trips with the Queen, Meghan Markle had paved her way as an actress in California, starring in TV shows and films dating back to 2002.
When she and Prince Harry announced their engagement, however, Markle confirmed that her acting career would come to an end, as per royal protocol.
From Suits to Deal or No Deal, here’s a list of all the TV shows and movies that Markle has performed in:
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Suits (2011-18)
Markle’s most famous role, and her last before getting hitched, was that of paralegal Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits, which has run for eight seasons on the USA Network.
Dater’s Handbook (2016)
“After reading a book about dating and changing her personality to find a lover, a woman realises the man she wants is right in front of her,” says the promotion material for this made-for-TV movie starring Markle as Cass in the lead role. Elite Daily describes it as a “cookie-cutter romantic comedy” and claims it echoes the real-life romance of Markle and Prince Harry.
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Anti-Social (2015)
Markle again took the lead role in this British crime drama filmed almost entirely in Hungary, The Daily Telegraph reports, adding that the filmmakers capitalised on rumours that Markle was dating Prince Harry by re-editing the film to give her a bigger role.
When Sparks Fly (2014)
Starring Markle and Christopher Jacot, When Sparks Fly was another made-for-TV romantic comedy about disillusioned journalist Amy, who returns to her home town to cover a story about Independence Day celebrations when she bumps into an old flame. “Fireworks ensue,” says the Telegraph.
Random Encounters (2013)
Low-budget romantic comedy Random Encounters caused something of a stir among tabloids such as the Daily Mirror, which was apparently shocked by “a scene showing Meghan slipping into silky lingerie and seducing a male co-star while in character as bed-hopping party girl, Mindy”.
Castle (2012)
In 2012, Markle appeared in a one-off, fairy-tale-themed episode of crime series Castle, playing Snow White.
Dysfunctional Friends (2012)
In Dysfunctional Friends, about a group of friends trying to reconnect after one of them dies, Markle plays the role of a photographer who works with a male model. “Meghan’s part in the film is pretty small, and she’s not part of said group,” notes People magazine.
Horrible Bosses (2011)
Markle landed a small role in Hollywood blockbuster Horrible Bosses in 2011, appearing as a FedEx employee whom Jason Sudeikis’s character cannot believe is a delivery driver due to her looks, insisting instead that she must be “an actress or model or something”.
The Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down (2011)
TV adaptation The Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down was based on the critically acclaimed 2006 movie of the same name, says The Sun, which describes Markle’s character as a “bed-hopping, drug-snorting party-girl”.
The Candidate (2010)
Markle stars in this “spooky short film” where a businessman “becomes part of a scheme by a creepy organization”, Bustle reports. The full film is available to watch for free on YouTube.
Get Him to the Greek (2010)
The Duchess had a small, uncredited role as Tatiana in the Russell Brand and Jonah Hill comedy Get Him to the Greek. In her brief appearance, she shares a kiss with Brand’s character, Aldous Snow, during a party.
CSI: Miami (2010)
On a season eight episode of CSI: Miami, Markle plays Officer Leah Montoya, who enters a burning house to rescue Detective Calleigh Duquesne (Emily Procter), only to get stuck on her way out. She is eventually saved by Lieutenant Horatio Caine, played by David Caruso.
Remember Me (2010)
A film that came under heavy criticism for exploiting the 9/11 attacks in its storyline, Remember Me starred Robert Pattinson and Emilie de Ravin - as well as a brief appearance from Markle, who plays a bartender. Her first husband, Trevor Engelson, produced the movie.
The League (2009)
Markle had a small role alongside comedians Nick Kroll and Mark Duplass on The League, a sitcom about a group of friends trying to balance their fantasy football league with adult life. Her character’s name was also Meghan.
Fringe (2009)
Markle played an FBI agent called Amy Jessup who investigates a car crash involving one of the main characters of this sci-fi drama series. Her character appeared in two episodes.
Without a Trace (2009)
“Long before Suits, Markle was getting well acquainted with the procedural drama,” Bustle says, referring to her one-episode role as Holly Shepard in missing persons drama Without A Trace.
Knight Rider (2009)
In 2009 NBC failed to successfully reboot the iconic 1982 David Hasselhoff series Knight Rider, but the lone season did bring the world Markle’s brief appearance as Annie Ortiz, a cage fighter.
Good Behavior (2008)
In 2008, Markle appeared in TV movie Good Behavior, a crime drama that also starred Mae Whitman, Catherine O’Hara, Jeffrey Tambor and her future Suits co-star, Patrick J. Adams. She played a character named Sadie Valencia.
The Apostles (2008)
In the same year, she had a role as Sophie Calhoun in The Apostles, starring alongside Leslie Hope (Jack Bauer’s wife on 24) in this made-for-TV police drama.
‘Til Death (2008)
Markle played a car salesperson on the Fox sitcom ‘Til Death, appearing alongside Brad Garrett in an episode of the four-season show.
Beverly Hills 90210 (2008)
Markle appeared in the first two episodes of this reboot of Beverly Hills 90210, with the Telegraph noting that her role has “delighted tabloids since it was uncovered” because “it features her character Wendy performing a sex act on a fellow high schooler”.
Deal or No Deal (2006-07)
Markle worked as a briefcase model on several episodes of the US version of the iconic game show.
CSI: NY (2006)
Years before her appearance in CSI: Miami, the Duchess appeared in its New York City-based counterpart playing a maid named Veronica Perez, whose USP was that she worked in her underwear.
Deceit (2006)
Deceit was another film that went straight to television, although it did hit cinemas in Hungary. The film is about a man who has an affair with his best friend’s wife after returning to his hometown following his father’s death.
The War at Home (2006)
Markle appeared in one episode of The War At Home, a sitcom about two parents struggling to get their teenage children to behave. Markle played a character named Susan during the first season.
Love Inc. (2005)
Markle made a brief appearance Love, Inc., a sitcom about a full-time dating consultant that aired in 2005. Her character's name was Teresa Santos, a New York City subway worker who fought off co-workers and customers.
A Lot Like Love (2005)
Credited merely as “hot girl”, Markle played a one-scene role in the 2005 romantic comedy A Lot Like Love starring Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet.
Cuts (2004)
In 2005, Markle appeared on an episode of Cuts, a spin-off of One to One about a hair salon, which aired for two seasons.
Century City (2004)
Markle appeared in Century City, another in a long line of legal dramas, but this one had a twist: it was set in the year 2030. Markle played Natasha in one scene of one episode, alongside Oscar-winner Viola Davis.
General Hospital (2002)
Markle’s first televised acting role came in 2002 in medical drama General Hospital, the second longest-running drama in television in American history. In the show, she plays a receptionist with one line. Her father, Thomas Markle, had also worked as lighting director on the series.