Not a day goes by without a different story about Meghan Markle hitting the news circuit. Whether they're praising (or slamming) her outfit choices, calling her "difficult," or speculating on a possible feud with her in-laws, we can't seem to get enough of the Duchess of Sussex. But it wasn't always this way. Before she was a British royal, she was a Hollywood actress who kept a fairly low profile. She got her big break in her first credited role on General Hospital and made a name for herself as an activist since then.
Of course that all changed the day she became linked to Prince Harry. We've followed their every move — from the time they were rumored to be dating, to the engagement, and the wedding. And now we wait in anticipation as Harry and Meghan are expecting their first child. Every time Meghan makes a public appearance, all eyes are on her, and she's had some practice during her time as a successful Hollywood actress. From the television to movies, Meghan has made even the smallest parts memorable.
She even got noticed as a teen on Nickelodeon, advocating for women's rights, of course!
Clearly, the path was set for Meghan before she even realized it. Although she left acting behind for her new royal life, we've taken a look back at her most memorable acting roles. Meghan Markle has appeared on-screen many, many times in the past.
Here's a rundown of her 20 best television and movie moments!
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
'Nick News'
Once an advocate, always an advocate!
As a teen, Meghan appeared on Nick News where she protested a sexist TV commercial.
(Go ahead, Meg!)
'General Hospital'
Meghan's first TV role was on the hit soap opera General Hospital as a nurse named Jill. Her father, Thomas Markle, was the show's lighting director at the time.
Skip to the 2:00 minute mark to see the Duchess in some sweet scrubs.
'Deal or No Deal'
Meghan briefly appeared as a _Deal or No Deal "_briefcase girl" in 2006, and while the former actress has no regrets about the job, she did tell Esquire in an interview that, "I would put that in the category of things I was doing while I was auditioning to try to make ends meet."
We get it.
'A Lot Like Love'
Meghan had a quick cameo as the "hot girl" in this film, where she sat next to Ashton Kutcher's character on a flight. The role was quick, but she did get to flirt with Kal Penn in the process.
Not too shabby!
'CSI: NY'
In 2006, Meg had a sexy guest-starring role on this CSI: New York. She played Veronica Perez, a woman who cleaned for wealthy businessmen while wearing sexy lingerie.
She's certainly come a long way since then.
'90210'
'Without a Trace'
Meghan gave a dramatic performance in this show that followed the FBI's Missing Persons Unit. In her 2009 episode, she played a college student who ends up lying about her identity.
(Tsk, tsk, Meghan.)
'Fringe'
Meghan Markle appeared in two episodes of this hit show that starred Joshua Jackson — aka Pacey Witter from Dawson's Creek. She played a tough-as-nails junior FBI agent on Fringe in 2009, and it's actually really refreshing to see this fierce side of her.
'The League'
Meghan played a divorcee named … wait for it … Meghan on The League, a show that centers around a group of friends in a Fantasy Football league. She meets the main character (played by Mark Duplass) in a bar, and they have a pretty funny exchange.
'Remember Me'
Meghan played a bartender in this film in which Robert Pattinson starred. Her then-husband, Trevor Engelson, was a producer on the film.
'CSI: Miami'
Meghan had a small but memorable role in CSI: Miami in 2010. She played Officer Leah Montoya who runs into a burning building when she discovers a child is trapped inside. She gets trapped and has to be carried out by David Caruso's character.
'Horrible Bosses'
In this 2011 film, Meghan played a cute "FedEx girl" that definitely brought some comedy. Not a huge role, but hey, at least she got to share the screen with Jason Sudekis.
'Dysfunctional Friends'
In this film about longtime friends who reunite after another one of their friends passes away, Meghan played a photographer and got to share the screen with stars like Tatyana Ali, Meagan Good, Stacey Dash, and Stacy Keibler.
'Castle'
Meghan tried her hand at playing a serial killer on an episode of Castle in 2012. While this was a departure from the roles we normally saw her play, Meghan absolutely killed it in this role.
… no pun intended.
'Random Encounters'
Meghan had a supporting role in this romantic comedy that captures the Los Angeles dating scene from a male and female perspective.
Definitely sounds interesting.
'Anti-Social'
This movie had a bit of foreshadowing as it was set in London, the city which would be her permanent home just a few years later. Meghan played Kirsten, a gal who gets caught up in her boyfriend and his brother's criminal activities.
'When Sparks Fly'
Another Hallmark story!
Before landing Suits, Meghan was the queen of the made-for-TV movie, playing a journalist who's sent back to her hometown to cover a story. While there, she realizes that the life she left behind is exactly what she needs now.
'Dater's Handbook'
In this Hallmark movie, Meghan plays a successful businesswoman who's not so successful in her love life. Hoping to find the right guy, she decides to follow The Dater's Handbook, which was written by a relationship expert.
'Suits'
Meghan played Rachel Zane on Suits from 2011 to 2018. This was her most prominent role to date, and she absolutely nailed it as a whip-smart paralegal-turned-lawyer. Though she left the show in January 2018, we can still catch her in episodes, thanks to reruns.
'Chopped Jr.'
Meghan was quite the lifestyle maven before becoming a royal. She appeared on an episode of Chopped Jr. right around the same time she met Prince Harry.
Meg was as sweet and charming as ever saying, "Growing up, my fondest memories, at least for me, were in the kitchen."
