Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was just like any other aspiring actress in Hollywood—hustling for roles, taking auditions, and working her way up the ladder. If you’ve ever felt like your career was moving slowly, you’ll relate to her journey. She didn’t start with a silver spoon in Hollywood; she started with small, sometimes uncredited roles, proving herself step by step.
But then the miracle happened—Suits. That series not only made her a household name but cemented her as a serious actress. What most people do not know is that prior to Suits, she had some rather interesting TV roles. Some were blink-and-you-miss-it appearances, while others made an indelible mark. Let’s dive deep into her top five TV shows—the ones that built her career before she became royalty.
1. Suits (2011–2019)
If you haven’t watched Suits, you’ve likely heard of it. This TV drama wasn’t only about law firms and business law—it was about ambition, power, and razor-sharp repartee. Imagine it as a blend of The Good Wife and Billions, served with a dash of high-stakes romance.
Meghan played Rachel Zane, a paralegal who was intelligent, driven, and determined to make her mark. Initially, she was the “untouchable” girlfriend of Mike Ross, the main character of the series. However, soon enough, she became something more. She had her own aspirations, her own struggles, and her own flashes of genius in court. Meghan’s acting helped make Rachel one of the most popular characters on the show.
Suits wasn’t merely another legal drama; it was a cultural phenomenon. It provided us with iconic characters, fierce rivalries, and some of the greatest TV monologues in history. Even years later, when Meghan had long since departed the show, people still bring up Rachel Zane. And let’s be honest—her wedding to Mike Ross on the show? A little foreshadowing of what was to come in real life, don’t you think?
2. Fringe (2009)
J.J. Abrams is a master of creating thrilling sci-fi series, and Fringe was no different. It had all the ingredients—alternate universes, government conspiracies, and brain-twisting science experiments. If you loved The X-Files, this series was your cup of tea.
Meghan guest-starred as Junior FBI Agent Amy Jessup, and although she didn’t last long, she left her mark. Her character was intelligent, curious, and up for the strange world of Fringe science. Sadly, her plot was cut short, but in an alternate universe (catch my drift?), perhaps she lasted longer.
Not many people associate Meghan Markle with sci-fi, but this role showed she had range. She could have easily gone on to do more roles in the genre, but life had other plans. Still, if you’re a fan of her work and haven’t seen Fringe, it’s worth checking out.
3. Castle (2012)
Castle was one of those programs you could sit around watching on a lazy Sunday afternoon and become totally absorbed in. A bestselling mystery novelist cracking homicides with a straight-shooting NYPD detective? That’s TV gold.
Meghan guest-starred in Season 4, Episode 21 (Headhunters) as Charlotte Boyd, a woman embroiled in a murder trial. Was she innocent? Was she guilty? You’ll just have to watch the episode to see, but one thing’s certain—she played the character so convincingly that you couldn’t look away.
Although it was a single-episode gig, it showed that Meghan could carry suspense and drama well. Guest stars like this one don’t always receive a ton of praise, but they play a vital role in proving an actor can be versatile. And Castle fans will attest—every guest actor made a difference.
4. CSI: Miami (2010)
You recall CSI: Miami, don’t you? Sunglasses, over-the-top one-liners, and explosive crime scenes—literally. It was among the biggest procedural dramas of the 2000s, known for its action-packed storytelling.
Meghan played Officer Leah Montoya, a policewoman who finds herself in the middle of a raging explosion while participating in a raid. Her acting was intense—one second, she’s charging ahead, the next, she’s desperate to survive. It was heart-wrenching, gripping, and proof that no matter the size of the role, she always gave it her best.
CSI: Miami wasn’t just another crime show; it was a phenomenon. Meghan’s role may have been brief, but it showed she could handle high-stakes drama. If you’re looking for a nostalgic throwback, this is a great episode to revisit.
5. 90210 (2008)
If you were a high schooler in the late 2000s, there’s a good chance you watched 90210. It was the re-imagining of the classic 90s show, bringing all the drama, heartbreak, and high-school glitz to a new generation.
She played Wendy, a minor character, but hey—we all have to start somewhere, right? It was one of her earliest roles, and while it didn’t make waves, it was another stepping stone in her career.
We all have to begin somewhere, and for Meghan, 90210 was one of those initial jobs that provided her with experience. It’s entertaining to reflect on where it all started. And it’s a good reason to watch a classic teen drama again.
Final Thoughts: From Hollywood to Royalty
In retrospect, Meghan Markle’s television career was far from run-of-the-mill. She began with background appearances, toiled her way through, and then secured the career-defining role of Rachel Zane in Suits.
Her television career may have been put on hold after she became a member of the royal family, but her on-screen work remains. Whether you enjoy legal dramas, sci-fi thrillers, or old-school crime shows, there’s something in her body of work for everyone.
So, what’s your favorite Meghan Markle TV role? Have you seen all of these? Let’s talk in the comments!
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