Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, rose to immense fame after marrying into the British Royal family in 2018 and became a regular name in headlines. In the consequent year, Time named Meghan Markle and Prince Harry among the 25 Most Influential People on the Internet. Meghan gained notoriety as the first biracial member of the contemporary royal family, for her charitable work, and for her outspoken support for women’s rights and social justice.
Though Markle’s personal life received a lot of media attention as a result of her relationship with the royal family, only a few people delved into the professional acting career that she left upon her marriage. Meghan Markle started her acting career in 2001, with her first credited on-screen appearance as a nurse in the daytime soap opera General Hospital. Though her life took some fairytale turns, Markle’s acting career was a dream come true for her. Here are Meghan Markle’s 10 best movies and TV appearances that stay witness to her acting talent.
10. The Apostles (2008)
The Apostles is a crime drama focusing on the personal lives of cops, and how they are disturbed by the pressure of their professional lives. Meghan Markle played the role of Kelly Calhoun in the television movie released in 2008. Though the movie did not perform well or receive critical praise, The Apostle was one of Markle’s first movie appearances.
9. Fringe (2008-2013)
The science fiction television series Fringe follows a team of FBI agents who use fringe science along with traditional FBI investigative techniques to investigate odd and unexplained occurrences. It blends the elements of science fiction, horror, and procedural drama. Though Meghan Markle is not in a starring or recurring role in the series, she played the role of Junior Agent Amy Jessop, a law enforcement official with sincere intentions. She appeared in episodes 1 and 2 of the show’s second season. Despite having a short role, she did a remarkable job of making an impression through her brief appearance on film.
8. Random Encounters (2013)
Meghan Markle starred in a leading role in the 2013 romantic comedy Random Encounters as Mindy. She is the female trampy version of a “player” who parties every night and brings home one-night stands. Despite the film’s critical failure, which was largely attributable to the script, Markle is promising in the role of Mindy. Even though the movie’s romance focuses on Laura (Abby Wathen) and Kevin (Michael Rady), Markle excels in the character of Laura’s life-saver roommate, who supports Laura through every obstacle so that she can find her way back to Kevin.
7. Good Behavior (2008)
Good Behavior is a comedy-drama television film directed by Augustin Diaz Yanes that was released in 2008. The film focuses on a criminal family matriarch who decides to pave a new way for her clan’s future. Meghan Markle appears in the role of Sadie Valencia. Though the film is less-known and unpopular, it marked Markle’s third movie appearance.
6. Harry & Meghan (2022)
Although a documentary series, Harry & Meghan was the most-watched premiere for a Netflix show in 2022 in the United Kingdom. The series features Meghan Markle and Prince Harry while chronicling their relationship from their first dates through their decision to resign from their roles as working members of the British royal family. With a total of 81.6 million hours seen in its first four days of release, the Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan retains the record for the biggest documentary debut on Netflix. Harry & Meghan is the place to go for admirers who wish to see Markle after her exit from the entertainment industry!
5. When Sparks Fly (2014)
The made-for-television romantic comedy movie centers on Meghan Markle’s character Amy Peterson, a young big-city journalist who visits her hometown for a Fourth of July celebration and runs into her ex-boyfriend. When she finds out that he is engaged to her closest friend, their unresolved feelings for one another reemerge, and the plot thickens. Although Markle disrupts the wedding of her best friend and ex-boyfriend, her promising performance compels the audience to feel sorry for her. When Sparks Fly makes up for an entertaining watch to catch Markle in her early days.
4. Anti-Social (2015)
Anti-Social is a British crime drama film starring Gregg Sulkin and Meghan Markle in the lead roles. Dee and Marcus, two brothers, are portrayed in the movie as infamous London crooks who participate in high-profile heists. When gang rivalry intensifies, Dee, a talented street artist, is compelled to put his future in danger in order to assist his criminal brother Marcus. Meghan Markle appears as Dee’s girlfriend Kristen and helps him throughout the dangerous ordeal. Despite the film’s mixed reception, it is enjoyable as a fast-paced, thoughtless action movie.
3. Dater’s Handbook (2016)
Dater’s Handbook premiered in 2016 starring Meghan Markle in the lead role of Cass, a wealthy lady who has trouble finding love. Cass seeks advice from the self-help book “The Dater’s Handbook” to help her make better decisions regarding her romantic life. The romantic comedy addresses self-discovery, personal development, and love. Markle is enchanting and entertaining in the movie as she navigates between two potential suitors played by Kristoffer Polaha and Jonathan Scarfe. Prior to her engagement to Prince Harry in 2018 and eventual ascension to the British royal family, Dater’s Handbook was one of Meghan Markle’s famous acting roles.
2. The Candidate (2010)
The Candidate is a short mystery thriller film directed by David Karlak. The 20-minute short film centers on a shady businessman who accepts assistance from a covert organization and becomes entangled in forces beyond his control. Meghan Markle portrays Kat, a secretary. While she does not have a significant role, it still reflects her humble origins and is a must-watch to follow her rise. The movie cuts with precision and clarity like a sharp knife.
1. Suits (2011-2018)
Markle’s most well-known and critically acclaimed performance came in the legal television drama Suits. She played the part of Rachel Zane, a paralegal and later an associate at the fictional law firm Pearson Hardman, based in New York City, for seven seasons. Meghan Markle’s portrayal of Rachel Zane in Suits from 2011 to 2018 received generally positive reviews, and elevated her profile as a promising actress. Suits were also Markle’s last appearance in any movie or TV show before her marriage to Prince Harry.
